The City of Guelph's annual rain barrel sale is set to begin on Tuesday with the city selling a limited quantity of discounted rain barrels.
Open only to Guelph residents, the rain barrel sale allows for online ordering of the rain barrels for $45, which includes the cost of delivery.
Only one discounted rain barrel is available per household, with additional rain barrel purchases available at the full price of $75.
The proper use of the rain barrel calls for placement near the downspout closest to the plants or gardens you’ll be watering. Walk between the barrel and the garden a few times to make sure it won’t be an obstacle.
Shovel a flat spot for a stand or cinder blocks; make sure they are level, so the barrel won’t tip over. Raising your rain barrel off the ground creates gravity flow and allows you to fit a watering can under the spout.
Place your barrel on the stand or blocks and mark downspout where you will cut it and attach a flexible hose that reaches the opening of the rain barrel.
Move the barrel out of the way. Wearing your safety glasses and gloves, use the hacksaw to cut the downspout.
Connect the flexible downspout (wear your gloves to protect against sharp metal edges) and use screws to attach it to the downspout.
Place the rain barrel back on the blocks or stand, attach the spout and overflow tube. Make sure the spout is easy to access.
Cover the opening of your barrel with the screen included in your rain barrel kit to stop leaves and debris from getting into your barrel and preventing mosquito breeding.
Direct the flexible downspout into the opening of your rain barrel.