CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A rain barrel captures the water that falls on your roof. Once the water is in the rain barrel, it can be used whenever you want to water your plants and vegetables.

There are a number of do-it-yourself rain barrel kits that you can purchase at a home improvement stores.

There are some things you should keep in mind when building a barrel. The first thing is to put a screen, which prevents mosquitoes from entering the water. A drain cover is also good because it keeps any leaves from entering or tainting your water.

Safety is also a concern when it comes to rain barrels. When a 55-gallon barrel fills up, it can weigh around 400 pounds. It's a good idea to put in on a sturdy surface so it doesn't fall over.

Always keep the lid securely attached to the barrel to prevent access by children.

It costs around $50 to make your own rain barrel. There are rain barrels that you can buy already assembled. They sell between $80 and $150.

The next rain barrel sale with Charlotte-Mecklenburg is Sept. 13. The deadline to order a rain barrel is Sept. 1.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Gaston County also has a rain barrel sale. Call 704-922-2112.