Viewing post #395732 by RickCorey

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Apr 24, 2013 2:52 PM CST
Name: Rick Corey
Everett WA 98204 (Zone 8a)
Sunset Zone 5. Koppen Csb. Eco 2f
Frugal Gardener Garden Procrastinator I helped beta test the first seed swap Plant and/or Seed Trader Seed Starter Region: Pacific Northwest
Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Avid Green Pages Reviewer Garden Ideas: Master Level Garden Sages I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! I helped plan and beta test the plant database.
Sometimes I used carry an empty pot with many SMALL holes in the bottom. Then I could water directly from a gallon jug or hose-end by holding the pot low to the ground, and pouring water into the pot.

The pots broke the force of the water, and the holes in the pot acted like a very fast, coarse watering rose. It reduced the splashing and soil disturbance.

Then I realized that what I really wanted was a spigot next to each bed. It turned out to be inexpensive.

I bought some lengths of 1/2" and 3/4" irrigation tubing ("mainline"). I ran them from my spigot all around my yard, then installed male-hose-thread end fittings and Tees.

You can find 1/2" mainline for $14 per 100 feet, and 1/2" tubing will give you up to 240 GPH (4 gallons per minute). I got 1/2" end fittings and Tees from Dripworks for around $1 to $1.50 each.

Then I screwed "Y" hose fittings with two valves onto some of the male-hose-thread ends and Tees. (It's nice to have shut-off valves right next to the zone you're watering!) Plastic ones cost $2 but metal Ys with valves are nicer.

Then I cut up my old, long hoses into 2-4 short lengths. I added "hose repair" fittings onto the cut ends. That turned two long, dragging, kinking nuisances into 6 short, handy hoses each with a watering wand or hand sprayer. I splurged on brass hose repair fittings, but plastic or nylon ones can be found for $1.50.

Then I screwed those SHORT lengths of garden hose onto each of the hose thread ends of the irrigation "mainline network". Now I have a spigot and a hose right next to almost every bed!

And when I want to add a dripline or a sprayer or sprinkler, I have irrigation mainline somewhere nearby.

It was overkill, but I like gadgets.


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