We do a lot of gardening in our family- we have a large vegetable garden, plus separate beds for pumpkins, rhubarb, asparagus, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. This can make for a lot of watering needs, especially when you add in all of our other planting areas. Having a larger sized yard makes it kind of hard to get hoses that will reach the span of the yard, so often times, we are out watering by hand- and our kids love helping too, so they frequently water along with us. Last year, my husband made a rain barrel from an old container, but it was very leaky and not meant to be used for multiple years.
This year, we turned to Step2 so we could try their 40 gallon Rain Barrel-I was immediately drawn to the muted color and design of the barrel- while nothing is truly going to stop a barrel from looking like a barrel, the faux-rock appearance certainly does blend far better with the outdoors than the bright blue barrel we had rigged up last year (and cannot find a photo of. It worked but it was not pretty at all).
Natural stone look compliments landscaping. Made in USA of US and imported parts. Accessories made in China.
- Secure lid provides protection from mosquitoes and can be used as a planter
- Spigot accommodates a standard garden hose
- Comes with a diverter that attaches to your down spout
- Included diverter prevents barrel overflow and directs water back down the downspout
- Minimal assembly required
This barrel was so simple to assemble. 15 minutes at most, and that’s largely in part to my father in law “helping” me to assemble. It really was a breeze and I think anyone could handle it solo- even folks who aren’t used to assembling things (I’ve had 7 years experience assembling toys and baby gear, I feel like I could assemble a lot at this point!). A few pieces to place and secure, and voila! Done, ready to go! The spigot accomodates any garden hose of standard size, so I didn’t have to think or worry about connector pieces.
I did have to worry about where to put this- we have an equal need and spot for one in both our front and backyard. For now, the back won, but I think I’ll be ordering a second rain barrel for the front. I love the look, the color and design, and having the ability to capture rain water to use to water plants instead of using our well water makes me one happy mama (I’d be over the moon if we were on city water and I could collect rain water that I didn’t have to pay for!)
I love this rain barrel. Everything about it- although we have not been able to use the top for a planter- it just collects water and mosquitos breed on top. We found a super simple solution and drained a few tiny holes in the lid, so that water can drip down into the barrel. The kids LOVE having access to get water for the sandbox or whatever they are doing (I think yesterday they were making a pool for the yard fairies to swim in) and to help us water. I love not having to turn the hose on.
The diverter feature on this barrel means you don’t have to worry about the barrel overflowing- which would happen frequently with the weather we’re having here in CT this year- days on end of heavy rain…then nothing for weeks…but the diverter means no risk of overflow.
I want to take a moment to talk about the lid. I know my husband and I get concerned about having things like this on our property- can the kids open it? Could the unthinkable possibly happen? But honestly, this lid fits on TIGHTLY. It would take a little kid a serious amount of force to get the lid off- so that reassures us. We don’t leave the kids unattended much if at all but there are always those times that someone needs an ice pack…or to use the bathroom…and the kids are out there. I like the peace of mind knowing the kids aren’t going to be able to open a 40 gallon barrel full of water!
The Step2 Rain Barrel retails for about $89.99 and ships for $4.99. It comes in 2 boxes- the lid ships separately. The kids made the box from the barrel into a puppet theater.
I was provided a sample of the rain barrel as part of my Step2 Test Drive Mom Ambassadorship. Opinions are my own.
Bonnie says
I want a rain Barrell now!:)
Bekah Kuczenski says
I had no idea step2 made rain barrels, I have been looking to buy one!!
Karen Glatt says
I think that these rain barrels are so neat! This container saves the rain water and then you can use it for your yard or the garden! That saves so much water!
Tiffany says
I love the look of this one! Very different, and in a good way!
Jai says
I’ve been thinking about getting or making a rain barrel lately. Maybe I don’t get out much but this is the first rain barrel I’ve seen that didn’t look like just a barrel on the side of the house. It looks quite nice!
queenb says
That’s why we liked it!!
Tricia Nightowlmama says
I love this concept and any other year it would be fabulous!!! wish it made rain that would be cool
Wendy O. says
Getting a rain barrel is on our “to do” list, but we’ve been so busy this summer we haven’t had a chance to get to it. Considering we’re in the middle of a big drought, it’s not like we’re missing out on any rain anyway, but I’m hoping to have one in place this fall! Thanks for the review!
Shell Fruscione says
For a barrel, that’s actually really good looking! At the very least, it’s not an eyesore, which is more than I can say about the stuff in my backyard.
Stefani says
I so want one of these for my front yard!
Jan Messali says
We have two rain barrels, one on each side of the house. Even in southern CA where we don’t get a lot of rain, they provide plenty for my gardens. I absolutely love them!
Christina says
I want a rain barrel so bad! And I love the look of this one from Step2! Thanks so much for sharing, I am going to have to make a note and check them out more.
Jen says
That’s really cool. I bet something like that would help us with our issue of too much rain coming down at once and washing away the mulch. I had no idea Step 2 made things like this.
Tesa says
That is really neat! I’ve always thought about getting a rain barrel. I’m glad to hear you liked it enough to get another. I’ll have to look into this.
Nichol says
This looks wonderful. I too love that you addressed the lid and how it fits on tight. I’m a crazy mom when it comes to water so that is nice to know!
Ashley - Embracing Beauty says
My only concerns with these were the gathering of mosquitoes and the safety issue with the kids. I have never seen such an awesome one. Thank you for sharing your review. I’m going to try to talk my husband into getting one!
Emily says
Great tips. For something you will get a lot of use out of, it does seem worth the money!
Beeb Ashcroft says
That’s awesome, rain barrels are a great thing! And thanks for mentioning the safety aspect, too.
JulieK says
my hubby would LOVE this (and me too as I am discouraging him from the “big blue barrel” look in our yard! LOL).
Liz says
It’s really good that you mentioned your safety concerns and how tightly the lid fits. I know that’s reassuring to all parents!
Love that the kids can get a little water for their outdoor play adventures from there. Fun!
Roxanne D. says
I would LOVE to have one of these. I had no idea Step2 made them, but that is very good to know! I’m hoping my husband will get one very soon.
Gayle P says
Thanks for the review. We are looking to get a rain barrel to put next to the shed and garden.