Cisterns collect rain for your garden.
Cisterns are basically just very large rain barrels. They can be above or below ground, and provide a free, plentiful source of water for your gardens. They can also solve drainage problems if your downspouts create marshy areas in your yard. Simply direct the downspout into the cistern instead. While cisterns can be very high-tech and expensive, high-tech features aren't necessary. You can build an inexpensive cistern in your backyard with just a few supplies from the hardware store. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Choose an area for your cistern "downstream" from one of your home's downspouts. Track the water flow and pick an area that the water flows to naturally.
2. Dig a circular hole about 3 feet wide and 4 feet deep with a large shovel. Work slowly and tamp the shovel against the walls of the hole to keep them stable and solid.
3. Add about 6 inches each of small gravel and sand to the bottom of the cistern. This keeps holes from wearing in the bottom of the cistern and allows for drainage if holes do develop.
4. Curl a piece of mesh fencing into a 3-foot diameter cylinder and snip away the excess fencing with bull cutters. Press the edges of the fencing together and secure them with zip ties. Nip away the tails of all of the zip ties.
5. Slide the cylinder down into the cistern hole, pushing the bottom edge into the sand and gravel.
6. Line the hole with clean plastic pool liner. Push the liner all the way to the bottom of the hole, pressing it into the edges around the bottom. Tuck the top edges of the liner down behind the wire fencing.
7. Punch a bull's eye of holes into a new, clean plastic trashcan lid with an awl. Push the lid firmly over the cistern. The holes allow water to drain into the cistern, but prevent animals, insects and children from falling into it.
Tags: into cistern, bottom cistern, clean plastic