Greg Peterson
08-26-2012, 4:09 PM
So last summer I put my a drip irrigation system in my borders. Happy and healthy plants and lower water bill, win/win. If you have been considering a drip irrigation system or are looking for a inexpensive, easy to install system, drip irrigation hits all those marks nicely.
Usually I turn it on for an hour or so in the morning and that takes care of the matter. If we have a really hot day or afternoon I'll give them another shot in the evening.
The problem I have is that sometimes I forget to turn off the water before leaving for work, so then I have to come home for lunch to turn it off. Not a big deal, but unnecessary.
I have been looking at various automated or automatic irrigation timers. I do not need to address multiple zones at this time, however I can see maybe breaking up the system into smaller zones after I finish my landscaping.
What type of automated controllers or timers have you folks used? Any recommendations or caveats with any particular model?
Just for grins and giggles, here is the second and final phase of my hardscaping project known as 'The Alcove'.
Left to right:
1. Furthest, lowest point of my yard facing NW. It all uphill from this corner.
2. Concrete stairs. The riser portion of the block has a roughly hewn granite look and texture. And they were relatively inexpensive compared to any of the other options I could find. A little heavy to work with, but once dry set with a good bed in place they are solid.
3.Same stairs, just the other end looking SW.
4. Dirt-Birtha. This was the fifth container I fill by hand, and likely the last one I will ever do. I took out fifty yards of heavy, clay soil. In return I will have a nice, sunken patio that will be hidden from view.
Usually I turn it on for an hour or so in the morning and that takes care of the matter. If we have a really hot day or afternoon I'll give them another shot in the evening.
The problem I have is that sometimes I forget to turn off the water before leaving for work, so then I have to come home for lunch to turn it off. Not a big deal, but unnecessary.
I have been looking at various automated or automatic irrigation timers. I do not need to address multiple zones at this time, however I can see maybe breaking up the system into smaller zones after I finish my landscaping.
What type of automated controllers or timers have you folks used? Any recommendations or caveats with any particular model?
Just for grins and giggles, here is the second and final phase of my hardscaping project known as 'The Alcove'.
Left to right:
1. Furthest, lowest point of my yard facing NW. It all uphill from this corner.
2. Concrete stairs. The riser portion of the block has a roughly hewn granite look and texture. And they were relatively inexpensive compared to any of the other options I could find. A little heavy to work with, but once dry set with a good bed in place they are solid.
3.Same stairs, just the other end looking SW.
4. Dirt-Birtha. This was the fifth container I fill by hand, and likely the last one I will ever do. I took out fifty yards of heavy, clay soil. In return I will have a nice, sunken patio that will be hidden from view.