Planting My First Garden

[wayner123]

Originally Posted by Chainsaw13

Scott, what did you use for the irrigation setup when you had all those beds? I"ve been trying to use the drip irrigation, but my rain barrel does'nt have enough pressure to be effective. I"m thinking of getting a sump pump tied into a timer and see if that can bring up the PSI plus make sure everything gets watered when I"m out of town.

I'm not Scott, but what is the GPH of your rain barrel? Or do you know the PSI? Drip tape only takes 10 psi. That's what I am using.

[Chainsaw13]

Originally Posted by wayner123

I'm not Scott, but what is the GPH of your rain barrel? Or do you know the PSI? Drip tape only takes 10 psi. That's what I am using.

No real idea. It's just a big blue barrel sitting on a couple courses of block. The drip tubes did work, albeit very slowly even relative to their regular output.

I'm just searching for a solution that will allow me to automate the waterings since I have to travel at stretches. But I want to stay with the rain barrel and not use city water.

[wayner123]

Originally Posted by Chainsaw13

No real idea. It's just a big blue barrel sitting on a couple courses of block. The drip tubes did work, albeit very slowly even relative to their regular output.

I'm just searching for a solution that will allow me to automate the waterings since I have to travel at stretches. But I want to stay with the rain barrel and not use city water.

While I much prefer rainwater to city water, what happens if it runs out when you are away? In my small garden I am using 32 gallons or more when I water. A rain barrel filled all the way to the top only hold 55 gallons right?

Maybe use the rain barrel for when you are home and city water while you are away. If you are worried about the chlorine, don't sweat it so much. It has actually been shown to improve some aspects when used.