Drip irrigation setup
hairmetal4ever
6 years ago
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Comments (16)
digdirt2
6 years agohairmetal4ever
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoRelated Discussions
Building soil for raised beds
Comments (10)Most every thing I have seen over the years from the universities says soil should have, or the optimal level of organic matter is, 5 percent organic matter. However, the testing of my soil over the years has been in the 6 to 8 percent range and the plants grow most bestest at that level, in my soil. That is also the level I have gotten soils in NW Indiana and SE Ohio and plants thrive there as well with that level of organic matter. I also know, from other peoples gardens, that when the level of organic matter in soils drops below 5 percent problems with insects and plant diseases increases. I also know that when the level of organic matter in soils is much above around 10 percent the soil often holds too much moisture and plants roots show signs of rotting if close attention to moisture levels is not maintained. I have used these simple soil tests, Soil test for organic matter. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24 hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight. For example, a good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top. 2) Drainage. Dig a hole 1 foot square and 1 foot deep and fill that with water. After that water drains away refill the hole with more water and time how long it takes that to drain away. Anything less than 2 hours and your soil drainsâ too quickly and needs more organic matter to slow that drainage down. Anything over 6 hours and the soil drains too slowly and needs lots of organic matter to speed it up. 3) Tilth. Take a handful of your slightly damp soil and squeeze it tightly. When the pressure is released the soil should hold together in that clump, but when poked with a finger that clump should fall apart. 4) Smell. What does your soil smell like? A pleasant, rich earthy odor? Putrid, offensive, repugnant odor? The more organic matter in your soil the more active the soil bacteria will be and the nicer your soil will smell. 5) Life. How many earthworms per shovel full were there? 5 or more indicates a pretty healthy soil. Fewer than 5, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, indicates a soil that is not healthy. for many years along with sending soil samples to MSU for pH and major nutrient testing. These are all tools to help the gardener know as much as possible about the soil they are planting in....See MoreAnybody willing to help a novice???
Comments (8)Hi Sun, Are you feeding the tomatoes at all in the early part of the season? I am not a container expert by a long shot, but I do read posts by the folks that grow a lot of container tomatoes (I am considering trying it in my hoophouse to extend the season), and almost without exception the successful container growers do feed their plants in containers very regularly, some on a weekly basis. Are the plants you are growing determinates? Determinate or "bush" tomatoes grow to a compact height, usually under 4 feet tall, and they bear their crop over a short time period, then die back or go dormant. Some varieties will have a second smaller crop later (perhaps it is related to the length of the growing season, I don't get a second crop in my zone 5 garden.) Also, many tomatoes will have poor fruit set when the temperatures and/or humidity are high. Tomatoes grow best if daytime temperatures range between 70°F and 85°F, with nights in the 55-75° range. Tomato plants can tolerate more extreme temperatures for short periods, several days or nights with temps outside the ideal range will cause the plant to abort fruit set and focus on survival. According to the University of NV, "...temperatures over 104°F for only four hours can cause the flowers to abort." They should know, h*** is right next door... :-) To be able to suggest what might be wrong with your plant (if it is something else), it would be helpful to know more about the environment it is in. So, here are the "usual" questions: What growing medium are you using? How often do you water? Have you checked the moisture of the growing medium or soil 3-5" below the surface? Is it dry, just right, or soggy? Are you feeding the plants? How often? What are the NPK values of any fertilizers you are using to feed it? Do you mulch? If so, with what and how much (how deep)? Are there any other plants near the problem plant that are not affected? Can you post pictures? The more information you can give us, the better the chances that someone can give you an accurate diagnosis. You may also want to browse the container forum which I've linked below. (Sorry if they sent you over here.) Betsy Here is a link that might be useful: Container Gardening Forum...See MoreMy drip irrigation setup for citrus trees. Just making sure im right
Comments (4)Thanks Mike, I am asking mainly on a schedule because I will be leaving from may 18th - july 7th. Any other time I will probably cap the irrigation tubes and just use the hose since like you said I can just monitor better that way, or atleast until I feel the trees are healthy again. Another issue is that my drip lines are all hooked up to the same line which connect to bells of fire plans, palm trees, and the citrus trees. I just talked to the nursery where I got the plants from and they said while I'm gone it would be fine to water my tree every 3 days on a drip with about 20 gallons worth of water? After I get back I can go back to monitoring it. So if I mulch, could I drip 20 gallons every 3 days?...See MoreIrrigation for raised boxes
Comments (1)if i understand what you have installed it should be a fairly simple matter to add some 1/4" emitter lines with micro-spray nozzles which will take care of your coverage problem....See Morehairmetal4ever
6 years agodigdirt2
6 years agohairmetal4ever
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoHappy Hill Farm
6 years agodigdirt2
6 years agohairmetal4ever
6 years agorandy41_1
6 years agohairmetal4ever
6 years agoBarrie, (Central PA, zone 6a)
6 years agohairmetal4ever
6 years agowayne_5 zone 6a Central Indiana
6 years agoBarrie, (Central PA, zone 6a)
6 years agodigdirt2
6 years ago
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Barrie, (Central PA, zone 6a)