I had a drip system but every time I replanted I had to change the water system again. To much trouble so I just hand water again. The only time it is a problem is when we want to go away for a few days. But that's when I call upon local friends and neighbors that I gave plants to to come over a do a little watering for me. Most do it willingly because they want to see how they are doing compared to my garden. I let them sample while they water too!
I use the 3 cubic ft bags of Kellogg's Garden Soil (white bag with red stripes) for mulch. It's fairly course with a lot of forest stuff in it.
