[chili]

due to the lack of rain recently the water that is left in my water butt is begining to pong abit, it has leaves etc and other foliage in it. question:- should i tip it on compost heap and renew, or leave it and use it?

ta

oh we have a mains supply on site

[cooperman]

not a problem - put a nosepeg on!

I have a 100ltr small butt which I fill up with nettles and water and it pongs to high heaven but the result is liquid gold feed.  I use a ex-BIG wheelie bin as a secondary water butt, as the bottom of my plot is about 60/70 foot from the tank..... Wheelie bins make excellent water butts!!

[Salmo]

Once a tank goes like this it is best to tip it out and start again.

[Trillium]

Nettles and comfrey are one thing, but tree leaves add nothing but smell and potential fungus. Dump it.

[tode]

The water in your butt will stay fresh for longer if you keep it well covered.

[chili]

many thanks for the heads up

[JayG]

Best to use the original butt lid if it has one as this will stop mozzies from breeding as well as preventing leaves from getting in (a small hole no larger than necessary lets the rainfall downpipe in).

Failing that, stretching some plastic netting or chicken wire over the top will help.