Garden chores can be real time-robbers such as plowing, planting, mulching and cultivating. Then there's watering, harvesting and pest patrol. All these chores - the caring for, nuturing and fussing over a plot of ground - are actually a direct intuitive relationship between people and the environment. Without them, the lore of gardening, enriched by the efforts of countless individuals over the years, would be lost.
This six part series will provide some inventive gardening tips that hopefully you will find time-saving.
A Ragged Drip Irrigation System
Here's how you can make a cheap drip irrigation system! You will need some 1/2 inch by 50 foot hoses, hose end caps, an ice-pick, and some rags. Next, cut the rags, such as old socks, tea-towels, or basically any scrap fabric, into about 1 x 6 inch strips. Tie the strips tightly around the hose over each hole. Lastly close the open end of the hose with the end cap, lay the hose in the garden bed, and turn on the water. With the water flowing at very low pressure for about 8 hours, you can soak each 3 x 50 foot beds about 10 inches deep. Accompanied with heavy mulch, you should only have to water once a week but you should always check the soil between waterings to figure the best schedule according to your climate.
Golf Tube Irrigation System
What can be used to water and fertalizer your plants, hold up your plants, and protect your golf club handles? If you guessed a golf tube, then you're right! These versatile tubes can direct water and fertalizer directly to the roots of your prized flowers and vegetables. The narrow shape of the tube allows water to soak in slowly and it doesn't evaporate as quickly. The side benefit is that the tube can used to support the plants at the same time!
Directional Hose Holder
If your faucet is located right above your flower border, then you may be crushing and damaging the delicate plants below it everytime you need to use your hose. Instead, save your border you worked so hard on with a tin can and a round metal rod! Cut both ends out of the can, and solder the side of it to a 1/2 inch by 36 inch round metal rod. Thread the hose through the can and stick the rod into the dirt so the can is above your plants. Since the rod is round, it will easily turn in the same direction when you move around with the hose. When you're finished watering, the rods can be removed and easily put away until next time.
Hoseless Spot Drip Irrigation System
For areas where you don't need a full drip irrigation system, you can use a garbage can and a hollow plastic skipping rope. Set a large (17 - 22 gallon) garbage can where you want to water, raising it up on some bricks or wood blocks if necessary, and fill it up with water. Block one end of the hose with your finger, and place the other end into the water. With your finger still covering the one end, place it by the plants and remove your finger. This will start the siphoning action which will continue until the water reaches the end of the hose at the depth you placed it the can. The water will seep into the soil easily. During the winter, use the garbage cans as temporaty storage for carrots, soil, or compost.
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