This easy to make DIY Rain Barrel is the perfect budget friendly option for any gardener looking to secure a reliable water source for their garden.
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We had a terrible drought one year and it caused our garden to fail horribly.
If I had been a little more prepared, I would have been able to save our garden.
I set out to find a solution, and I can across this DIY rain barrel.
Having a backup plan to water the garden when Mother Nature is being less than cooperative will help prevent your garden from becoming a crispy, wilty death zone like mine did.
How to Make a DIY Rain Barrel
What you need:
- Garbage Can
- Spigot
- Silicone Caulk
- Insect Screen: this will prevent any bugs (like mosquitoes) from making a home in your water.
- Platform: to put the rain barrel on
- Razor
- Gorilla Glue
- Chalk Marker
Here’s what you do:
- Line up the spigot a couple inches from the bottom of the garbage can. Trace the spigot with the marker, then cut the outline with the razor.
- Screw the spigot into the opening. Use silicone caulk around the connection to prevent leaking.
- Cut an opening in the lid of the garbage can that is wide enough for a water stream to flow through.
- Cut the screen to the size of your opening plus an extra 2-3 inches around the edge.
- On the inside of the lid, place a generous amount of glue around the opening and place the screen. Allow the glue to dry completely.
- Place the platform under the gutter opening. You can use bricks, a milk crate, whatever you have on hand.
- Place your brand-new rain barrel on the platform, attach the lid, and you’re done!
Enjoy your DIY Rain Barrel!
I hope your water barrel brings your garden (and you) plenty of relief this summer. Do you have frequent droughts or water problems in your area? Tell me in the comments!
Share your garden with me!
I love seeing what everyone is growing! Tag me in your posts with @thehomesteadmother so I can see what you are growing this season.
Happy gardening! Until next time –
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