Last Friday, when Georgia announced a ban on outside watering of gardens and lawns for the northern half of the state, a collective sigh was heard from gardeners, nurseries and plant lovers. But gardeners are an optimistic group and ideas began to circulate quickly about ways to collect water from other sources that can be used to keep your plants alive.

There are lots of untapped sources for water right in your own home or backyard.

Gray water, collected from baths, rinsing foods, washers and dishwashing is a great way to recycle and keep your plants watered too. Even if it has dilute amounts of soap, gray water will not harm your plants, but you don't want to use any water that has other cleaning fluids or chemicals in it.

My husband is not a gardener but he knows how much our garden means to me, so he showers with a bucket that catches a lot of water before it goes down the drain. I then transfer this to watering cans and buckets outside and water my containers, shrubs and trees. While lawns can recover after they dry out and become dormant, trees and shrubs will not recover if the roots wither and die.

When you do water trees and shrubs, move mulch aside so that the maximum amount of water reaches the roots of the plant. Apply the water slowly and let it soak in. Water thoroughly once or twice a week rather than watering a little every day. Move the mulch back in place after you water.

Setting your lawnmower at a slightly higher setting will keep your grass from getting stressed and reduce the amount of water it needs.

As for other sources of water, I talked to one homeowner who said he collects about 2 gallons per day from his dehumidifier. When your air-conditioning is running it produces lots of excess water that can be captured in buckets or other containers and used as needed in the garden. Rain barrels are another way to collect water (when it does rain). You can make your own, order one online or locally (see accompanying resource list). They feature a closed system that attaches to your downspout and are fitted with a spigot and an overflow tube.

Gardeners know that fall is traditionally a great time to plant in the South. While it may be a bit challenging this year, don't let the drought stop you from adding to your landscape.

If you do decide to plant trees consider using ooze tubes or gator bags to keep them irrigated. Ooze tubes (heavy duty plastic bags that form a ring around the base of the tree) hold 25 gallons of water and disperse water through emitters. The number of emitters you use will determine how long the water lasts. The advantage of these tubes is that you can keep them filled and you don't have to worry about watering every day or week. Tree gators, another option, (heavy duty plastic bags) hold 10 or 20 gallons and emit water through a series of holes that are punched out.

If you are looking for sources for trees don't forget the Trees Atlanta Tree Sale on Oct. 13, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Piedmont Park (Monroe Drive entrance, across from Magnolia Hall). Information: 404-522-4097, www.treesatlanta.org.

Containers are a great way to add color to your fall and winter garden. I plan to plant my violas soon and will water with recycled water. Some people swear by "water grabbers" as a way to help cut down on how much you have to water containers. Follow the directions and remember more is not necessarily better.

Now more than ever we need to garden not only for our spirits but for the good of the planet.

SOURCES FOR RAIN BARRELS

Prices vary, but average around $135.

Local

• Brookhaven Rain Barrels, 404-364-0440, www.rainbarrels.org

• Habersham Gardens, 2067 Manchester St. N.E., Atlanta, 404-873-2484, habershamgardens.com

• Noah's Rain Barrel, 404-210-7061, noahsrainbarrel.com

Mail order

• Gardener's Supply Company, 1-888-833-1412, www.gardeners.com

Erica Glasener is an Atlanta horticulturist and host of HGTV's "A Gardener's Diary," airing at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday on HGTV. Her column on landscape design appears biweekly. Write to her in care of AJC, P.O. Box 4689, Atlanta, GA 30302. Or go to ericaglasener.com.