So far these are really great, holds more and looks much better than a 50 gal. drum. I don't know that I would plant in the top if you're direct routing a downspout to it (which is what I did) heavy downpours would more than likely wash the dirt out, might be ok with a diverter. I plan to put water plants in mine and throw a mosquito dunk in them. Also plan to have some type of water diverter at the base of the barrel to keep runoff from eroding the soil. I found out the hard way, had it all perfectly leveled on concrete blocks and all the excess water that the barrel couldn't keep up with eroded under the blocks and I had to drain the barrel (which took the most time) and do it all over again! (luckily I had extra garbage cans I don't use so I didn't have to waste any of the precious water :) I used a grooved piece of vinyl siding I had laying around so it could be "tucked" under base of the main barrel. It works for now until I can figure out something more aesthetic to use. You may also want to remove the debris screen and cut the opening bigger to allow for more water to get in then reinstall the screen. As soon as I know the main barrel is no longer going to shift, I'm going to make some type of screen to cover the ugly blocks.
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