Rain barrel

[Stelcom66]

This spring I bought a rain barrel, it was very useful for watering plants. I was surpsrised after setting it up how quickly it filled after a few rainstorms. I wonder about two things - would it be safe to use the water from it for vegetable plants? There is a screen on top (where the gutter is directly above) to keep bugs out. Also - the other night I drained it since it's been below freezing. Can I just keep the faucet open or should I remove it?

 

[Where2]

With your climate in Connecticut, I'd remove it, or turn it upside down. As you know, there are times when rain turns to freezing rain, turns to ice, or thawing snow turns to ice. As expensive as rain barrels are, I'd hate to risk splitting some plastic part. I believe the Suncast rain barrel I have had instructions to take it inside for winter.

 

[Stelcom66]

Good idea to remove it, and it wasn't inexpensive.

 

[Hoozie]

Don't see why you couldn't use it for vegetable plants. I ran the gutter from our barn into the horse water trough. They haven't keeled over yet *knocks on wood*

 

[Stelcom66]

I just wonder in warm weather would the water became stagnant. I guess it's not a concern as long as nothing got in the rainbarrel. It would be good to know it could be used for vegetable plants as it holds a lot of water, probably would be fine.

 

[midwestcoast]

Even if the water was old, stagnant & full of algae theres no problem putting it on your veggie garden, just do it after you harvest greens… for the day.
Once the water is dried off the plants you won't be exposed to any pathogens. Remember that this stuff grows in dirt!

 

[Stelcom66]

Remember that this stuff grows in dirt!

Good point! Next spring I will be using the water in the vegetable garden. Growing season where I live is over - mostly. Even though it's been in the 20s the lettuce seems
to be doing fine. Should pick that soon - don't want to push my luck.