How To Find The Perfect Rain Barrel

Rain barrels: your plants need water to survive. Without an adequate supply of water, they will die and all of your hard work will just be put to waste.

One of the challenges when it comes to gardening is the heat of the summer season. Did you know that up to 40 percent of the water consumption of families goes to the garden alone? 

You can prevent this problem by rainwater harvesting with rainwater barrels.

Collecting rainwater is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to make a positive economical and ecological impact.  It can also help stretch your resources while still keeping the garden lush and beautiful, even during droughts.

It is simple, and cost effective and it costs very little to get going.

You might also like: Make Your Own Cheap Rain Barrels

What Is A Rain Barrel?

A rain barrel is a container that captures and stores rain water.

These containers can usually hold 50 to 80 gallons of water and have a spigot for filling watering cans.  They can also have a connection for a soaker hose.

How To Get Started

Are you looking for a rain barrel but don’t know where to start?

There are a lot of designs available on the market today. But if you are looking for tried and tested products that are also friendly on the wallet, here are some of the best rain barrels to use:

Plastic Rain Barrels

Enviro Rain Barrel

Explore the advantages of using plastic rain barrels compared to other materials.

• Large 55 gal. Capacity. Modern sleek flat back design
• No cheap imitation that looks worn out after one season. Mosquito proof stainless Steel mesh screen
• Sleek flat back Square design fits naturally in any location around the home. Overflow hose and hose clamp
• High quality injection molded easy to keep clean and look new Year after Year.
• Comes complete with all brass standard size spigot, Extension hose, powder coated Steel screen and child locking screws, no base required.

Blue Recycled Rain Barrel

• Resistant to rust, mold, mildew, and rotting
• Brass spigot for hose hook-up or dual overflow
• Screen to keep out debris and insects
• Two optional locations for spigot placement, Change them anytime you want
• Child and pet safe
• Resistant to rust, mold, mildew, and rotting – BPA Free
• Brass spigot for hose hook-up or dual overflow

55 Gallon Water Barrel

• New Blue Closed Top FDA Food Grade Water Barrels :
• Pressure Checked Leak Tested excellent condition. High-Density Polyethylene Plastic Can be used for all types of liquids
• Great for a fresh water barrel use as a Rain Barrel. UN-DOT Certified All New Water Barrels are available in 15 gal, 30 gal, and 55 gal sizes.
• Dimensions: 23″ X 23″ X 35″
• Weight:22Lb

50-Gallon Rain Water Collection Barrel

• Authentic oak barrel texture is molded into each barrel; Will not fade, rot or risk insect infestation
• Flat back to sit flush against a wall; Linkable to other barrels to increase water collection. Rain Barell is 33.5” tall x 24” wide x 18.25” deep
• Save water and money by capturing rainwater to use for your lawn and garden; Optional stand to make filling watering cans easier (sold separately)
• Aluminum screen keeps out debris and insects; Designed to be child and pet safe with no large openings
• Brass Spigot shut off valve for hose hook-u

Wood Grain Rain Barrel

• With the appearance of a traditional wooden barrel the slim-line design of the wood grain rain barrel makes it perfect for locations where a larger barrel would be intrusive.
• The shallow depth and flat back allow for easy installation and placement under the downspout.
• The aluminum mesh screen keeps out debris and mosquitoes to keep the water clear and keep your family safe from insect borne illnesses while the safety rib IN the top of the barrel keeps it child and pet safe.
• Spigots on the side of the barrel allow you to connect multiple rain barrels IN-Series for easy expansion of your rain water storage capacity. Linking kit is included.

50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel

• Eco-friendly product: Saving the water, saving the Earth. A sustainable solution to reuse the rainwater in your garden watering or etc. At the same time save your water bill! Based on calculation, this rain barrel can save your water bill up to 40% per year!
• Our rain barrel is made from PVC frame and anti-corrosion PVC mesh fabric. It is designed for long-term usage even in the cold winter time. Unlike traditional barrels, this barrel is crack-free and more durable.
• Prevents Leakeage: Two rubber rings come with each spigot and water outflow valve. Install one ruber ring inside, the other one outside of the barrel can efficiently prevent leakage. Top mesh design keeps leaves, insects away from your clear water.
• The foldable design allow you to carry it easily and store it in your garage or utility room with minimized space. Whenever you need it again, it is always reusable in simple assembly.
• Capacity available in 50 Gallon, 66 Gallon, and 100 Gallon. Simply place it under a downspout and let water run through the mesh top. Outflow valve included for water outflowing or connecting to another VINGLI rain barrel.

