Rain barrel question

Discussion in 'Gardening' started by Bob Barker, May 29, 2015.

  1. #1 Bob Barker, May 29, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: May 29, 2015
    I can get free 55 gallon barrels from a local prison dairy, yes a prison dairy. These barrels had cow utter disinfectant in them so I think they would be safe to water my garden with. The barrel label says Suchlor. I just washed the barrels out in my ''good jeans'' and found out the liquid is a heavy bleaching agent. I read the warning labels(which are a little scary) and I think they would be ok to use after a good rinse but I would like more opinions. 
     
    http://www.drugs.com/vet/surchlor.html
     
     
    Click the picture to make it bigger
     
    [​IMG]

     
  2. A thurough wash with soap and water and you should be all good. I'd do it. You could always try it out on one plant first, but I think you'll be fine.
     
  3. A word to the wise, darken drums exterior or you'll end up with an algae generator. Another trick is apply one strip of painters tape, top to
     
    bottom, spray paint with one of the new spray paints suitable for plastic surfaces. after painting remove tape, instant sight glass to check
     
    levels in barrel. I'm on the 3rd season with this method and no algae. I only disconnect the supply feed and drain the barrel for winter
     
    storage.
     
  4. Thanks for the tips. My plan is to have the prison make covers for them. The prisoners make big pillows out of old prison coats(carhart material). 
     
  5. Contracting work through the prison, amazing. The local for profit prison here is laying off 100 employees because they lost their federal contract.
     
  6. #6 Bob Barker, May 31, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: May 31, 2015
    The prison near me sells organic water buffalo at $4lb and all types of stuff. They use to sell tilapia but they now sell it all to whole foods(labled on package). The prison work program is a double edge sword. I'm sure it helps kick start good work habits but it is slave labor.
     
    Side note I went to anouther local dairy farm and scored another source for barrel's. While I was at home depot there was a lady buying stuff for rain barrel's but she didnt have the barrel yet. I hooked her up with a free barrel for good karma.
     
  7. America is the second largest slave labour state in the world. Only behind China. Over 90% of American made goods come from prison labour. Fuck prison labour. Its all about profit. When Americans could be making these items or farming these crops corps would rather not pay American a reasonable wage because they can just pay prisoners 1$ a day to do the same job. Fuck the prison system. Fuck the state. Vacatethestate Vacatethevote fuck AnCaps.
    As for the barrels you should be fine. Like previously stated try it out on a single plant if no stress shows withing a week call it A-OK.
     
  8. if its from the prison it will not work. jk. i have a 55 gallon setup under my garage gutter. hard to beat rain water supply
     
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