The first problem faced is lack of sufficient drainage. Drilling several quarter- to half-inch holes around the bottom will alleviate this problem. If you opt for the smaller measurement, drill more holes. If you make them too big, soil will leak out. The holes can either be in the bottom of the barrel or about one inch above the bottom edge on the sides. Using a power drill will make this step easy.
Next, decide where the garden will sit during the growing season. If you are in a cold climate, you must also plan to protect it during the winter. Moving a whiskey barrel full of soil can be a difficult task for even the able-bodied gardener! Mounting wheels on the barrel itself or making a flat, wheeled cart will solve the problem. To prevent the barrel from rolling about while you work, use bricks on either side of the wheels to hold them steady — anchoring two wheels this way should be sufficient.
The final decision about location will determine the type of plants you can grow. The amount of sunlight your garden will receive determines the plants you can grow. The plants you grow determines the type soil you need for your garden. The combination of plants and soil will determine what arrangements you need for watering the garden.
Let's look at two examples this week: a shady garden with moisture loving plants and a sunny garden with drought-tolerant plants. A shady gardens with moisture loving plants will require a soil that is rich in humus so it holds moisture yet drains freely. A combination of topsoil mixed with vermicullite or perlite to improve the drainage and some peat to improve water retention should satisfy these plants. It should be located fairly close to the house where the water faucet is or at least within hose distance. If this barrel is to be in the full sun, selecting drought-tolerant plants is your better option. You will still need to provide a freely draining soil but do not need to be as concerned with the amount of humus in the soil mixture. Don't be afraid to ask for help in moving the quantities of soil necessary for this garden. Once it is in place, you shouldn't have to refill it for years.
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