Living in Arizona means thinking outside the box when it comes to saving water. With so little rainfall, especially outside of monsoon season, every drop matters.
That’s why smart water harvesting is a must for desert gardeners. Traditional rain barrels can be pricey or bulky, but there are easier options. Try repurposing large storage bins, using gravel trenches, or installing gutter diverters.
These low-cost methods still collect plenty of water for your plants. With a few tweaks, you can turn rare rain into a reliable resource. It’s a simple way to support your garden, reduce waste, and make the most of Arizona’s unpredictable weather.
1. Rain Chains And Gutter Diverters
Rain chains replace standard downspouts with decorative links that guide water to the ground. Water dances down these copper or aluminum chains, creating a pleasant tinkling sound during storms.
In Arizona’s harsh climate, they offer both function and beauty. I installed one last summer, connecting it to a small rock basin that directs water toward my drought-resistant plants.
Gutter diverters work similarly but attach to existing downspouts, allowing you to channel water exactly where needed without extensive modifications to your home’s drainage system.
2. Landscape Swales And Berms
Reshaping your yard with shallow ditches (swales) and raised areas (berms) naturally directs rainwater to your plants. This ancient technique works especially well in Arizona’s sloped landscapes.
My neighbor created a simple swale system that reduced her water bill by 30% during summer months. The key is designing gentle slopes that slow water’s movement, giving it time to soak into the ground rather than running off.
Start small with a single swale near your most valuable plants, then expand the system as you see results.
3. Mulch Basins Around Plants
Creating shallow depressions filled with organic mulch around your plants acts like mini-reservoirs during rainfall. The mulch prevents evaporation while slowly releasing moisture to plant roots.
When I first tried this method with my prickly pear garden, I was amazed how long the soil stayed damp after our brief summer storms. Arizona’s intense sun typically dries exposed soil within hours.
Use wood chips, straw, or gravel depending on your aesthetic preference and plant needs – just ensure the basin is wide enough to catch water dripping from the plant’s outer edges.
4. Ollas and Underground Clay Pots
Ollas are unglazed clay pots buried in the soil with only their necks exposed. Fill them with water, and they slowly release moisture directly to plant roots through the porous clay walls.
This ancient irrigation technique originated in desert regions similar to Arizona. I buried three small ollas among my herb garden last spring, and the difference in plant health was remarkable compared to my previous hand-watering routine.
During rainstorms, the ollas naturally refill if positioned correctly, creating an automatic rainwater harvesting system that works without any complicated equipment.
5. Rain Gardens With Native Plants
A rain garden is a shallow depression planted with drought-tolerant native species positioned to receive runoff from your roof or driveway. Unlike regular gardens, rain gardens are designed to temporarily hold water after storms.
Arizona natives like desert marigold and penstemon thrive in these conditions. The soil mixture in a proper rain garden filters pollutants while allowing water to percolate slowly into the ground.
My small front yard rain garden captures what would be wasted runoff from my driveway, turning a problem area into the most flourishing part of my landscape without supplemental irrigation.