Drip Irrigation Cut-Off Valve

IMG_2174, a photo by Pike-uliar Gardenings on Flickr.

So I must admit, my drip irrigation installation project has been a bit...ummm..over-enthusiastic and poorly planned. I keep learning as I go, and just jamming stuff together. I have come a long way from last year when I was obsessed about measuring everything. When I was placing the 1/4 inch lines I was just eyeballing all the dimensions. As a result there is a lot of irregularity. Oh well.

One thing I learned is that it is reasonably easy to set up every bed with its own cut-off valve. I have separate 1/2 inch tube running into each bed and the cut-off valve is right up on top and easy to use. Had one of those classic moments when I first turned it on, called Bambi to come watch and nothing happened. I stood waiting for a few momemts before I realized the cut-off valve was in the Off position...whoops!

The valve shown above is a little harder (But not too bad) too install than another one carried by Irrigation Direct. The other one costs a bit more and is also much easier to take apart according to their site.

Music for Seedlings Program 2012 Season

IMG_2184, a photo by Pike-uliar Gardenings on Flickr.

Sure, why not. Music helps seeds, right? Todays concert included mostly "Classic Rock." In the foreground you can see: drip irrigation, onions, carrots, and maybe some lettuce. Supposedly they are all good companions.

Anti-Squirrel Tactic #6

IMG_2185, a photo by Pike-uliar Gardenings on Flickr.

So, I was planting some seeds and thinking about how the squirrels will do their best to mess up the new seeds because they can't resist the siren song of freshly turned over earth. And then it hit me...oh...so you love freshly turned over dirt, eh? Mwa ha ha ha...I'll get you my pretty...here's some nice freshly dug up dirt just looking soooo enticing. And guess what...no seeds are planted there. That's right - decoy dirt. Come and get guys!

Drip Irrigation Dripping

MVI_2152 a video by Pike-uliar Gardenings on Flickr.

yup. It actually works. This stretch of tubing is not quite installed but one thing I already notice is that when it is elevated, it still drips. When soaker hose is elevated like that, the water kind of runs along it and drips it off at a lower point or when it contacts dirt. This used to result in a fair number of dry spots. So far, the drip irrigation system is pretty cool.

Tulip Sale

Ecotulips is having a 25% off sale. I got a few more to add to the front yard.

Irrigation Time!

IMG_2148, a photo by Pike-uliar Gardenings on Flickr.

Here's the project for the weekend: installing drip line irrigation. I got this from Irrigation Direct after evolving over the years from sprinklers to soaker hoses. I got so frustrated with soaker hoses because they were watering inconsistently, watering the wrong places, getting clogged up, etc etc.

So far, it is pretty easy to install. I am using a box cutter to cut the line and then you can just attach all the tube and fittings by hand. It is well designed for easy assembly. You can order a variety of kits that come with all the things you might need but don't know about yet. Here's my HOT tip for what you need: you will need one T coupling and one elbow coupling for each of your beds...and possibly one cut off valve for each as well. So when ordering see what the kit comes with and add some extra depending on your number of beds. This will allow you to place 1/2 inch mainline tubing in each bed and then your 1/4 inch drip lines can hook up with the mainline.

One cool thing about Irrigation Direct is that they have "how to" videos for all of their equipment. That is essential!

Scarecrow

IMG_2146, a photo by Pike-uliar Gardenings on Flickr.

Here's the latest Scarecrow by Contech. I had to bust this out after the rodents went all crazy on our most recent carrot and lettuce seedlings. Now they will know true justice!

Fields of Sedum

IMG_2143, a photo by Pike-uliar Gardenings on Flickr.

The sedum has expanded quite a bit and now produces many, many flowers. I have never seen any bugs eating it, though. Nevertheless, it is quite attractive.

Luring the Good Guys

IMG_2124, a photo by Pike-uliar Gardenings on Flickr.

Flowers will bring on all the friendly insects and birds we need to have the most productive garden in the land. Also, Ms. B. likes them and that counts for quite a bit.

Free Pea Trellis!

IMG_2121, a photo by Pike-uliar Gardenings on Flickr.

Found this fencing on the side of the road in Arlington. I needed about 24 feet or so. I took about 100 feet. Couldn't help myself. I am sure I will think of something to do with it.

I am using this bit here to support snap peas and snow peas. Last year I used chicken wire which was fine, but this stuff was a smidge easier to work with.

I am a Squirrel I'm Going to Eat Your Peas

MVI_2122 a video by Pike-uliar Gardenings on Flickr.

The big squirrel is deterred by the Contech Scarecrow. These things are much cheaper from other sites, by the way.

Drip and Soak; Bellevue, WA Irrigation Guide

During a quick detour to the Bellevue, WA Botanical Garden I found several helpful gardening guides. The irrigation guide was my favorite: http://www.bellevuewa.gov/pdf/Utilities/Drip_and_Soak.pdf . Where was this when I needed it 3 years ago?