Lawn and Garden

Best Garden Mulcher

Mulching, chipping, and shredding garden waste can be a hassle, especially if you don’t really have any good quality tools for the job. If you want an electric garden mulcher to quickly and easily make confetti of your yard waste, then the Patriot CSV-2515 is the best choice for you. This beastly electric shredder will cut up to 2.5″ limbs and can eat leaves for breakfast. The dryer the leaves, the better, of course, but if your compost bin is getting low, the Patriot will fill it back up in a snap. There’s no question that this is the best garden mulcher available.

Patriot Products CSV-2515 Electric Wood Chipper Leaf Shredder

The quiet, smooth, maintenance free electric motor starts with just the flip of a switch.; The Patriot will make coin-sized chips out of branches up to 2 1/2 inches in diameter.

$1,495.00

Last update on 2024-11-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Unfortunately, it is, well, very expensive! The Patriot really is in another league compared to the competition and is covered under a 2-year warranty (3 years if you buy the power cord as well). If you will be using the mulcher frequently, this is the one for you.

[Read more…] about Best Garden Mulcher Chipper Shredder: Clean up Quick!

Best Rain Barrel

Rain barrels have become very important garden tools. As conservation efforts increase due to drought, population increases, and reduced fresh water sources, rain barrels are an environmentally-friendly way to recycle gray water and clean our aquifers. Whether you’re watering your lawn or plants, washing the car, or trying to save money and conserve in general, rain barrels are a simple, great choice. After a thorough examination of several water collection barrels, we have determined that the best rain barrels are the Oak 40-Gallon Rain Wizard [Amazon Link] from Good Ideas. It has a roto-molded resin plastic shell and high-quality aesthetics that make it look great in the garden.

Rain Wizard 40 Gallon Rain Barrel - Oak

• Made of BPA-free resin
• Linkable to other barrels for increased capacity...
• High quality brass spigot for hose hook-up +...
• Screen to keep out debris
• 40-gallon capacity

$103.75

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These fully-featured barrels have a front overflow screen which can help divert water away from your foundation, which is always a plus. The Rain Wizard stands above the rest in terms of (assembly, basic functions, features, taking care of it, longevity, etc. And the fact that this barrel is not terribly expensive is a real plus!

For a complete review of this barrel, see our Product Reviews section below.

Runner Up Best Rain Barrels

The Algreen Castilla [Amazon Link] Rain Barrel is our runner-up out of the 5 rain barrels we reviewed. Coming in at 50-gallons, it is the perfect in-between size, whereas Algreen’s other line, the Cascata, is significantly larger at 65-gallons, which is perhaps too large for many users’ needs.

This boasts one of the most aesthetically pleasing options out of all the rain barrels on our list, with a unique pottery texture and planing area to help it fit into the garden decor more subtle than other rain barrels.

For a detailed review of the Castilla Rain Barrel, see below. For further reading, see our full review of the Castilla Rain Barrel here.

Algreen Products Castilla Rain Barrel 50-Gallon, Charcoalstone

Elegant design with authentic pottery like texture; Made from roto-molded plastic that wont chip, crack or fade and BPA free

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Rain Barrel Reviews

In this section, we look closely at five different lines of rain barrels. We consider the aesthetics, sizing, build quality, eco-friendliness, and price, in order to pick our favorites.

Preview

Best Choice!

Runner Up

Title

RTS Home Accents ECO

Good Ideas Rain Wizard

Algreen Products Castilla

Algreen Products Cascata

Great American Rain Barrel

Capacity

50 gallon

40 gallon

50 gallon

65 gallon

60 gallon

Spigot

Plastic

Brass

Brass

Brass

Plastic

Price

$79.00

$103.75

Price not available

Price not available

Price not available

Buy on Amazon!

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Preview

Title

RTS Home Accents ECO

Capacity

50 gallon

Spigot

Plastic

Price

$79.00

Buy on Amazon!

Buy on Amazon

Best Choice!

Preview

Title

Good Ideas Rain Wizard

Capacity

40 gallon

Spigot

Brass

Price

$103.75

Buy on Amazon!

Buy on Amazon

Runner Up

Preview

Title

Algreen Products Castilla

Capacity

50 gallon

Spigot

Brass

Price

Price not available

Buy on Amazon!

Buy on Amazon

Preview

Title

Algreen Products Cascata

Capacity

65 gallon

Spigot

Brass

Price

Price not available

Buy on Amazon!

