How deep to place a soaker hose - Knowledgebase Question

Fruits and Vegetables
Dallas, TX (Zone 8A)
Question by rosebooboo
February 9, 2007
I'm changing my vegetable garden watering strategy and want to set up a soaker hose watering system. A neighbor does the same by covering his with an inch of mulch and watering every other day for 2 hrs. and usually ends up with a nice crop. I want to make a raised bed, however, so what is the recommended method and depth for my new soaker hose plan? I also want to put a soaker hose system in my front flower garden where I have many perenials and a smattering of annuals throughout. What's the best soaker method for that arrangement?


Image
Answer from NGA
February 9, 2007

0

 Your neighbor is on the right track; soaker hoses are typically placed on the soil surface and covered with an inch or two of organic matter - more to hide the hose than anything else. You don't want to bury the soaker hose in the soil - soil particles will clog the holes. Try setting the hose on the soil surface and placing just an inch or two of mulch over it. Then run the hose for an hour and then carefully dig a hole, to see how deep the water has gone. This will give you some idea of how deeply the water penetrates, depending upon how long you leave the water on. Ideally, you'll want the entire root zone moistened each time you water so aim for 8-12" of penetration, depending upon the plants you're growing. Eight inches should be fine for annuals and most veggies.

Best wishes with your garden!

You must be signed in before you can post questions or answers. Click here to join!

« Return to the Garden Knowledgebase Homepage

Member Login:

[ Join now ]

Garden.org Homepage
Help using the site
About
Contact
Terms of Service
Privacy
Memberlist
Acorns
Links
Ask a Question
Getting Started Gardening
Newsletter
NGA Merch

© 1972 - 2021 National Gardening Association

Times are presented in US Central Standard Time

Pinterest
Facebook
Youtube
Twitter
Instagram

Today's site banner is by arctangent and is called "Mother Nature's Garden"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.