Do you use rain barrels and are they worth it?

[Tussiemussies]

Wondering about rain barrels. What can I use that doesn't cost a lot of money and what should I look for? Does having the spigot on the bottom make them work properly?

Do you use yours for more than watering your garden and flowers? Just wondering about all the aspects of it, since there is so much drought, thought it might be good to really know about...thanks!

[bae]

Our local water system often makes suitable containers available for free, or for cost, it might be worth asking around in your area.

[nswef]

We use 30 gal rubbermaid garbage cans- no spigot, just screen on the top, a hole in the lid for the flexible spout and I dip the watering can in the garbage can to water the garden. We just bought one with a spigot to use for drip- soaking but haven't hooked it up yet, so don't know if it will work any better than the garbage can system. We've used them for about 5 or 6 years and have had to replace the cans every other year..they seep.

[Rosemary]

I went to a workshop and made our rain barrel. If you can find a source for the food-grade plastic barrels, it's fairly inexpensive even with a spigot for the hose. I use ours for landscape plants, but most of our landscape plants are drought-tolerant. Still, it has come in handy, especially when we've planted new trees. If your roof isn't asphalt, it might be safe to use the water on food-producing plants.

[razz]

We have three that DH joined together and attached to a downspout which has been wonderful and another for collecting the water from the sump hole.

[fidgiegirl]

We got ours on sale for about 45 dollars each. We have two, and one is hooked up. (We have to figure out how to disconnect/deal with the downspouts on the other spot we want to put the second one). They are nice with screens on top and and overflow valve. I am somewhat disappointed with the spigot as the hose pops off sometimes and then we lose the water.

It is INCREDIBLE how much water you can get. If you are serious about capturing, calculate the true size you need. A moderately heavy rainfall off one half of our one-car garage can fill up the 55 gal barrel! Of course, the bigger you go, the more it's gonna cost! Boo!

Another alternative would be to install a rain garden if the space around your house is right for it. You could direct your water to the plants there.

In cold climates rain barrels cannot be left connected or full of water in winter. They can break.

Let us know what you decide . . .

[Tussiemussies]

Hi Razz, how do you use your water you've collected an how do you get it out of the barrel? Also do you have an asphalt roof as the other poster mentioned?

Thanks Razz...