• Fiskars Rain Barrel Rainwater Harvesting System is an easy way to collect, store and reuse rainwater from your roof. A diverter channels water from the downspout to the barrel. When your barrel is full, the diverter will automatically channel the water back through your downspout, and it will then drain away from the wall of your home. $150. (www2.fiskars.com)

• The Nokero N200 solar light is a fascinating piece of technology. Made of tough polycarbonate and shaped to look like a light bulb, it operates with one polycrystalline solar cell. It comes with a wire for hanging and a chrome-plated swivel. The battery charges in sunlight and runs four LED bulbs that cast light through a frosted globe that is bright enough for reading for up to six hours. Nokero is donating these solar lights to nations where electric lighting is not available to much of the population. They are a must-have in emergency kits. The battery lasts for two to three years and can be replaced. Individual lights are available for $20 from the company’s Web site. Call 1-800-991-1950. (www.nokero.com)

• SimplySalad, prepackaged mixes of salad green seeds, is a clever bit of packaging from PanAmerican Seed. Each packet has 10 pelletized clusters of seeds for a mix of salad greens. I tried the Alfresco mixture, consisting of red and green leaf lettuces with arugula, endive and radicchio. Available at 10 pellets per packet at about $3.10 for each packet. Call 630-231-1400. (http://panamseed.com)

• BugBand insect repellent is the type of product that we will probably be seeing more of as insect populations increase. It is well worth using a product to repel these vectors of diseases, including West Nile virus, borne by mosquitoes, and Lyme disease, which is carried by deer ticks. BugBand is designed to repel these insects and flies, gnats and no-see-ums. The active ingredient is geraniol, a derivative of geranium oil that is a potent bug killer. Product prices range from $1 to $10. Call 800-473-9467. (http://bugband.net)

• Terro Mosquito Repellent has been re-formulated as a safe product to spread in the garden for use around people and pets. It repels mosquitoes for up to 21 days, depending on the weather. With excess rain, it might need to be applied more often. $14.99. Call 1-800-837-7644. (http://terro.com.)

• Preen Weed Preventer Organic Vegetable Garden uses a natural product derived from corn that will inhibit weed seeds from germinating and inundating your vegetable and flower garden. $15.99. Call 1-800-233-1067. (http://preen.com)

• Animal Stopper by Messina Wildlife has been effective at discouraging animals from eating our garden for up to a month, even in rain. It repels rabbits, groundhogs, skunks and most common garden pests. Exudes a pleasant aroma. $19.99. Call 888-411-3337. (www.messina wildlife.com)