I created my own budget-friendly rain barrel – it saves me money when gardening and is perfect for my balcony
A DIY landscaper knows how to save money - and resources.
Her budget-friendly rain barrel gardening trick was easy to make and perfect for small spaces.
Alison (@cookseyfarms) used the affordable rain barrel on her "balcony garden."
It was especially useful since there was no water source on the balcony.
Adding a mesh covering over a large garbage can will help to keep pests and debris away.
The buy is also affordable.
Retail giant Amazon sells a mesh cover for rain barrels for $7.99
The cover is described as able to keep your garden rain barrel clean while preventing leaves and dirt from getting in.
The buy is also made of high-quality and long-lasting polyester.
The purchase already had plenty of rave reviews.
"Works perfectly on a rain barrel that didn't already have a lid," wrote one customer.
"Good screen for a rain barrel," said another buyer.
While you can use a spigot to "release rainwater," this step is optional.
You can instead choose to simply add the water to your watering cans.
If your gutters can't easily be connected to your rain barrel, gutter connection kits can help to drill and install parts.
Whether you use the kits or not, one thing is sure to fill up your rain barrel - heavy rain.
Some people even cut a hole in the garbage can lid before placing mesh over it and turning it upside down.
Still, you can just use the lid to cover up the barrel - whether it's full or not - to help keep all kinds of dust and debris away.
TIPS FROM ALISON'S FOLLOWERS
Some people had their own tips for the rain barrel system.
One fan wants to make sure rules are followed if you are using the barrel for food use.
"Just an important tip from someone who ran a rain barrel program - make sure the barrels you use are food grade," wrote one follower.
"UV exposure causes the plastic to break down and leach plasticizers and other additives can get into your water source if you use other types of plastic," she added.
Easy gardening tips to save money, maximize space, and repel pests
*If you click on a link in this article, we may earn affiliate revenue.
- Banana peels, vinegar, and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells four packs of seeds for $1.25.
- Try a vertical planter like Amazon's Mr. Stacky 5 Tier Stackable Planter, $35 to make more use of a small space.
- Use netting like the Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, from Amazon to keep away bugs that eat your vegetables.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce the use of pesticides and keep pests away from your garden. Deliberately growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip, and chives.
- For pesky weeds in your garden, the Grampa's Weeder - The Original Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles, $45, from Amazon is a helpful tool you can use without having to bend over.
"Also, don't forget to put in a few pieces of copper pipe. Keeps the algae away!" wrote another follower.
"Tip - trash cans are expensive but food-grade plastic barrels are very cheap on Facebook Marketplace," another viewer chimed in.
Another fan knew just how much you could save - but had her own concern.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"I once had a neighbor who did this and she said her water bill went down a little bit due to saving water versus not wasting water on watering her flowers," said the follower.
"Here in Florida, I think this would be a mosquito heaven. But it does seem like a good idea!" she added.
