Rain Barrel Helps My Plants Grow Bigger And My Water Bill Grow Smaller

My rain barrel  investment has done wonders for my plants and my water bill.  And besides, conserving water just makes me feel good.   One small action I can take to help the environment, help my budget, and help my flowers!  

Saving Water Is So Easy

Last year, with some assistance from my wonderful neighbor, we shortened a downspout so water would drain directly from my flat garage roof into the top of the plastic barrel.  (My rain barrel is very similar to the 75-gallon green Deluxe Barrel shown here.) 

Not having any idea how much rain it would take to fill it, I thought we would need at least a couple of good downpours before getting the full benefit.  Not so!  After the first 1/2 inch shower, my new rain barrel was filled to the rim! 

And the weather cycle throughout the summer couldn’t have been more perfect.  At least 90% of the time I was able to water all of the pots and planters in the back yard from the barrel.  Just when it was almost empty, we would get a little rain to fill it up again!  I’m hoping for the same pattern this summer.  So far, so good!

Never Too Late To Conserve Water

There is still plenty of time to collect rain water for those dry summer days ahead.  Just a brief shower can provide the water your plants will need for days.   And what a great gardening gift for the conservation-minded gardener!  When selecting from a variety of rain barrels, you may want to consider these options so the one you choose will be the right fit for the space and the needs of the garden:

• shape and design
• water capacity
• color
• hose and spout features

Rainwater Urn

English Rain Barrel

For example, the 45-gallon English Rain Barrel  supports a smaller garden space and the removable lid allows access for dipping a watering can.  To save space, the 50-gallon Flat Back Rain Barrel fits snugly against a wall, and the 45- or 65-gallon Rainwater Urns offer  more stylish rain collection options.  (All models have a screen guard to filter debris.)

These functional rain barrels are great for the garden and get our green thumbs up!