I had some that I cut down to 32" - planted potatoes in them. Four foot may be to tall but then again - more potatoes.

Rain Barrel

Grey water system.
You would run the washer machine water into the top of the barrel. From there the water will slowly drain out of the bottom into a hose and into the garden. The barrel is important to slow down the water enough so hot water will not go directly from the washer into the garden and burn your babies.
Never ever store grey water! You want the water flowing into and out of that barrel. You are simply slowing the water down to allow for cooling.
Mike

Up on a stand, plus a spiggot - and a lid - make your own liquid fertiliser.

My husband brought some home for work. We cut one in half, take the end off so it's just an open cylindar and use it for a compost bin. I toss compost all year, add some water when dry. Next spring, lift it up and presto!! Black earth! - Ellen

Thanks for all the great ideas. I really liked the compost bin suggestion. What I'd like to know Turtle is, do I really need to cut it in half? Will it still work if it is not in direct contact with the ground? There is now way I cut cut it and I'd really like to start composting. Thanks again.

Poke holes. That's all you really need.
It lets oxygen in and worms in. It lets excess water out. You can put it over a tree you like, so it will get the good fertile water out of it. You can also go search for a BIG plant saucer that will fit in the top easily; poke some holes in it and stick dirt in it and some small plants. Then the top is covered (fewer flies, other compost nasties) and it will look better. Strawberries would be good, or perhaps sweet potato vine.

cut it off about a 10 inches high and use it for a bog or small water plants. leave it taller to plant water plants that require a greater depth... such as water lillies.

sue
"The one thing all gardeners share in common is a belief in tomorrow"