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These tried-and-tested rain barrels will stand up to the Southern heat and humidity.
Credit:Southern Living
These rain barrels are often placed near downspouts and rooftop gutters to collect and store rainwater.
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Good Ideas 50 Gallons Gal.
The spigots also function to drain excess water, which prevented overflow during heavy rains.
Credit: Wayfair
Thanks to its secure design, weve never noticed any mosquitoes or other pests near the barrel.
It reliably collects water coming from the gutters.
We also appreciate that it comes in multiple color options.
The Good Ideas 50-Gallon barrel has two spigots with options to use a hose or a small watering can.Credit:Southern Living
We had zero issues with pests like mosquitoes or rodents, even in an area with lots of insects.
After three months, it had filled at least three times.
After six months, it was filling about twice monthly during the summer.
Credit: Amazon
Even during severe storms, the rain barrel had no visible signs of damage and continued performing as expected.
It collected all the rainwater needed without any leaks.
We never noticed any pests like mosquitoes or rodents near the barrel.
The FCMP Catalina barrel’s thick rubber exterior has a built-in mesh screen that keeps pests away.Credit: Southern Living
This rain barrel efficiently collected rainwater, filling up completely within two hours the first time we used it.
Our tester noted that they havent needed to use their watering hose for plants since getting this barrel.
After six months, we were still using the original hose.
The hose attachment had a few signs of wear and tear, but it would be easy to replace.
We did begin to experience a mosquito problem at the six-month testing mark.
We added mosquito-eliminating discs to the water to remove the insects.
We only wish the hose was more durable.
We found that the barrel can still be used without the filter as a workaround.
We only had to perform regular rain barrel maintenance like draining and cleaning the interior every so often.
Priced at less than $50, you wont find many rain barrels cheaper than this.
We were disappointed that the plants grown in this rain barrels planter didnt thrive.
While it was a hot, dry summer, the built-in planter didnt effectively water the plants without intervention.
Credit: The Home Depot
The debris screen did a good job of stopping twigs and leaves from dropping into the water.
It still looked and worked great after six months of testing.
It features two spigots that can be used with a hose and a watering can.
The FreeGarden barrel has a built-in overflow tube to redirect excess water in different directions.Credit: Southern Living
It also features a planter on top which can improve your yards overall aesthetic.
Although it has a debris screen, we noticed that some debris managed to slip regardless.
We also added a mosquito dunk into the barrel to prevent pesky insects.
The shape also makes the rain barrel more stable and can hold it down in severe weather.
It comes with two spigots, one for filling a watering can and another to connect to a hose.
While we found the spigot for the watering effective, we had difficulties attaching the hose to the spigot.
Additionally, the rain barrels debris screen was small in comparison to the size of the rain barrel.
Nevertheless, it effectively prevented the dirt from seeping into the barrel.
Our Runner-Up pick, theFCMP Outdoor Catalina Rain Barrel, came in at a close second.
Next, we placed the barrel underneath the gutter or downspout to see how much water it would collect.
To avoid any structural damage, we made sure that the overflow was directed away from our home.
We then had to wait for it to rain to assess how quickly our rain barrel filled up.
Credit: Amazon
After, we used the rainwater as we normally would, such as for watering garden beds or lawns.
Finally, we drained and disconnected the barrel before the winter months and safely stored it.
It has a rust-proof debris screen and a single brass spigot located towards the bottom of the barrel.
The FCMP Raincatcher 4000 has an easy-open top to check the water level and ensure it’s clean.Credit: Southern Living
The biggest draw is that its 65-gallon capacity comes in handy if you get a heavy downpour.
We liked that this rain barrel comes with a diverter to prevent water from overflowing.
Many rain barrels feature planters on top of them, allowing you to plant flowers and herbs.
(Our Best Large pick, theGood Ideas Impressions 90-Gallon Bark Rain Saver, holds 90 gallons.)
However, once a rain barrel fills up you wont be able to move it around.
When full, they can be quite heavya 50-gallon barrel can weigh over 400 pounds, Bradley says.
It’s crucial to place them on a solid, level base to balance out the weight.
But even this rain barrel would be almost impossible to carry if its filled with rainwater.
Material
Plastic or polyethylene are by far the most common materials that rain barrels are made from.
They are more traditional but require more maintenance to keep them looking great, he says.
Youll find that they will come with either one or two spigots made out of brass or plastic.
Spigots that are near the bottom make it easy for you to connect a hose.
Credit: Amazon
Questions and Answers
Should rain barrels be placed in the sun or shade?
According to Bradley, the best locations for rain barrels are in partially shaded areas.
Too much sun can lead to algae growth, while too much shade might reduce water collection.
The VINGLI 50-gallon barrel has a collapsible design that holds up to wind, sun, and rain.Credit: Southern Living
Do rain barrels save you money?
What is the lifespan of a rain barrel?
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Credit: Gardener’s Supply Company
The Gardener’s Supply Company barrel has a large 50-gallon capacity with a stylish design.Credit: Southern Living
Credit: Wayfair
The Good Ideas Impressions barrel has an extra large 90-gallon capacity with dual spigots.Credit: Southern Living
Credit: Amazon
The Good Ideas Savannah barrel has a stable rectangular design with a large planter area on top.Credit:Southern Living
The Algreen EcoCascata Rain Barrel has a 65-gallon capacity comes in handy in the event of a heavy downpour, however the setup was somewhat involved.Credit:Southern Living
Many rain barrels, including the FCMP Outdoor 45-Gallon Catalina, come with mesh screens to keep pests and debris away from the stored water.Credit:Southern Living
