Irrigation question

garden_noob 6/12/2010, 7:49 pm

I've a 4 x 4 box and right now I'm watering by hand but I have automatic irrigation in this area already. It's setup now for multiple drip lines coming off the main hose but I would prefer a few 350 degree sprayers that are very low to the ground.

I understand that most plants don't want water on the leaves, but if I can get the sprayer low enough it won't. I want this because I think it would be simpler, but as my name says I'm a noob.

4 sprayers for the box versus 2 to 3 drips per square foot is what I'm thinking I'm up against.

Any advice?

Thanks.

GN

L&K-IL 6/12/2010, 10:26 pm

If you're going to spray it, I guess I would do it at night vs. in the morning...but I still think you'll fight mildew and other powdery-white enemies regardless.
Water is like a magnifying glass when the sun is out.

Icemaiden 6/13/2010, 7:41 am

There was a thread about slugs which linked to a site saying it was best to water in the morning if you want to minimise slug attack.

i'm watering by hand, mostly in the late afternoon when the sun has gone off the garden. After a dry spell we had a good shower of rain and it is amazing how much difference rain water makes! The rhubarb which I had been watering twice a day since I transplanted it, was lying at an angle of 30° for weeks, now suddenly it perked right up after one rain shower! I wonder sometimes about the water on leaves is bad idea - rain falls on leaves all the time, then the sun comes out. Isn't that natural?

Retired Member 1 6/13/2010, 9:18 am

The rule of thumb I've always gone by is always to water early in the morning if using a sprayer -- that way the water evaporates before nightfall. Spraying the foliage occasionally washes away dust and insects. In the evening I only water with a bucket, being careful not to get the water on the leaves. And never water the foliage in the middle of the day if the sun is strong. Rainwater is the very best, so I catch as much as possible and use it, but lately have had to use city water, which the plants really don't like. Part of that reason is city water is alkaline whereas rain water is acidic. Plus of course the chlorine factor of city water. But my plants are thirsty, so they get what they get.

Megan 6/13/2010, 10:03 am

Here is my thing about watering. Plants evolved on earth. Check. Rain comes from the sky. Check. Rain happens at any time of day. Check. So.... why would I want to grow plants that have been bred to the point where they don't like to get rained on?? Not flaming, just wondering.... thinking

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