Hand watering is fun for gardeners, if you are around to get the job done. Here are some Watering Systems to help solve your problems and provide additional support.
Shrubblers
- Used more commonly for pots and outside plants these nozzles work best when you have a row of similar plants or pots. The shrubblers are on a flexible line poked into a rigid tube. One nozzle is directed at each plant. The water flow for each nozzle can be adjusted to allow more flow as the plants grow or as temperatures rise. A timer can be added to make sure plants are watered in the morning when it does the best.
Soaker Hose
- Made from recycled rubber, these ½” (1 cm) wide lines are placed along the length of the row. Water seeps out into the soil and the hose can be looped back and forth to easily water-wide beds. This system works best where you won't even moisture throughout the bed, especially where planting designs change every year. Remember to set a timer to water in the early hours and to control the volume.
Self-Watering Beds and Pots
- Permaculture specialists build entire planting beds, called wicking beds, with sub-irrigated watering. This keeps the soil evenly moist and watered from a reservoir below. BC Greenhouse Builders sells LifeSpace self-watering garden beds that give you the luxury of not watering most plants for almost three weeks! Great for vacations to ensure your plants are taken care of.
