Doing great so far.  Looks like my 13 trees use about 60 gallons in a 2 week period.  The float valves are performing perfectly and I have no worries leaving them unattended for several days.  Here is the original post:  http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/rain-gutter-selfwatering-system-vacation-no-problem-6964494?pid=1283359923#post1283359923

 

 

Figo Preto

 

Nice set up Frank! I like how you utilized the float valves in your self watering pots. Great idea and totally hands free! Fine job! That's one of the chores that is a constant in most peoples gardens. I had all my pots set up on a timer with pumps and automated valves feeding rain water at my last house. It was also very hands free and for a change I actually got to just walk outside and admire my work instead of watering plants for 40 minutes a day. I sure makes it nice!

It sure does, Rob.  All I do is look at the figs every day!  I do have to fill up that rain barrel manually, due to its location, but my other 3 rain barrels are fed by my house gutter.  The trees are loving the new setup so far!

Awesome setup you have Frank!

Nice setup Frank. How does the irrigation system work when you're away?

It's all regulated by the floats.  Very simple setup!

Very nice Frank!

What are you using for potting mix in your SIPs, and does it seem to be wicking water up into the pots well?

Thanks Ed.  I'm using Pro-Mix BX.  It wicks beautifully.

Frank,  This system looks awesome but I have a quick question for you. How do you add fertilizer and such to the trees? Your thread really got the gears turning and I may adopt this system for next season. Gonna need a dozer to level off some of my property though.

Johnnie,

I premixed Osmocote in the Pro-Mix.  Since the SIPs are covered, no worries about the nutrients being flushed away by rain water. 
And just the other day, I added a couple of scoops of Miracle Gro fertilizer in the rain barrel.
Out of the 13 buckets you see, I have around 50 potential figs if all goes well.  This is their 2nd year of life so I'm happy with those numbers. 

Float valves can be found on ebay. Some less than $10.

Shailesh,

I got the ones that were suggested by the creator of this system.  There are a couple of types, depending on how you want to hook it up:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dindustrial&field-keywords=kerick+valve

Thanks for the information Frank.

Frank, this looks great.  One thing you may want to watch out for is accumulated salts (from fertilizer application).  Since the pots are almost completely covered, the potting mix that is there really never gets flushed out at all.  Eventually (could take a very long time), any salts not used by the trees could cause harmful effects.  Maybe you'd want to take the covers off before a rainstorm and allow the soil to be fully rinsed outl a couple times a year.  Just a thought.