Buy on Amazon

Preview

Title

Great American Rain Barrel

Capacity

60 gallon

Spigot

Plastic

Price

Price not available

Buy on Amazon!

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Water Collection Barrel, Made with 100% Recycled Plastic and Plastic Spigot

The RTS Home Accents line of 50-gallon rain barrels has a great look and some nice features. And with color three options to choose from, many homeowners will find the right color for their needs here.

Key Points at a Glance

• 50-gallon capacity
• Made from 100% recycled plastic (Eco model only)
• Three color options
• Plastic spigot for draining/hose (Eco only)
• Plastic screen to keep out bugs
• Flat back design to sit flush against the side of the house
• Ability to be linked to other barrels to increase total water collection
• Front side overflow to prevent flooding against back wall
• RTS Home Accent’s Warranty information

Dimensions

• 24 x 19 x 34 inches
• Item weight: 18 pounds
• Shipping weight: 22 pounds

The Details

The RTS rain barrel line has three color options, two of which look quite nice, and one of which (the black) is an ECO version made of recycled plastic, and while it is not the most aesthetically beautiful, is the most environmentally friendly, and most economical as well.

The ECO version of the rain barrel is certainly focused on both a low environmental footprint and low cost. It is made of recycled plastic, including the spigot and screen. The higher end, less-eco focused models have brass spigots and metal screens, which are a nice step up, though less environmentally friendly.

Capable of storing 50 gallons of water, it isn’t the largest collection barrel we’ll review but it isn’t the smallest either. To put it in perspective, the average capacity usually ranges between 40 and 70 gallons, so you may consider this on the smaller side.

Aesthetically, these RTS barrels should fit in almost anywhere without drawing attention to themselves.

There are a few potential shortcomings with this particular rain barrel as noted by its users. One of the major issues to arise was the spigot where you would normally attach a garden hose; the problem is that the barrel isn’t properly sized to fit a normal garden hose, meaning you need a separate attachment.

Beyond this small nuisance, others have mentioned it bowing at the back when full, or cracking in storage and it draining a bit on the slow side.

The Bottom Line

Being in the budget category, these shortcomings can largely be overlooked as one could say, you get what you pay for. Without the roto-molding of other rain barrels, as well as being made of recycled plastic, the ECO Rain Barrel is definitely not going to be as sturdy as some of the other barrels we will review next (though the other Home Accents rain barrels are a bit better constructed).

With that said, the company seems good to take care of its customers and offering replacements or substitutes when problems occur, so we wouldn’t hesitate to give this barrel a try.

For more information on the RTS Rain Barrel line, see our RTS Rain Barrel Review here.

RTS Companies Inc Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Water Collection Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic Spigot, Black

• Embrace nature's solution to our emerging water shortage-collect...
• Our 50 Gallon ECO Rain Barrel is unique from our other rain barrels in...
• It has a plastic screen to keep out debris and a plastic spigot shut...
• Product dimensions 24 x 19 x 34 inches
• Item Weight 18 pounds

$79.00

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Good Ideas RW40-OAK Rain Wizard Rain Barrel 40-Gallon

The Good Ideas Rain Wizard line of Rain Barrels are our favorite option among rain barrels, for a variety of reasons. These 40-gallon beauties are quite attractive, made from rot0-molded resin plastic, and look great. They feature a brass spigot and a flat rear so that the barrel sits comfortably against the side of the house.

Key Points at a Glance

• 40-gallon capacity
• Available in 5 color options
• Brass spigot
• Underwent rotational molding as to help make it sturdier and prevent cracking
• Flat back design to help sit flush against a wall, such as the side of your house
• Screen to help keep out insects and other debris

For their warranty information, you must make a request to Amazon for their manufacturer’s warranty.

Dimensions

• 28.2 x 22 x 21.5 inches
• Item weight: 23 pounds
• Shipping weight: 29.8 pounds

The Details

This Oak Rain Barrel from Good Ideas is the first we will review that underwent a process of rotational molding, or roto-molding for short. Rotational molding gets its name from the development process, where a heated hollow mold is filled and then rotated, causing the material to stick to the walls.

This process is continued all the way until it cools down, and it offers a few significant advantages. The primary one is that it helps reduce overall stress on the unit, which means it will be less likely to crack from heavyweight, overuse, or regular wear and tear. It can also help reduce the cost.

