Rain Barrel Update

We put out our rain barrels May 6.  We decided to not worry about the last freeze day being May 15.  Hopefully that is ok.  I'm hoping that since water retains heat somewhat, it will make it through a frost, should we get one.  If it doesn't, you'll hear all about it....

Last year's rain barrels coming out of the garden shed.

Belovedest also got another rain barrel to put next to the shed which is actually near the garden

This drain looks like it will go right into the barrel, but when we poured water into the gutter, it arced out and landed in the center of the lid..

We had to shorten the gutter.  Happily, my dremel came to the rescue.  We've ended up using it much more for cutting than crafting, but I'm going to work on that.

Then we tested it:

The barrels have been full!  Pretty much as soon as we put them out, it started raining regularly.  You're welcome!

TIPS:

• Elevate your rain barrels!  You'll get more gravity power to move the water where you want it.
• Water your houseplants and garden seedlings with rainwater.  Water softener water will kill them.  We discovered, fortunately, that our outdoor faucet water doesn't go through the water softener so we use that when we don't have rain water.
• Decorate your rain barrels before they are full of water.  Yup.  I forgot again!.
• Before buying one, check your local agencies like the extension service and city offices.  The rain barrel class that we took was sponsored by the city watershed management office, and was cheaper than buying a similar barrel.  My sister lives in a city where they are free.