Inside: Here are 25 creative rain barrel ideas to help you save water and make your garden look great. When you use rain barrels, you can collect water easily and keep your plants thriving.
If you’re looking for something useful and eco-friendly, rain barrels are a smart move for any garden. They save water and give your outdoor space a unique vibe.
Check out these ideas for different styles and setups you can try.
1. Use a wooden rain barrel for a natural garden look
Try a wooden rain barrel if you want your water collection to blend right into the garden. Wood brings a warm, rustic touch that plays well with plants and outdoor furniture.
A wooden barrel feels more like garden décor than just a container. If you’re after an organic, natural look, this is the way to go.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Choose cedar or redwood barrels because they resist rot better. Keep the wood sealed to protect it from weather damage.”
2. Paint rain barrels with vibrant colors to brighten the space
Paint your rain barrels with bright colors if you want your garden to pop. Pick shades that match your outdoor style or just add a splash of fun where things look dull.
Stick to weather-resistant paint so the colors last. Painting also shields the barrels from sun damage.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Use a primer before painting to help the color stick better. Make sure your barrel is clean and dry for the best results.”
3. Install multiple rain barrels linked together for extra water storage
Link two or more rain barrels so you can store extra water for your garden. Drill holes and connect them with plumbing fittings.
This way, water flows evenly between barrels, making one big tank. You’ll collect a lot more during rainstorms without buying a giant single barrel.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Use a garden hose splitter to easily fill multiple barrels at once. Always check for leaks after linking to keep your system efficient.”
4. Add a spigot to make watering plants easy
Install a spigot on your rain barrel so you can fill watering cans fast. This makes it simple to get water without hauling heavy barrels or dragging hoses around.
Place the spigot low for the best water pressure. Use washers to keep things leak-free.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Use a rubber washer with a metal washer to stop leaks around the spigot. Place the spigot near the bottom for better water flow.”
5. Place a screen on top to keep out debris and insects
Cover your rain barrel with a screen to block leaves, dirt, and bugs. This keeps your water cleaner for the plants.
Pick a heavy or fine mesh that fits snugly. A cone shape works well to keep pests out and let water flow in.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Choose an aluminum screen for durability and easy cleaning. Secure it with a tight band to keep it in place during storms.”
6. Use a downspout adapter for quick rainwater collection
Attach a downspout adapter to connect your rain barrel straight to the gutter. This makes collecting rainwater quick and tidy.
Cut the downspout and fit the adapter to guide water into the barrel. Adjust the height if you need to control overflow during heavy storms.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Make sure the adapter fits tightly to avoid leaks. Check the connection regularly to keep water flowing freely.”
7. Set up a small water garden on top of your rain barrel
Try adding a shallow basin on top of your rain barrel to create a mini water garden. Fill it with water and toss in some water lilies or tiny ferns.
This setup looks great and attracts wildlife. Just remember to change the water often to keep mosquitoes away.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Choose plants that thrive in wet conditions for best results. Add a screen to keep debris out and maintain clean water.”
8. Position barrels in shaded areas to keep water cool
Set your rain barrels in shady spots to keep the water cooler. Cooler water means less algae and a cleaner barrel.
Shade also protects the barrel from sun damage. Look for cover from trees or tuck the barrel beside your house.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Putting your barrel in the shade extends its life and keeps the water fresh longer. Avoid spots with direct sunlight all day for best results.”
9. Use rain barrels to irrigate a vegetable garden
Use rain barrels to water your vegetable garden. If you raise the barrel, gravity will help push water through a hose or into cans.
If you worry about pathogens, treat the water before using it on veggies. It’s a simple way to keep plants happy.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Place your rain barrel on a stable platform to create better water pressure. Use a fine mesh screen to keep debris out and protect your plants.”
10. Decorate barrels with stencils or artwork
Use stencils to add shapes or patterns to your rain barrel. It’s an easy way to decorate, even if you’re not a confident painter.
Or try your hand at painting designs with acrylics. Bright colors and playful images can turn your barrel into a garden focal point.
Artwork helps your rain barrel blend in or stand out, depending on your mood that day.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Use outdoor acrylic paint for durability. Seal your designs with a clear waterproof spray to protect your art from rain.”
11. Stack rain barrels vertically to save space
Stack rain barrels if you want to save ground space. Make sure the barrels are secure before stacking them up.
This way, you can collect more water without losing precious garden real estate. Use strong supports or a solid frame for safety.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Use a hand pump or gravity-fed system to move water between barrels for easier access. Always secure stacked barrels to avoid accidents.”
12. Add overflow hose connections to prevent flooding
Attach an overflow hose to your rain barrel so extra water flows away from your house or garden. This stops spills and keeps your space safe.
Make sure the hose is long enough to reach a flower bed or drain. Keep the connection tight to prevent leaks.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Use a flexible hose so you can easily adjust the direction of overflow. Check regularly to clear any blockages that might cause backups.”
13. Use a rain barrel stand for better water pressure
Lift your rain barrel onto a stand to boost water flow and pressure. Gravity helps push water down, making it easier to fill cans or hook up a hose.
A good stand keeps the barrel steady. You can build one from wood or use old pallets if you’re feeling thrifty.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Make sure your stand is level and strong enough to hold a full barrel. This will keep your setup safe and reliable.”
14. Create a rain barrel fountain as a garden feature
Turn your rain barrel into a simple fountain for extra charm. Drop a small pump inside to recirculate the water.