This rain barrel features a brass spigot, which is heavy duty and fits a garden hose perfectly, not posing the same problem that the recycled plastic barrel from Home Accent does. One of the more common questions regarding this barrel and others is whether or not the top can be removed from the unit.

In this case, it cannot, but the 6” x 8” screen can be removed, allowing for some access inside. Besides this small screen, there is a screen near the top front of the barrel, allowing for overflow.

Though there is a screen on these barrels, you should probably pick up get Summit mosquito dunks [Amazon Link] for these barrels to ensure that you don’t inadvertently cause an infestation.

The Bottom Line

At only 40 gallons, this rain barrel is on the smaller side compared to others, but 40 gallons should be sufficient in most situations (see our sizing information below).

Functionally speaking, there doesn’t seem to be any apparent problems; and its basic features like the top screen, brass spigot, flat back design, and compatibility with downspouts help propel this rain barrel to the top spot. When balancing price, functionality, and aesthetics, the Rain Wizard is an excellent choice.

Rain Wizard 40 Gallon Rain Barrel - Oak

• Made of BPA-free resin
• Linkable to other barrels for increased capacity using separately sold...
• High quality brass spigot for hose hook-up + overflow spout
• Screen to keep out debris
• 40-gallon capacity

$103.75

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Algreen Products Castilla Rain Barrel 50-Gallon

The Algreen (note: not Al Green!) Castilla Rain barrel is another one of our favorite barrels, with several significant features that make it so attractive. Instead of going for a faux-wine barrel look, Algreen has chosen to mimic a pottery look with the Castilla line, and it looks fantastic! These even have a spot on the top for a small plant, which adds to the overall disguising effect.

Key Points at a Glance

• 50-gallon capacity
• Pottery-like texture
• Available in 5 color options
• Roto-molded plastic to help prevent cracking and ensure longevity
• Brass spigot
• Corrosion proof screen
• Separate bottom piece attachment which can allow access to all the water in the unit at once
• Optional linking kit allowing multiple barrels to  be linked together

For their warranty information, you must make a request to Amazon for their manufacturer’s warranty.

Dimensions

• 23 x 23 x 33 inches
• Item weight: 16.9 pounds
• Shipping weight: 16.9 pounds

The Details

Our first barrel was mostly made of recycled plastic; the second barrel we reviewed was roto-molded but had an exterior design resembling oak. This barrel from Algreen is created from roto-molded plastic with an exterior resembling pottery texture.

It has a dual water overflow at the top, allowing for overflow and linking with other barrels using Algreen’s linking kit, sold separately, and can be pressurized with the Algreen Pump Kit [Amazon Link] (see here for more information on the pump kit).

It also comes with an area that remains damp to enable you to place a plant on the barrel!. The design is more on the elegant side, blending inconspicuously as a potted plant rather than a large rain collection barrel. With several colors to choose from, you can easily get the perfect look for your garden.

Functionally, one feature that sets this apart is the removable bottom fitting attachment, which means it is capable of emptying all of the water at once. Some rain barrels are notorious for draining quite slow, so if you are in a hurry or just need to empty it somewhere, the removable attachment should help out.

The Bottom Line

Given that rain barrels are relatively simple items, the biggest differentiating factor from all 3 thus far is their aesthetics, which comes down to personal preference.

The first is basically black plastic; the second is an authentic oak wood look, and this resembles pottery.

Each would have their fit depending on the location they are placed, the color of your house, style, and so forth. Otherwise, capacity is another important feature to look at.

With that in mind, unless you have certain space restrictions or need as much water as possible, the Castilla Rain Barrel from Algreen is as good as any and looks better than most rain barrels.

Algreen Products Castilla Rain Barrel 50-Gallon, Charcoalstone

• Elegant design with authentic pottery like texture
• Made from roto-molded plastic that wont chip, crack or fade and BPA...
• Comes with a high-quality brass spigot, corrosion-proof screen and...
• Dual water overflows allow for water to sufficiently escape rain...
• Decorative planter feature

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Algreen Products Cascata Rain Barrel 65-Gallon

The Algreen Cascata rain barrel line is extremely similar to the Castilla line above, though it has a larger capacity, at 65 gallons, and has only three colors to choose from.

Like the Castilla, one can place a plant on the top to turn this rain barrel into a lovely garden planter.

