This DIY Rain Barrel is the perfect budget friendly option for any gardener looking to secure a water source for their garden.
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We had a terrible drought one year and it caused our garden failed miserably.
If I had been a little more prepared, I would have been able to save our garden.
It was time to set up a backup plan to water the garden for when Mother Nature is being less than helpful.
Then I came across this DIY rain barrel.
This rain barrel is so easy to set up.
Because the rain barrel it isn’t directly connected to the gutter, set up is a breeze.
We were already missing the gutter downspout, so I made this barrel with no need for it to connect to the gutter. Why spend extra money when you don’t need to?
What you need:
- Garbage Can
- Spigot
- 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 and then cut the outline with the razor.
- Attach the spigot to the opening.
- 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 new rain barrel.
Until next time –
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