I use an old plastic bin with the lid upside down to collect water for blueberry bushes, it's surprising how quickly the lid fills with rain water after a good down pour and then dunk a watering can in, each time the pots want watering. .
Don't worry Hostafan, I won't do anything without checking first.
Zoomer44, I am intrigued by your bin idea. Do you have a hole in the bin lid, to let water filter down into the bin? or do you just collect water in the lid? I was considering trying a bin with the lid unturned and maybe using some mesh over the whole to stop things falling inside.
If you are using old blue plastic chemical containers, they have one or two plug holes in the lid. Cut the lid off just below the rim and turn it over. Remove the plug, place the lid on the container and it will fill. You don't need to cover it with anything as the plug hole is slightly high so only water goes in.
When the container is full you can just replace the plug in the plug-hole. If the water is always covered the water will stay clear and sweet from year to year.
I just collect water in the lid but I get what Welshonion is saying. There is a raised ridge in the lid which you could easily drill holes in and only water would seep into the bin.
When the bins full just put the lid on the right way and then there's no over flow.
I bought myself a large black plastic bin today. I've upturned the lid on top and drilled a few holes near the top, so any muck will stay in the lid and I can tip it out. It's a bit of an experiment but much cheaper than a water butt for the time being. Thanks for all your help.,
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I use an old plastic bin with the lid upside down to collect water for blueberry bushes, it's surprising how quickly the lid fills with rain water after a good down pour and then dunk a watering can in, each time the pots want watering. .
Don't worry Hostafan, I won't do anything without checking first.
Zoomer44, I am intrigued by your bin idea. Do you have a hole in the bin lid, to let water filter down into the bin? or do you just collect water in the lid? I was considering trying a bin with the lid unturned and maybe using some mesh over the whole to stop things falling inside.
If you are using old blue plastic chemical containers, they have one or two plug holes in the lid. Cut the lid off just below the rim and turn it over. Remove the plug, place the lid on the container and it will fill. You don't need to cover it with anything as the plug hole is slightly high so only water goes in.
When the container is full you can just replace the plug in the plug-hole. If the water is always covered the water will stay clear and sweet from year to year.
I just collect water in the lid but I get what Welshonion is saying. There is a raised ridge in the lid which you could easily drill holes in and only water would seep into the bin.
When the bins full just put the lid on the right way and then there's no over flow.
I bought myself a large black plastic bin today. I've upturned the lid on top and drilled a few holes near the top, so any muck will stay in the lid and I can tip it out. It's a bit of an experiment but much cheaper than a water butt for the time being.
Thanks for all your help.,
Though you might like a mini update. The bin/waterbutt is working and collecting water.
Well - there's plenty of it about at the moment MM
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Glad to help