Key Points at a Glance

• 65-gallon capacity
• Pottery-like texture
• Roto-molded plastic to help prevent cracking and ensure longevity
• Three Color options
• Brass spigot

Dimensions

• 24 x 24 x 46 inches
• Item weight: 24 pounds
• Shipping weight: 45 pounds

The Details

Algreen’s Cascata Rain Barrel is the largest of the barrels being reviewed, coming in with a massive 65-gallon capacity.

It is quite similar to their Castilla Rain Barrel in design, which we examined above, but has some distinct differences.

The first is the capacity, boasting a difference of 15 gallons (Castilla only had a capacity of 50 gallons).

Next is the color palette, with three choices (gray, terra cotta, and brown) as opposed to five from the Castilla line.

Besides that, this shares many of the same basic features as the other rain barrels – ability to be linked to other barrels for greater water collection, a screen over the top to keep out bugs and children, and dual water overflow.

However, Algreen is the only company to have a removable bottom attachment in their rain barrels, as seen in this one as well as their Castilla barrel.

The Bottom Line

If you enjoy the authentic pottery texture of Algreen’s products, but simply need more capacity than what the Castilla is offering, then the Cascata line is sure to do the trick.

At 65 gallons, it has 1.5x more water storage capacity than our smallest reviewed rain barrel, the Good Ideas Oak Barrel. Since it upholds many of the same features of the other rain barrels, it ultimately comes down to what your needs are, since having one 65 gallon barrel may be easier than having multiple smaller barrels, if you were to go that route. See our sizing information below for details.

Algreen Products Cascata Rain Barrel with Rain Barrel Spigot, 65 Gallon, Dark Brown

• Rain Water Collection Barrel: This rain collection barrel combines the...
• Durable Design: Specially designed withstand harsh temperature...
• Convenient Features: This double-walled rain collector barrel comes...
• Designed for Convenience: A dual water overflow allows sufficient...
• Versatile Functionality: This rain water barrel can be used to collect...

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Great American Rain Barrel

The Great American Rain Barrel is what many people think of when they think of rain barrels — a rather unsightly plastic drum that sits in the corner of the yard. While these have a decent capacity and acceptable features, they aren’t cheap for their quality and don’t even come close to the aesthetics of the other products on our round-up.

Key Points at a Glance

• 60-gallon capacity
• Created from recycled food grade plastic resin
• Unfinished look for the option to do it yourself
• Capable of linking to other barrels

For warranty information regarding the Great American Barrel, contact the seller directly.

Dimensions

• 39 x 22 x 22 inches
• Item weight: 24 pounds
• Shipping weight: 24 pounds

The Details

The Great American Rain Barrel is the second largest of the rain barrels we will be reviewing today, coming in at 60 gallons. Similar to the first barrel we reviewed, the ECO barrel from Home Accent, this is also made from recycled plastic.

It touts an unfinished look which can be a good or bad thing depending on the angle you come from. If you don’t mind putting in a little extra work to touch it up or finish it, you could turn it into something half-way attractive (though painting plastic is a hassle).

If you just want to assemble it and completely forget about it, then this may not be the most aesthetically pleasing piece of equipment in your yard. Like others, it can be linked to other rain barrels with a special garden hose, which is not included.

The spigot and connection materials are made of plastic and are not as high quality as those made of brass.

The Bottom Line

Like the others we reviewed, this rain barrel is simple and does its job. Being one of the larger, heavier rain barrels, as well as being unfinished, this might be better in a setting where weather could be a concern, as it is quite durable and stable, though the spigot will likely fail over time.

Its aesthetics might not be top notch right out of the box, but a good paint job can make this as good as any of the others, given that you have equal preferences between pottery textures, oak, and recycled plastic.

Great American Rain Barrel

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Rain Barrel Buyer’s Guide

In this section, we will consider a few of the major aspects that need to be considered when purchasing a rain barrel.

Sizing Your Rain Barrel

You’ll want to get the right sized barrel for your roof, and for your garden needs. To determine the size of a rain barrel, look at the area of the roof that drains down the downspout you intend to hook up. From there, you can use this handy calculator to see how much water the barrel will receive in a given storm (e.g. a 1″ rainfall storm).

From there, you can size out all of your barrels.

Connecting Your Rain Barrel to the Downspout

In order to connect your rain barrel to the downspout, you will need a rain barrel diverter kit. These come in many different designs, and depending on your needs, can be quite inexpensive and easy to install. One of the important aspects to consider is what happens when your rain barrel fills up.

