Re: CULT: trickle irrigation

In a message dated 10/5/2007 10:21:03 A.M. Central Daylight Time,  
lmann@lock-net.com writes:

<<Betty, how deep do you bury your hoses? & how often/long do  you leave them 
running in this kind of heat and  drought?>>



When I first started with the soaker hoses I buried them between the  rows 
and deep enough to release the water down at the root zone.  I  changed my 
approach after cutting a couple of hoses to shreds.  I patch  with duct tape and it 
really isn't a good option.
 
Now, I lay them on top of the ground so I can see what I'm doing.  I  can 
still get careless, but it doesn't happen as often or easily.  The  round 
"weeping" soaker hoses, which I prefer, puts the water down in a band that  shows 
about 8 inches on either side of the hose.  Since it emits water  slowly, it also 
soaks down into the soil.  I've not done a cross section of  soil to see how 
far it soaks.
 
I set the pressure pretty low (as advised) and let it run for an hour to  two 
hours, depending on the situation.    With regular watering  an hour seems 
sufficient.  I usually water several rows at a time,  and I rotate the hoses 
letting each one run for 1 hour and repeating if  needed.  I usually soak a new 
bed for a couple of hours, but in intervals,  letting it sit for a few hours to 
a day between soakings.  Much  is determined by how they look.    
 
In digging situations, an hour on the soaker hose usually provides enough  
moisture to dig for three-five days, even with the summer like 2007.  
 
Yesterdays temperature was low of 65 and high of 85.  We're getting  back to 
the 90's over the weekend.  
 
Hard freeze ruined all stalks on Oct 15 last year.  Local weather  people say 
this is the hottest October since back in the 1960's.  
 
Current rebloom on FEED BACK & another stalk is showing color on  RETURNING 
CHAMELEON.  Both in semi protected areas.  Wish I had a  local show!  This RC 
has an awesome stalk!  <vbg>  

 
________________________________________________________
Betty W.  in South-central KY Zone 6 ---If you don't cross them, you can't 
plant them!  
Bridge In Time Iris Garden@website:
Some seedlings planted and some still  in the pots! 
_www.thegardensite.com/irises/bridgeintime/_ 
(http://www.thegardensite.com/irises/bridgeintime/) 
_Reblooming Iris - Home Page_ (http://www.rebloomingiris.com/)  
_iris-photos archives_ (http://www.hort.net/lists/iris-photos/)  
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