Ever considered setting up a small self‑sustaining garden with a rain barrel and compost bin? I think it could be a neat project for us.

First, pick a barrel that holds at least 500 liters—big enough for several months of rain but small enough to move around if you need to. Attach a spigot near the bottom, a screen filter, and a simple overflow pipe that directs excess water to a drainage ditch or garden beds. For compost, a 1.5‑meter high bin with good ventilation is ideal. Layer greens and browns, keep it moist but not soggy, and turn it every few weeks. That’s the basic framework; we can tweak the details once we see how much rain we actually get.

Great, just make sure the barrel sits on a level surface; a slight slope will help gravity feed the spigot. Put the screen at the opening so no leaves get stuck. For the bin, line the bottom with a tarp to keep moisture out of the frame, then start with a layer of dry leaves, a few chunks of carrot tops, and a handful of kitchen scraps. Rotate it every week so oxygen gets in. We’ll see how quickly the soil turns into that “garden magic” you’re hoping for.