Some diverters are designed to revert water flow down the downspout and away from the house when the barrel is full. Others just continue to pour water out, which can lead to basement water problems if you’re not careful!

Linking Multiple Rain Barrels

Most of the rain barrels on our list today can be linked together in such a way that when one fills up completely, water is automatically routed to the next rain barrel, and it is filled as well. This sort of design can be great for collecting significant water during those big storms, but you’ll still need to be aware of what happens when that final barrel is filled.

Does the water just spill out on the ground, or is it routed back to the downspout? If it pours out on the ground, you will need to grade around the final barrel to ensure that water flows away from the house.

Winter Storage

Generally, rain barrels are not used in winter, as downspouts freeze, and any water in the rain barrel can freeze and cause the barrel itself to crack.

Consequently, you’ll probably want a diverter that is easy to disconnect and reconnect, so that you’re ready to connect up that barrel to collect as much rainwater as possible once that first big thaw hits!

Build Quality Considerations

Generally, those rain barrels with brass spigots and steel screens are of higher quality than those with plastic spigots and plastic screens. The freeze-thaw cycle will gradually wear away at plastic fittings, and over time these will likely fail and start to leak, at least sooner than brass will.

Going with brass will buy you some time, though you could start out with plastic, and when it fails, simply purchase a new brass fitting, and replace the existing fitting with brass. You won’t need a whole new rain barrel.

This path can keep the price down, to begin with, and still give you a high-quality rain barrel to use.

Mosquito Protection

Standing water, even small buckets and pools, can be ideal breeding grounds for mosquitos.

This environment can be extremely hazardous, as mosquitoes can carry deadly diseases, and are just all around nuisances! Most of the rain barrels on our list have screens to protect against mosquito invasion, but it is almost always wise to pick up some Summit Mosquito Dunks [Amazon Link] to give a little extra protection to the rain barrel, and to be a good neighbor!

Conclusion

It is not common for outdoor home improvement products to be decided on by aesthetics, but this is the rare exception. Given the simplicity of rain barrels, once basic functioning is achieved, this is ultimately what it comes down to.

Some do have advantages over others, as you see with those that have rotational molding to help ensure durability and longevity, and higher quality spigots and screens are certainly a great help.

While all of these barrels achieve basic functionality and can be used based on your preference, the Rain Wizard by Good Ideas [Amazon Link] is a great option, and in our opinion, is the best rain barrel around!

Rain Wizard 40 Gallon Rain Barrel - Oak

Made of BPA-free resin; Linkable to other barrels for increased capacity using separately sold linking kit

$103.75

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Elevated Raised Garden Bed

Gardening is a hobby that’s enjoyed by millions of people across the world. But most of us struggle working bent over, and on our knees, for hours in the garden. By using elevated garden boxes, you don’t have to work bent over, or on your knees, for hours on end, and you can be sure your soil is clean and free of contaminants! After spending a great deal of time examining several options for raised garden beds, we have determined that the best elevated raised garden beds around are the Keter Easy Grow Patio Planter [Amazon Link] – hands down.

Keter Easy 31.7 Gallon Raised Garden Bed with Self Watering Planter Box and Drainage Plug-Perfect for Growing Fresh Vegetables, Flowers and Herbs, Graphite

• DIMENSIONS: 44. 9 in. W x 19. 4 in. D x 29. 8 in....
• WATER GAUGE: Easy to read water gauge indicates...
• EASY DRAINAGE: Simple drainage system that can be...
• WATER RESERVOIR: Full watering system includes a...
• EASY ASSEMBLY: Simple assembly with easy-to-follow...

Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It’s one of the most elegant and innovative designs to come about and is a great medium for growing your crops in. It looks quite attractive, has a slew of super-useful features, and is an ideal system for growing plants in the garden, or anywhere!

The Keter Easy Grow is easy to work with, either sitting or standing, and will certainly be a solid asset to your garden.

[Read more…] about Elevated Raised Garden Beds: Give Your Back a Break!

Polycarbonate Greenhouses enable gardeners to start the growing season early and to extend it past normal times, into the early winter. There is nothing quite like growing your own vegetables, especially when so many health concerns are rising up from pesticides and fertilizers. Having your own greenhouse allows you to get active, to manage your plants in a controlled environment, and to potentially even save some money in the long run as you will have to make fewer trips to the supermarket.

[Read more…] about Best Polycarbonate Greenhouses! Information and Kit Reviews