80 Gallon Rainwater Collapsible Tank

• Save water and money by collecting up to 80 gallons of fresh runoff rainwater from your downspout and store it for later use in your garden with our rainwater collection barrel.
• Made from durable PVC, this rainwater harvesting tank can stand up to the elements for long-lasting use.
• The whole frame is supported by 6 poles making the rain collection barrel more stable. This practical design includes an enclosed barrel with a zipper to keep out debris and insects, while the front overflow protects your house by keeping the water from flooding against your outside wall.
• The turn-down spigot works with standard 0.6” diameter hoses, just connect the rainwater barrel to the hose and turn the switch.
• Effortlessly collapse and store the compact water catchment system for easy storage in your garage or shed when not in use.

Perfect Turn Collapsible Barrel

• Perfect turn collapsible barrel
• Great for practicing barrel racing
• Easy set-up with stakes to keep barrels in place

50-Gallon Rain Barrel and Planter

• Rustic whiskey barrel design – save resources by lowering your water bill while helping the environment with the Emsco Group rescue whiskey rain barrel! This rain barrel from Emsco Group features an attractive whiskey barrel design that will add rustic flair to your lawn or garden!
• Integrated planter & Flat back design – the top of the rain barrel has an integrated planter that allows you to uniquely decorate your rain barrel and use its water to grow your plants! A built-in weep hole inside the planter provides proper drainage and prevents root rot. This rain barrel also features a flat back design to sit closely to the side of your house for an attractive appearance.
• INCLUDES RAIN WATER DIVERTER SYSTEM – The included diverter allows you to discretely divert rain water directly from your downspout to your rain barrel. There’s no longer a need to ruin the aesthetics of your garden by diverting through the top of the rain barrel! Each rain barrel comes with an easy to read diverter installation guide for a hassle free set up.
• No rainwater overflow – when the rain barrel is full, the diverter system automatically sends excess water back through your downspout, preventing any overflow or standing water that can attract pests like mosquitoes.
• LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY – Experience superior functionality incorporated with attractive aesthetics with the EMSCO Group Rescue Whiskey Rain Barrel! This deluxe rain barrel has a 50-gallon capacity that provides you with maximized storage for rainwater.

Good Ideas Rain Barrel and Planter

• Urn shape and color add class and style to your “rain harvesting” – BPA free
• Meshed screen blocks debris from entering your water supply
• Shaped to provide optimal positioning against your home
• Equipped with a sturdy brass spigot which won’t rust or break like plastic alternatives
• Routed channel diverts excess to avoid flooding your foundation and can be linked to all other rain Wizard rain barrels

Savannah Garden Rain Saver Barrel

• 50 Gallon capacity rain barrel and planter top-Colonial style
• Self draining, 1 cubic foot planter top
• Meshed screen blocks debris from entering your water supply
• Flat back design sits tightly against any outside wall-Routed channel diverts excess water to the front of the barrel to avoid flooding your foundation
• Two spigots for hoses and 5 gallon buckets

Nantucket Rain Barrel and Planter

• 50 Gallon capacity rain barrel and 4 inch planter top
• Wicker finish adds class and style to your rain harvesting
• Meshed screen blocks debris from entering your water supply
• Dual spigot locations for hose or five gallon bucket-Brass spigot will not rust or break like plastic alternatives
• Dual spigot locations for hose or five gallon bucket-Brass spigot will not rust or break like plastic alternatives

