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Save time and money by harvesting rainwater.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Plastic rain barrels are long-lasting and durable, while stone or clay models blend in seamlessly with your backyard.
Rainwater can not only help lower your water bill, but its also beneficial to plants.
Plus, Foster explains, Rain-barrel water has many uses other than watering your lawn or gardens.
Credit: Wayfair
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Good Ideas 50 Gallons Gal.
The top planter is rather small, with limited space.
TheGood Impressions 50 Gallon Nantucket Rain Saverearned top marks for effectiveness and ease of use during our testing.
We liked that this rain barrel came with two spigots, which made it more versatile.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Lisa Pezzuto
The two brass spigots are the standout feature of this rain barrel.
There is one located low to the ground and another about midway up the barrel.
During a heavy downpour, we found that these two spigots allowed for easy draining and prevented any overflow.
We also appreciated that it was incredibly low maintenancewe never had to clean or repair the rain barrel.
However, because it was so durable and easy to use, we didnt mind this flaw.
This rain barrel blew over during testing.
We loved that it had a planter on top, which was perfect for annual flowers.
It also has two spigots, one for connecting to a hose and another for filling a watering can.
This rain barrel does not have a debris screen.
TheEarthmark EarthMinded RainStation 45-Gallon Rain Barrelis our pick for the best rain barrel with a diverter.
We continued to use this rain barrel for six months, and it continued to capture rain water well.
We also didnt experience any issues with bugs or pests getting into the barrel.
Credit: Amazon
Plus, all that water is totally free.
This rain barrel only comes in a gray granite colorway.
We were also impressed by how easy it was to set up.
This rain barrel has a capacity of 42 gallons and has two spigots.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Jessica Fleming
From start to finish, it took us only 10 minutes, including the installation of a gutter extender.
It blended into our testers garage, and we appreciated that it wasnt an eyesore like some rain barrels.
It was simple enough to reattach it, but we wish it stayed in place better.
Our best overall pick is theGood Ideas Impressions 50 Gallon Nantucket Rain Saver.
Before installing our rain barrels, we made sure that our downspouts andgutters were cleanand functioning.
Plastic rain barrels are long-lasting and durable, while stone or clay models blend in seamlessly with your backyard.
They can be decorative and make attractive additions to small flower and vegetable gardens.
Wooden: Wood is typically more expensive than plastic, Foster says.
Wood rain barrels can be made of oak, beechwood, cedar or hickory.
key in
Rain barrels come in a wide array of styles, from utilitarian to elegant.
Other rain barrels, like theEarthMark EarthMinded RainStation 45 gal.
Rain Barrel with Diverter System.
Credit: The Home Depot
It filled up quickly and effectively on a rainy day with minimal fuss during testing.
However, after testing it for six months, we found that it no longer met our expectations.
The spigot was also too close to the ground, so we couldnt place a watering can under it.
We were impressed with the durability of this 45-gallon rain barrel, and the lid is reversible.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Your Questions, Answered
How much are rain barrels?
The cost of rain barrels vary depending on a few factors, including its material and size.
Typically, rain barrels with a larger capacity cost more than those with a lower capacity.
Credit: Amazon
Are rain barrels worth it?
Rain barrels are worth the investment, according to Wainwright.
She adds that some areas even incentivize having rain barrels, offering rebates for those who do.
After six months of use, the barrel still performed well and showed no signs of wear or tear.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Ryann Springer
How often do you replace a rain barrel?
There are a few ways to ensure that your rain barrel stays in good shape for years.
Youll also want to disconnect your rain barrel during the winter to keep it from being damaged.
Laura Fisheris a writer forBetter Homes & Gardens.She has been writing about home projects and cooking for four years.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
