If you are finding it difficult to keep your house plants thriving this summer then there are a few issues that could be plaguing your plants. One of the most common problems with keeping plants happy and healthy is watering.

Not only do you need to water the correct amount, at the right times but you also need to make sure they are receiving the right kind of water. In British cities, weather quality can sometimes be too hard to keep house plants happy. 'Hard water' is tap water that may contain chemicals such as fluoride, which, over time, can build up in the soil and have negative effects on your plant's health.

Many plants prefer 'soft' water - but how can you get it?

The answer is simple - rainwater is soft water, and is likely to be better overall for your houseplants.

Gardening and plants expert Harry Bodell at PriceYourJob.co.uk, has shared the ebay ways to collect rainwater, and how to use it to help your houseplants grow even better.

The easiest way to collect rainwater is with containers in the garden. Harry said: "Naturally, how much rain you manage to gather through this method will likely depend on the time of year and the expected rainfall for that season.

"Use only clean containers that are completely free of chemical or oily residues. If you want to be extra careful, select plastics that are considered 'food safe', which means they won't easily leech any residues or chemicals into the water."

Once you have collected enough water it's a good idea to collect it in a larger container. This will make it easier to dip a watering can in, and the lid will keep the water clean and fresh.

Once you start using rainwater to water your plants, you should notice a difference soon enough.

Harry said: "Monitor your plants over time, paying special attention to their growth and colour and the conditions of the soil that they are in.

"Within a matter of weeks, you should start seeing improvements to their health and appearance as the benefits of clean rainwater start taking effect."