Rain Barrels & Stormwater Management
Using rain barrels and implementing other landscaping practices to manage the rain water that falls on your property can make a big difference to your lawn & garden and the health of our waterways. To learn more about these landscaping practices, Virginia Cooperative Extension has put together 6 guides for homeowners:
-Rooftop Redirection - Rain Barrels - Permeable Pavement - Grass Swales - Buffers - Rain Gardens
Make Your Own Rain Barrel!
VBMG Water Stewards Rain Barrel Workshops
March 14, 2026
April 11, 2026
May 9, 2026
June 20, 2026
July 11, 2026
August 8, 2026
September 5, 2026
October 17, 2026
Join the Virginia Beach Master Gardener Water Stewards to construct a 55-gallon sealed rain barrel. Each barrel is $85 and includes a diverter kit for installation on an existing down spout. At the workshop, additional barrels will be available to purchase. Note: Due to processing fees, any refunds on orders will be $75.
Family Friendly / Registration Required
Monthly / Saturday / 9am
Virginia Beach Farmers Market
3640 Dam Neck Rd.
If you have any questions, or if you have already attended a workshop and would like to purchase an additional barrel or would like to order a Barrel Linking Kit, please email: terribelkov@gmail.com with your request. Please include a phone number.
You can paint your Rain Barrel before installing
Tips for Painting Your Rain Barrel: • If there are any scratches on your barrel, lightly sand smooth with a fine grain sand paper. • Thoroughly clean your barrel with household cleanser. • Wipe your barrel with rubbing alcohol to remove any residual cleanser. • Tape over any parts of the barrel that you do not want to paint – the spigot, drain fitting, etc. • If you are painting a background color, you are now ready to apply it. We recommend using a paint and primer spray paint that also bonds to plastic. Spray the area you wish to cover in light sweeps following the directions on the can. Allow to thoroughly dry for recommended time. • You are now ready to begin your decorative painting. We recommend any acrylic paint; using a brush or paint pens. Work in small areas at a time so you do not rub up against wet paint. Allow area to dry and then proceed to another area. • When you are finished with your masterpiece and it is dry you should apply a protective covering. We recommend an ultra-cover clear spray paint that also bonds to plastic. Gloss or matte both work fine. Spray the area you wish to cover in light sweeps following the directions on the can. Allow to thoroughly dry for recommended time. • Remove any protective tape and install your barrel.
Join the Virginia Beach Master Gardener Water Stewards to construct a 55-gallon sealed rain barrel. Each barrel is $85 and includes a diverter kit for installation on an existing down spout. At the workshop, additional barrels will be available to purchase. Note: Due to processing fees, any refunds on orders will be $75.
Family Friendly / Registration Required
Monthly / Saturday / 9am
Virginia Beach Farmers Market
3640 Dam Neck Rd.
If you have any questions, or if you have already attended a workshop and would like to purchase an additional barrel or would like to order a Barrel Linking Kit, please email: terribelkov@gmail.com with your request.
Please include a phone number.