Rain chains & barrels

[twinoaks207]

We're looking into adding one or two rain barrels and a couple of rain chains this year. Anyone have any experiences with these they'd care to share? Interested in finding out local suppliers, do's and don'ts, and really curious about ways to keep mosquitoes from breeding in the barrels (lids, dunks, etc). If we use the dunks, will the chemicals hurt the plants we intend to water, okay to use with vegetables, etc.

TIA!

 

[Cowgirl]

Get a solid lid if you get a barrel, and the mosquitoes won't be able to get in. If you do use the dunks, they're non-toxic. I don't believe there's any environmental benefit of a chain, because the water isn't collected, is it? As far as I know, it's just a decorative gutter.:shrug:

 

[twinoaks207]

Get a solid lid if you get a barrel, and the mosquitoes won't be able to get in. If you do use the dunks, they're non-toxic. I don't believe there's any environmental benefit of a chain, because the water isn't collected, is it? As far as I know, it's just a decorative gutter.:shrug:

Thanks for the info about the dunks. I think the rain chain supposedly disperses the water flow over several different surfaces on the way down so there's less of a "gully-washing" effect at the end & therefore less erosive properties. I was thinking two rain chains for front of house & two barrels for back but hubby may have other ideas. I just don't want some big honkin' ugly plastic thing at the front of the house ruining the garden scenery .

 

[Cowgirl]

I just don't want some big honkin' ugly plastic thing at the front of the house ruining the garden scenery .

You can get pretty wooden barrels, but they're pretty expensive.

 

[huntr1]

There are lots of sites that tell you how to keep bugs out of rain barrels. Do a google search (not being snippy, just don't have the time to find a link for you). If you want to go the extra mile, you can bury the barrel in the ground and make a cistern out of it, then it won't be seen in front of the house.

 

[twinoaks207]

There are lots of sites that tell you how to keep bugs out of rain barrels. Do a google search (not being snippy, just don't have the time to find a link for you). If you want to go the extra mile, you can bury the barrel in the ground and make a cistern out of it, then it won't be seen in front of the house.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check google. Can't bury them because of tree roots (hubby would pitch a fit & rightly so if I asked him to dig a hole in front!).

Also, while catching up on reading on SoMd & came across a thread from yesterday that gave a web link to a rain barrel workshop at Calvert marine Museum next Saturday. Thinking of maybe going.

(http://forums.somd.com/life-southern-maryland/175399-rain-barrel.html)

 

[Crewdawg141]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check google. Can't bury them because of tree roots (hubby would pitch a fit & rightly so if I asked him to dig a hole in front!).

Also, while catching up on reading on SoMd & came across a thread from yesterday that gave a web link to a rain barrel workshop at Calvert marine Museum next Saturday. Thinking of maybe going.

(http://forums.somd.com/life-southern-maryland/175399-rain-barrel.html)

Bring other gardening questions with you if you go. The class is being taught by a MD Master Gardener and MG Interns.

 

[huntr1]

I'm thinking about running a pipe along the foundation, behind the bushes, and then under the front porch to a barrel. Ugly barrel would be hidden from view since it's under the porch. Hook a hose to it and leave it at the edge of the porch. The overflow pipe from the barrel would hook into a pipe I already burried attached to the downspout at the other end of the porch. That pipe runs to the property line and then outflows eventually into the stormwater pond. I could use the water barrel to water my garden.

 

[ylexot]

Speaking of this, anybody know of a local source for plastic 55-gallon drums?

 

[bookrat]

We're looking into adding one or two rain barrels and a couple of rain chains this year. Anyone have any experiences with these they'd care to share? Interested in finding out local suppliers, do's and don'ts, and really curious about ways to keep mosquitoes from breeding in the barrels (lids, dunks, etc). If we use the dunks, will the chemicals hurt the plants we intend to water, okay to use with vegetables, etc.

TIA!

Wentworth Nursery in Prince Frederick has a nice collection of rain chains and modern rain/water collection barrels!

 

[ylexot]

I've actually been thinking of making my own rain chains. I have a design in my mind and might pick up some supplies tonight so that I can make a prototype.

 

[kwillia]

Tractor Supply in La Plata carries the enclosed rain barrels. It may be a seasonal item though so give them a call before you make the drive.

 

[Commune]

Speaking of this, anybody know of a local source for plastic 55-gallon drums?

Just saw this, don't know if it's what you're looking for but on the cheap Dysons Lumber across from Holy Face Church in Great Mills on rt5 has plastic blue 55 gal drums. You may have to wash them out as they were used to haul italian dressing in a past life. but they have the little 3 or 4 inch screw off top.