We've posted on creating your own rain barrel before, but here's another great detailed how-to for the budget conscious that can be done for about $25 ...
From Nashveggie, the following is a brief overview of the materials required. The photos speak for themselves, but be sure to visit Nashveggie for detailed instructions complete with an overflow valve and screen for incoming water.
Materials:
- Water container: The writer was able to find an empty barrel at a local farm store that once contained olives. Ensure you use a food grade barrel for this project to keep your plants safe from chemical leaching.
- (1) 3/4″ Male Hose Bibb (I used a no kink bibb)
- (2) 3/4″ PVC Female Adapter
- (1) 3/4″ tapped Male Hose to Male adapter
- (2) 1″ Galvanized or Brass Washers
- (4) #18 O-rings (1″)
- Teflon Tape
- 1″ Hole Drill Bit
- (1) Brass Hose Cap
- 18″x18″ Square Metal Screen
- (8) Aluminum Self-starting Screws
And for some rain barrel decorating ideas, check out the Rain Barrels on Parade.
Via Nashveggie (including photos).
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They're super easy to make, it's just SUPER difficult anymore to find a good barrel
check with your local soft drink manufacturer, coke, pepsi, etc. they use large (often white) food grade barrels that contain syrup (probably corn). often they will sell them quite cheap. $10-15 bucks.
I made my own rain barrel from a kit I bought online from Aquabarrel. It includes everything you need except the barrel, and it comes with instructions that are easy to follow. I think the Aquabarrel design is much better than the one on this page. Here is the link: Aquabarrel: How To Make a Rain Barrel Instructions and Parts Kit
They make kits for several different kinds of barrels.