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Canary in the fig mine

Before taking a trip I had moved several pots of assorted plants out next to my figs so I could put them on the automatic irrigation system (previously I had been hand watering them every day). They've done so well that I just left them on the drip system after getting back from the trip. This morning I noticed that a Mexican tree sunflower was badly wilted, so I ran the system manually to give it an extra drink--and found that the main supply line to the figs and other potted stuff had popped out of its fitting and all the water was just pouring out onto the ground. I hooked it back up and inspected the rest of the plants, finding one clogged mini-sprinkler to a Kadota in the process. Fortunately, that wilted sunflower had tipped me off, otherwise the young figs might have gotten badly stressed. Reliable as they normally are, I guess it pays to keep a close eye on your automatic systems!

Any commercial grower will tell you all the automatic systems are NOT install and forget. Many animals will eat plastic tubing, the tubes can work free from the connectors, they get damaged from farms equip (or lawnmowers) and a thousand other ways that you haven't though of yet. Regular inspection is a must.

Glad you caught it in time.

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