Irrigation for the new bed

New Bed front

New Bed front

We put in a new bed.  So far it has potatoes (the things with the flowers) and a few newly sprouted beans in the back.        

 

New Bed back
New Bed back

It is self-evident that I suck at watering.  So watering systems are necessary, and since I’m a penny-pincher, I don’t like to spend too much.  This is how I did it:   The long green hose is water supply.  It loops around the bed support to keep it upright against gravity, because that would kink it, and to keep it from ripping out of its fittings when gardening clogs trip on it.    

The water flows into the 4-way splitter, which is currently feeding only 2 things: a curly hose + watering wand, and a watering timer.  The 2 empty slots are angled out over the bed, so if those taps are opened accidentally the water won’t be wasted on a walkway.
 
From the timer, the water flows into a 2-way splitter which is connected to both sides of a drip irrigation hose.  This allows for even water pressure all the way along the length of the drip hose’s run.  The timer is set to go off ever 12 hours until the bean seeds are all sprouted, then we’ll drop it back to ever 24 hours, then every other day.  This will drive the roots of the plants deep so they keep looking for moisture and therefore become stronger, more robust and have access to more nutrients.   
Irrigation setup
Irrigation setup

The supply hose was $45, 2 AA batters were $1 , the 4-way splitter $16, the 2-way was $10, the drip hose was $32 the curly hose was $38 and the watering wand was $22.  So for $164 I never have to worry about watering that bed, have made a new watering station at the other end of the garden, and everyone is much happier.   

Fun Fact: there are begonias and orchids under the lemon tree in back.  It’ll be much easier to water them with this setup!        

July 9, 2012 · admin · 4 Comments
Tags:  Â· Posted in: News

4 Responses

  1. WoodsWoman - July 9, 2012

    That is one beautiful garden! Will you post pictures of the orchids and begonias?

  2. admin - July 9, 2012

    Awww, WW, thank you. Today I’m a lazy gardener and watching regrettable TV while uploading some long-overdue pics is about all I’m up for right now. I’ll get to it next time I remember, ok?

  3. WoodsWoman - July 9, 2012

    No hurries – you tweaked my curiosity with your Fun Fact. *laugh* Take your time.

  4. admin - July 10, 2012

    Got it! There’s only one set of orchid flowers and the begonias are sulking in this on again, off again weather, but they are full of hope. :)

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