How to Set Up a Homemade Rain Barrel

Overview

If you are looking for a more economical way to water your garden, plants or lawn, you should consider using a homemade rain barrel. Set up the barrel to collect rain water, which you can transfer to a watering can. You can also hook a hose up to the rain barrel to transfer the water to a larger area.

Step 1

Cover your rain barrel with a screen to keep bugs and leaves out.

Step 2

Wait for the next time it rains. Watch the roof on your house to locate the spot where rain water begins to merge and flow down off the roof. Set up your rain barrel there.

Step 3

Dig out a flat spot in the location you chose in Step 2 to place the rain barrel. Check the ground with a level.

Step 4

Set the homemade rain barrel on your flat ground.

Step 5

Adjust your gutter downspout so it goes in the top of the barrel if you have a gutter downspout. Otherwise, just allow the water to run off the roof into the top of the open barrel.