5 Rain Barrel Problems Solved By Gardening Experts For Better Rainwater Harvesting At Home

Rain barrels are a very useful addition to any garden, especially if you want to make them last longer. This means you don't have to rely on tap water to keep your garden moist, which is better for your plants and your wallet. If the garden hose ban takes effect in the middle of summer, you're all set.

The idea behind the rain barrel is simple. You attach a large container to the downpipe in the gutter of a building -- whether it's a shed, greenhouse, or your home -- and rainwater flows down and fills it. However, when rainwater is collected in this way, certain problems can arise, from the ingress of insects and unwanted odors to negative pressure when connecting pipes.

Luckily, with a little knowledge and expert advice, these types of reservoir problems can be solved and common mistakes can be avoided.

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Keep your garden in good shape with these expert tips.

1. The water in my rain barrel turned green

Adding a lid to your aquarium is probably one of the biggest mistakes you can make. One problem that can occur is the growth of green algae because sunlight pushes it.

Covering the barrel in the rain will kill any algae growing inside, leaving the water cleaner and healthier and more suitable for watering tender seedlings when you need it. Installing relatively shady water wells can also reduce algae growth.

2. I have a dead snail in my water bottle

Slugs floating around your barrel can be a bit annoying. "Use a net to remove the snails, but if you don't have any, place a piece of cardboard under the snail in the water and gently lift it out," says horticulturist John Negus.

"Snails are almost stuck to the cardboard and both can be taken to the compost pile."

3. Mosquitoes live in my rain barrel

Unfortunately, rain barrels can attract mosquitoes. Again, a snug fit cover can avoid this problem, or a mesh cover that stretches and protects like this well-reviewed bandelt from Amazon.

"You can also add a little vegetable oil to the water," says John Negus. "This creates a surface layer that mosquitoes can't penetrate, and the larvae that are there are starved of oxygen and die."

4. The water in my rain barrel smells bad.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society, while you can still use smelly rain barrel water in your watering can, an annual cleaning can prevent the problem and keep it fresh.

The procedure is simple: unplug it from the downspout and empty it, including any dirt that has accumulated on the bottom, then scrub the inside with warm water mixed with bleach, dish soap, or vinegar. Then wash and leave to dry.

It's also a good idea to regularly clean the plug that drains water into the lock.

5. When the hose is connected to the water well, the water pressure is too low

Assuming the pipe isn't clogged with debris, the problem is probably caused by the groundwater setting being too low. Creating a solid base so that at least one foot can stand on the ground increases the water pressure.

It also makes filling watering cans easier and helps protect them from frost in winter.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to use the water collector that flows from the roof of our house for vegetables? We found dead rats there and many birds roaming the ridges.

"I understand your concern about rats choking on your vegetables and dousing them with cigarette butts contaminated with bird droppings," says horticulturist John Negus. from the house and garden .

“Typically, when water from a rain barrel is used to irrigate crops, the pollutants are broken down into essential elements that plants use for food – such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. I don't think you need to worry about this, but if you are still concerned you can purchase water lubricating tablets at garden centers and online.

In general, the main factors for preventing common problems are placing the cover on a water base, installing it properly, and cleaning it periodically. Once you sort them out, they are so easy to use that you may even decide to invest in another for your garden.