This is the second one I've had. The original eventually rotted through. When I went to replace it, I found that most places have small, fake "half-barrel" planters but fewer have genuine half-barrels. It's worth getting a real one, which is bigger and much sturdier. It'll last quite a while.

Just make sure that it has all the slats and none of them are broken. It's okay if they're loose at first. When you get home, put them in approximate order and spray with water. The wood will start to swell. Continue until you've got the slats and bands where you want them and everything is reasonably snug. Then fill it with water and let it sit overnight so everything is locked in. Next day, dump out the water, put the barrel where you want it -- mine is up on concrete blocks -- and fill it. Put some rocks or sticks in the bottom for drainage, especially if it doesn't have drain holes. But there's usually a bunghole or knothole somewhere even if nothing is drilled. Potting soil is the best filler, but you can fill about the bottom half with compost for better feeding.