Sprinklers, Misters, and Soaker Hoses: For Hands-Off Watering

What sprinklers, misters, and soaker hoses have in common is that they apply a predictable amount of water to a prescribed area in a given amount of time. That, and they save you time. Sprinklers are the most common of the three, but there are good reasons for the increasing popularity of misting systems and soaker hoses. Sprinklers are very effective at delivering a good drenching, making them excellent for starting new lawns, getting new garden beds off to a healthy start and such. But lots of water is lost to evaporation with sprinklers, and in many parts of the country, concern about the increasing demand on the water supply has heightened particularly with drought conditions having become more common. Overhead watering also increases the danger of fungal diseases with many shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. Misting systems and soaker hoses, on the other hand deliver water where it’s needed, at plants’ “feet,” reducing both the amount of evaporative loss and the risk of fungal disease. Still, there’s nothing like a sprinkler for establishing new garden beds or lawns.

Automatic Water Timer: Convenience

The next step up in terms of convenience and efficiency (you can be on vacation in another country while your garden is getting watered, after all) is a sprinkler or mister system on a faucet-mounted timer. Timers vary in cost and complexity, from simple, inexpensive mechanical timers that work like kitchen timers to sophisticated electronic timers that can be programmed differently for every day of the week and that will turn the water on and off several times each day. But more in terms of features or functions is not necessarily better; it’s all a matter of personal preference and habits.

For someone who’s going to be around while a sprinkler is running, a simple, mechanical timer is generally more than adequate and will perform one of a timer’s most important functions. It will free you from having to remember that the system is on, eliminating the possibility of running your well dry or flooding your garden. But if you’re juggling work, shopping, cooking, kids’ activities, and, oh yes, gardening, or if you’re ever planning on taking a summer vacation – then a timer you can program would seem to be a better bargain.

Source: www.plowheart.com

Start With The Basics: A Good Watering Can

A good-quality, large-capacity watering can will take care of all your watering needs. Make sure it holds at least 6 qt., but no more than 12 qt., or it will be too heavy to carry comfortably. Also, it should be made of either heavy-gauge, UV-resistant plastic or galvanized or enameled steel. Finally, it should be well balanced and have a removable rose (the perforated spout), so that you can use the can without the rose if need be.

Hose and Wand: A Dynamic Duo

For all gardens, although a watering can be essential, it is not the primary water-delivery system. Rather, that’s the role of the hose and watering wand, the everyday workhorse combo that makes keeping even a large garden watered a manageable task. A good-quality hose is a lifetime investment, or nearly so, so don’t skimp. It should be non-kinking, at least 5/8 in. in diameter, with brass fittings and a rubber washer so it doesn’t leak at the faucet end.

A watering wand consists of three basic parts: an on-off valve, an extension tube, and a breaker that converts a steady stream of water into a gentler pattern of droplets much like a watering can’s rose does. A good wand will either have a sturdy brass on-off valve or a locking plastic valve, as well as a removable breaker, so it can be cleaned of water-borne sediment, which will tend to clog the breaker over time.

Keep It Neat (Or Simply Let it Lie Around)

Some gardeners can’t bear seeing a hose snaking across the lawn, so a reel or hose bowl in which the hose can live when it’s not in use may be a perfect solution. For others the very idea of having to drag a hose in and out every day will seem absurd, the hose is just one more fixture of summer in the garden, happily and unselfconsciously hanging out with the watering can, spade, fork, trowel, hoe, and wheelbarrow.

Sources:

• www.gardeners.com
• www.plowheart.com