At 8,600 ft in Colorado, my 55-gal rain barrel used to freeze solid in winter and turn green by summer. Garden died, I got mad.
One weekend, $250 in parts, zero pumps — now it gravity-drips my entire garden all season, stays ice-free at -25 °F, and never grows algae.
Here’s exactly what I used (Amazon links, prices current 6:18 AM MST, Nov 11, 2025). Click and copy the build.
Amazon Parts List
| Item | Why It Works | Amazon Link | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-gal Food-Grade Barrel | Holds weeks of water, food-safe | https://amzn.to/3LGRWVn | $40 |
| 100W Stock Tank De-Icer | Auto-keeps open down to -30 °F | https://amzn.to/3JSRGC2 | $35 |
| 2″ XPS Foam Sheet | DIY jacket — 80% less heat loss | https://amzn.to/47yEqvA | $30 |
| ½” Black Poly Tubing (100 ft) | Algae-proof, buries under mulch | https://amzn.to/47ChH1G | $25 |
| 100-Mesh Disc Filter | Stops clogs at the source | https://amzn.to/3JwYcP0 | $20 |
| PVC Flush/Boiler Drain | 30-sec monthly flush | https://amzn.to/497I40F | $10 |
| Misc Fittings + Heat Tape | Connectors + optional line warmer | Various | $90 |
Total: ~$250
How It Works
- Barrel on 4 ft stand → manifold at base
- ½” black poly → buried 6–8″ under mulch → drip emitters across garden
- De-icer + foam jacket = liquid all winter
- Copper penny in barrel + black lines = zero algae
Daily: Gravity does the work. Open flush valve monthly.
Maintenance (2 Min/Year)
- Spring: Clean, drop in pre-’82 penny
- Monthly: Flush 30 sec
- Fall: Insulate, plug de-icer
- Winter: Nothing — it just works
Garden stays watered through blizzards. No hauling, no slime, no busted pipes.