How to Plant a Small Water Barrel
- 1). Inspect your water barrel for corrosion, creosote or tar. These contaminants will harm plants.
- 2). Presoak the barrel. This swells the wood creating a watertight container.
- 3). Choose a location for your water barrel. Partial sun works best as full sunlight will promote algal growth. Ensure that the site is level.
- 4). Line the barrel with butyl liner or other pond-lining material.
- 5). Place 2 inches of gravel on the bottom of the barrel.
- 6). Add water to the barrel until the container is two-thirds full. If the water is chlorinated then allow the water to stand for 48 hours prior to planting. The chlorine will have time to dissipate.
- 7). Prepare planting baskets by lining plastic mesh baskets with burlap, filling with garden soil and inserting the plants. Place coarse gravel or gritty sand on top of the soil.
- 8). Lower the plants into the barrel. Use bricks to elevate plants to their required depths.
- 9). Fill the barrel with water. The water level should reach 2 inches from the rim.
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