Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Growing => Growing in Greenhouses & Polytunnels => Topic started by: rogertb on March 29, 2014, 16:23
-
Hi chaps, I've just fitted a rather crude drip waterin system in my greenhouse, gravity fed from a big water butt, 7mm pipe supplys a drip or two every second to 9 large black tubs that will hold my tomato plants, I can probably work out tomorrow what the volume of water per tub is ... my question, is this a good idea (I only set it up as a bit of fun really, I had bits of old tube and the fittings lying around ... there aren't many occasions when I can't vist the allotment and do the job myself). When the plants go in can I leave it dripping constantly ? ... the water will drip onto an area at the base of the stem and therefore dribble down to the roots, is this Ok ? (I doubt that it will moisten all of the compost though we will see) ... anyway, anyone any advice tips etc please ? Best Roger
-
I bought a kit to do the same thing while I go on holiday
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hozelock-Water-Butt-Container-watering-Hose-Micro-pipe-Kit-15M-/251486017215?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Garden_Plants_Bird_Bath_Feeder_CV&hash=item3a8dbc16bf
Best bet is to set it up, on 1 drip a second, and let it run for 24 hrs so you can work out how much it is draining from the butt and therefore delivering to each plant. Then you'll know whether to up the rate of drip or turn it of sometimes if it is over-watering.
-
Thanks mumofstig ... that looks like pretty much what I've made up myself ... yes I'll be able to check what the delivery is like tomorrow ...
-
Careful to adjust the flow at the end of the supply pipe or you can get uneven flow rates along it, so I've heard ;)
-
Check the flow rates when the butt is nearly full, and also when nearly empty - there will be a considerable difference due to the change in the height of the head of water as the level decreases (it may be crucial, and probably requires a compromise to get the right result.)
-
Well here it is, after 12 hours the 1 or 2 drips a second had filled the 'trays' and made the compost 'moistish'. Obviously when there are plants in the containers they will suck up some of the water but I will need to turn the 'flow' down somehow ... anyway at least it's working and I'll probably be able to leave it for a weekend when we go away (making sure I top up the butt) ... thanks for all contributions.
Roger