Hide the pump with stones or plants and set your barrel wherever you want a water feature. The sound of flowing water is surprisingly soothing, and you’re still saving rainwater.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Use a solar-powered pump to keep your fountain eco-friendly and lower running costs. Make sure to clean the pump regularly to avoid clogs and keep water flowing smoothly.”
15. Connect barrels underground for a discreet setup
Connect your rain barrels using pipes you bury underground. That way, you hide the connections and keep your garden looking neat.
Burying the pipes helps water move smoothly between barrels, and you won’t have to look at any hoses snaking around your yard.
Pick durable pipes that can handle outdoor weather. Test for leaks before you shovel the dirt back in.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Use PVC pipes with proper seals to avoid leaks. Burying connections lowers the chance of damage and keeps your setup neat.”
16. Install a sediment filter at the inlet for cleaner water
Put a sediment filter at your rain barrel’s inlet to keep out dirt and debris. It’s easy to make one with simple materials like window screen mesh or a bit of nylon stocking.
This stops clogs and keeps your water cleaner for the garden. It’s a small step, but it makes a difference.
Check and clean the filter now and then so it keeps working.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Use a filter that’s easy to remove for quick cleaning. This saves you time and keeps your water flowing freely.”
17. Repurpose old barrels for eco-friendly rain collectors
Give old barrels a new life by turning them into rain collectors. Clean the barrel well, then add a spigot near the bottom for easy watering.
Set the barrel under a downspout so it catches rain from your roof. Using what you already have cuts down on waste and saves money.
Seal up any extra holes to prevent leaks and keep the water clean.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Use a fine mesh screen on top to keep leaves and bugs out. Place your barrel on bricks to improve water flow and make filling your watering can easier.”
18. Build a wooden enclosure around barrels for style
Hide your rain barrels by building a wooden enclosure around them. It’s a quick way to tidy up your garden and help the barrels blend in.
Pick wood that matches your garden’s style. Leave enough space so you can reach the spigot and lid easily.
A wooden box also shields barrels from the weather. Go with weather-resistant wood, or treat it so it lasts longer outside.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Build your enclosure with removable panels for easy barrel cleaning. Always add small gaps to allow air flow and prevent mold.”
19. Use rainwater to fill bird baths or ponds
Fill your bird baths and ponds with rainwater from your barrel. Birds and wildlife love fresh, chemical-free water—so much better than tap water with chlorine.
If you refill bird baths regularly, you’ll attract more birds. It’s a simple way to help out local wildlife with a clean spot to drink and bathe.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Keep your rain barrel covered to avoid mosquitoes. Use a small pump or bucket to easily move water to your bird baths or ponds.”
20. Harvest water for greenhouse irrigation
Collect rainwater in barrels to water your greenhouse plants. Rainwater’s soft and chemical-free, which plants seem to prefer.
Set up a simple gravity irrigation system to move water from the barrels into your greenhouse. Saves you time and makes watering less of a chore.
You can always fill your watering cans quickly when you need to water by hand.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Position your rain barrels higher than your greenhouse to make irrigation easier. Always keep your barrels covered to avoid mosquito breeding.”
21. Paint barrels with palm tree designs for a tropical vibe
Give your rain barrels a tropical feel by painting palm trees on them. Use green and brown for the palms and a light background so the design pops.
This look fits right in if you’re going for a beach or island theme. You can use stencils or just freehand it—simple palm designs are easy to pull off.
Bright colors make your barrel stand out as a fun feature in the garden.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Use weatherproof paint to keep your palm designs bright all season. Seal your work with a clear coat for extra protection.”
22. Attach garden hoses directly to barrel spigots
Hook up a garden hose right to your rain barrel’s spigot to water plants that aren’t close by. Make sure the spigot fits your hose or grab an adapter.
This makes things so much easier—you don’t need to lug around a watering can. Your hose will always be ready to go.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Use a bulkhead fitting for a secure, leak-free spigot connection. It makes attaching and detaching hoses quick and easy.”
23. Use a basin on top to slow water flow and reduce splash
Set a basin on top of your rain barrel to slow down incoming water. This cuts down on splash and keeps the area tidier.
It also helps prevent soil erosion around your plants. Your barrel will fill more evenly, too.
Pick a wide, shallow basin for the best result. You can reuse an old plastic or metal container if you have one.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Make sure your basin has holes or a mesh to catch debris but still let water through. This keeps your rain barrel cleaner and working better.”
24. Elevate barrels on cinder blocks for easy access
Lift your rain barrel up on cinder blocks to make filling watering cans easier. Gravity helps water flow better when the barrel’s higher.
Cinder blocks are sturdy and you can stack them to the height that works for you. Just make sure the ground is flat and stable so your barrel doesn’t wobble.
This setup saves your back and makes it simpler to connect hoses or spigots.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Stack two or three cinder blocks to create the perfect height for your barrel. Make sure they are level to avoid spills and damage.”
25. Place rain barrels near flower beds for convenience
Put rain barrels right next to your flower beds, and you’ll make watering a lot less of a chore. No more lugging heavy watering cans across the yard.
You can use rainwater straight from the barrel, which honestly seems better for your plants anyway. Set the barrel up on a sturdy stand, and filling up your can gets way easier.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Place the barrel on a raised platform to improve water flow. Use a simple spigot to avoid spills when watering your flowers.”