If you spent any amount of time outdoors this summer, you probably experienced drought conditions or drought-related problems. Many municipalities mandated water rationing or restrictions, making it difficult to pamper a garden the way it needed to be. Smart gardeners have turned to a simple, once common home gadget to help them save their gardens: the rain barrel.

Humble rain barrel back in vogue

A decade ago rain barrel use was not common. Americans didn't consider the need for water conservation; water shortages just were not a problem. Today they're springing up in backyards across the country. Many homeowners don't even know how a rain barrel works, but they're purchasing them. Some gardeners envision using their rain barrel with a hose as in the catalog photos, but they may be sadly disappointed.

Using a hose

You can use a hose with a rain barrel, however, there are very specific ways to do so. First, the rain barrel pushes water through with the force of gravity, so your source of water needs to be elevated to get water to flow through the hose. If you’re planning on watering a garden that is at a lower elevation than your barrel, a hose will work. The speed and flow of water will depend on the amount of pressure you have on the water in the barrel. The more water in the barrel, the heavier and more pressure you’ll have; the same for the amount of elevation. For many gardeners the slope of the yard is just not enough to force the water through the hose successfully.

Pump it up

Many gardeners install a simple pump on their rain barrels to afford it pressure on demand. With a pump a rain barrel does not have to rely on gravity to push the water through so you don’t have to elevate to get the water running. Pumps are easy to install and very reasonable. If you plan to use your barrel for more than just filling the watering can a few times, a rain barrel pump is a good solution. They make using a hose on a rain barrel much easier.

Use a rain barrel stand

Another way to increase the force of gravity is to set your rain barrel on a rain barrel stand, specially made for your specific barrel. Since most rain barrel designs require the spigot to be at the bottom of the barrel for maximum pressure, it’s often difficult or awkward to place a watering can under it. Setting the barrel on a stand allows you more room to maneuver under the spigot. Special note: Do position your water barrel securely on the stand before you fill it. A full barrel of water can weigh up to 450 lbs. and you won't want to move that.

Be creative

Some enterprising gardeners build lofts to house their rain barrels a few feet above the ground to insure proper pressure for their rain barrels. While this plan does work, not everyone has the room for such a design.

Research before you buy

Rain barrels are an excellent way to save gardens during a drought, to save resources and a little money! Rain water is much preferred by plants and you have to admit the price is more attractive than municipal water. Just learn all the facts about rain barrel usage before you buy so you won't be disappointed. . If you plan correctly, you can use a hose with your rain barrel.

Just know the laws of gravity are very, very strict!