|
| Hi all, I'm an old rose gardener starting over. I grew roses in a big wild English style garden up in Michigan. But I've moved to Waco, Texas. My new location requires that I garden in pots/containers. It is also horrifically HOT and dry in the summer. So a watering system is REQUIRED. I've got a timer that will let me set it to water twice a day which is what is needed to keep anything alive around here. My question is the watering system itself. The options out there are, frankly, overwhelming. 1/2" tubing, 1/4" tubing, drop outlets, spray outlets, plugs, elbow joints, my head is spinning and I haven't even started. I need help. I've found kits like this: http://www.irrigationdirect.com/irrigation-products-and-supplies/drip- irrigation/drip-irrigation-kits/container-drip-watering-kits But then other sites say I need to be running off a 1/2" line to get enough water pressure. Of course all the kids are straight 1/4" line. Can someone point me to a site or other guide that will help me DESIGN my watering solution and then give me a parts list? I'd like to have say 5 roses in BIG pots and some smaller pots for annuals and perennials and some fruits and veggies scattered about. I'll likely start at around 10 pots (5 roses, 5 other) and go from there. I want to make sure I'm getting adequate water to each plant, especially as things heat up. Since we travel a lot my current system of "try to remember to hand water twice a day" is NOT working. Lost almost everything last summer so before the heat hits I need a watering system to do the work for me! Help! |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| There are drip kits specifically for containers. A kit is a good place to start because they give you instructions and have all the bits you need at first. You can buy one kit, learn from it, see how you like it, how it works, then when you are more familiar with working on drip systems you can buy all the bits separately depending on what you want and make your own system. The Dig kit is good, the bits hold up well, at least they have for me: Disclaimer: I don't work for this company or HD. |
Here is a link that might be useful: example of patio drip kit
|
| Check out Mr. Landscaper at Lowes, I bought one a year ago and I can't image growing roses with out it. Its fairly cheap and it is easy to install. Plus you can add to it any time you want. Good luck Jack |
|
- Posted by cactus_joe 7b PNW (My Page) on Sat, Mar 2, 13 at 18:36
| I like Lee Valley Tools products as they end up cheaper. They have a low flow irrigation planning pamphlet.. It looks complicated and daunting at first, but the system is really simple to figure out and highly flexible. Since you have only got a few pots, setting it up should be even easier. The paradox is that if you only have a few watering points, it is more cost effective to buy the components individually. If you need to water multiple locations with different needs in terms of flow rate and watering pattern, one of the packages may be more useful. At a minimum, you need a flow regulator, back flow preventer, T-filter, hose/caucet connector, 1/2 inch header hose (length depends on the distance of the pots from your water source), 1/4 inch feeder lines (sold in lengths of 25 feet to 50 feet) and the necessary drippers. Don't forget to grab the $1.80 hole punch - you will need it. I prefer the "Shrubbler" as the flow rate is easily adjustable, the they are very durable. |
|
- Posted by particentral 8 (My Page) on Sat, Mar 2, 13 at 19:28
| Dripworks helped me. I use 1/2 inch tubing run next to my pots then come ofc of it with 1/4 inch. I use bubblers in my pots or from lowes the mini sprinklers. Twice a day. One hour each time. My roses in pots were as tall as 10 foot tall (Mr Lincoln) and bloomed nonstop. |
|
| Thanks all! The ONLY kits available around here use only 1/4" tubing, which if I'm going to keep adding roses won't have enough capacity as a main line. So ordered online a system with 1/2" mainline and 1/4" feed tubing. Should be all set. Thanks for the advice! |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Roses Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.