Why wont anything grow in this barrel ?

Where is it sited? North - south - East - West? Near the sea? Take the answers to these questions down to Garden or Plant Centre, ask for advise on what to plant. Just had a thought, have you by chance used a Tar Wash on it? as that could burn plant material if it comes in contact.........

How is the drainage? Is water able to get out of the barrel ? Is it in full sun and the plants are baked?

I’ve no idea. Too much water from the roof or did the barrel once hold something nasty to plants. Wood leaches moisture and oils.

You can experiment by filling the bad guy with an assortment of potted plants. That should hint you as to whether it’s the location or the lining of the barrel itself.

Find out what the barrel originally stored, if anything. Some barrels are treated with chemicals and/or oily coating that could leach into the soil. Does it have good drainage? Sometimes less soil is more! These are a few ideas to get you thinking. Good Luck!!!

Good answer from jcraw, rule out, rule in! At least you will have an idea whether it is the barrel or something else.

Maybe line with plastic and either fill with some rocks to drain and/or poke holes in the bottom of the plastic.

Hello. It could depend on what you’ve got planted in the barrel, too. If you have a plant in there that requires 14 hours of sunlight and you have your barrel placed in the shade, your plant will not flourish. Also, your plant, like any plant, requires appropriate drainage. Check on that as well. Good luck!