Modular Wicker Rain Barrel

• Waterboys rain barrels can be linked together in groups of two or more – horizontally or vertically – to meet the needs of any homeowner! Either use one or link multiple barrels together! (linking kit sold separately)
• The attractive, classic wicker design allows the Waterboys rain barrel system to be used in a multitude of settings – rustic, contemporary, and more!
• The included diverter allows you to discretely divert rain water directly from your downspout to your rain barrel. There’s no longer a need to ruin the aesthetics of your garden by diverting through the top of the rain barrel! Each rain barrel comes with an easy to read diverter installation guide for a hassle free set up.
• When the rain barrel is full, the diverter system automatically sends excess water back through your downspout, preventing any overflow or standing water that can attract pests like mosquitoes.
• Experience superior functionality incorporated with attractive aesthetics with the EMSCO Group Rescue Waterboys Rain Barrel. This deluxe rain barrel has a 42-gallon capacity that provides you with maximized storage for rainwater. Link two and double your storage!

Algreen Wicker Rain Barrel

• 50 gallon capacity rain saver
• Constructed with ultra-tough, BPA-free, FDA approved, Polyethylene
• Includes a rugged brass spigot for filling watering cans
• Rust proof screen guard blocks debris from entering your water supply
• Dual water overflows to sufficiently allow water to escape rain barrel when full and can be linked to any Algreen Rain Barrel
• Threaded bottom drain to access 100% of water
• Wicker texture complements outdoor furniture

65 Gallon Wicker Rain Barrel

• 65 Gallon capacity rain barrels and planter top
• Clay stria finish adds class and style to your rain
• Meshed screen blocks debris from entering your water supply
• Equipped with a sturdy brass spigot which won’t rust or break like plastic alternatives
• Dual spigot locations for hose or five gallon bucket

65-Gallon Urn Rain Barrel

• Rain wizard urn shape and color add class and style to your rain harvesting – BPA Free
• Top functions as a planter which drains excess water to avoid root rot
• Meshed screen blocks debris from entering your water supply
• Flatback design sits tightly against any outside wall
• Available in 65-gallon

50-Gallon Urn Style Rain Barrel

• 50 gallon capacity
• UV inhibited recycled polyethylene – BPA free
• Plants will love the chlorine free water and you will love the savings on your water bill
• Planter top

Athena Rain Barrel

• Elegant design with authentic granite look and rock like texture
• Made from roto-molded plastic that wont chip, crack or fade and BPA free
• Comes with a high-quality brass spigot, corrosion-proof screen and bottom fitting attachment which allows for access to 100% of water in unit
• Dual water overflows allow for water to sufficiently escape rain barrel when full and allow option for linking multiple rain barrels with Algreen’s linking kit
• Decorative planter feature

Castilla Rain Barrel

• Elegant design with authentic pottery like texture
• Made from roto-molded plastic that wont chip, crack or fade and BPA free
• Comes with a high-quality brass spigot, corrosion-proof screen and bottom fitting attachment which allows for access to 100% of water in unit
• Dual water overflows allow for water to sufficiently escape rain barrel when full and allow option for linking multiple rain barrels with Algreen’s linking kit
• Decorative planter feature.

Why Should You Use A Rain Barrel?

There are many reasons to use a rain barrel or more, good rain barrel systems can make watering your garden a very simple, frugal, and rewarding experience for you and your garden.

Let’s take a look:

Saves You Money.

Did you know that a gardener with a typical size garden can save as much as 1,300 gallons of water by using a water barrel?

You can reduce your water bill by using a rain barrel.

This can amount to 40 percent of your water usage all summer.

Promotes Plant And Soil Health

Using rainwater is better for your garden as it’s highly oxygenated.  It is free of fluoride, salts, and other inorganic ions.

You can use rainwater in your garden to make your plants more drought-tolerant.

You might also like: Ways To Water Plants When You’re Away

Reduces Runoff Pollution And Erosion.

Runoff from rains pick up soil, pesticides, oil, fertilizers, and other contaminates and pushes them to other areas.

These pollutants can contribute to the algae growth in lakes and rivers. They can make the water more dangerous for humans and animals.

Keeping fertilizers, dirt, pesticides, and other debris out of the water can improve the local water quality too.

Conserves Water

Storing rainwater for garden use is good for the environment.

You have your own water source in case of drought or water restrictions.

Plus, you can use it to wash cars and windows.

Have you ever used a rain barrel? Did you make it yourself or purchase it? What are your likes and dislikes about it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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