Collect that rain water

It’s a great idea to put out as many buckets, old pans, or anything that holds water when rain is forecast.  You can save it in a cool place for watering those early-season vegetables and flowers as soon as the dust starts blowing again.  Collecting rain water from roof-top runoff is also a good idea, as long as it’s legal in your state.  Check with the state officials to clarify yes or no.   I know several homeowners who have designed a system to collect their runoff water, which includes several large barrels where it’s stored for future use.