In fact, it does not make sense to spend money on watering your garden, because Mother Nature offers thousands of gallons of water for free. Therefore, it would be better to use these gallons to build yourself a rain barrel system at home without any expenditures. It is quite simple, and your plants will definitely appreciate this water much more than any tap water. 😎

Firstly, you should find yourself a food-grade barrel. This is a professional term of the large plastic tub. Look for abandoned tubs in local bakery or restaurant where they use barrels for storing syrups and pickles. Alternatively, you can try to find something on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist from people who give away 55 gallon drums. However, try to avoid the barrels that were used to store hazardous substances, if you do not want mutant tomatoes. 😛

The hardest thing you will need to buy is a spigot, even though you might find it on Facebook Marketplace, too. You will also need a sealant and plastic screening because you should not allow any bugs, especially mosquitoes, to establish themselves in your water tank. 🦟

After buying everything, you should drill holes in your barrel and hope that you will not spoil it. You should drill one hole in the bottom of the barrel for the spigot and another one in the middle of the top side of the barrel for an overflow hose. Apply as much sealant as you can to avoid any drips of water from your barrel.

It is important to position the barrel near the downspout, but not right below it because to create pressure of the water you should raise it. Cinder blocks will be perfect for this. 👍

The only disadvantage of the system is the weight of the full barrel that is more than 400 pounds, and you definitely do not want it to fall down from your deck. Moreover, make sure there are no local restrictions on harvesting the rain. And I can assure you, it is totally worth it.