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Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > Rain Gutter self-watering system - Vacation? = No problem!
 
 


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FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
Call me lazy, but it was becoming a chore to fill 13 SWCs every day.  With some upcoming trips away from home, I thought I'd look into a more self-watering system with less maintenance.  I came across a video by Larry Hall on youtube and found the perfect solution (I hope).  A rain gutter grow system, fed by a rain barrel and regulated by a float.  Completely hands-off.  Just collect your harvest!  I finally completed 2 systems, holding up to 14 five-gallon buckets.  I am still waiting on 2 parts to complete the system, but I thought I'd share my pictures anyway.
When transferring the buckets to the rain gutters, I couldn't believe how much the roots had grown out from the bottom.  I'll remedy this next year, but I'm hoping since the new setup won't accommodate the overgrown roots, the trees won't experience any stress.  The black plastic is to keep the mosquitoes out.  Oh, and I'm leaving the pvc pipes in place until the trees are dormant.  If I remove them, there will be a big void in the bucket and I don't want to mess with the current conditions too much.

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Frank
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FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
Here is a picture before adding the black plastic.   Also, the video of how to put it all together.  He has several similar videos which are all very helpful.

2014-06-28 17.41.20.jpg

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Frank
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Hoosierguy86

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
This is great! Can you also share a pic of an empty 5 gallon bucket and how you have set those up?
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Scott N. Indiana 5b/6a
FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Scott,

I used pieces of 4" pvc pipe and drilled holes in them.  It is MUCH easier using the baskets Larry uses in his video.  I had the pipe on hand which is why I didn't use the baskets.
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Frank
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Hoosierguy86

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
I have seen the baskets and cups but never pipe. I can see that in the photo above now. Thank you!
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Scott N. Indiana 5b/6a
swizzle

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
Great set up Frank, I am considering building one of these SIPs for my back deck. How are the asian pears doing? Mine have grown over three feet this summer so far. The Carini you sent me is doing well. I have one airlayer from it already and another one in the works now.
FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
Hi Dana,

The fig trees are huge now!  As for the Asian pears, they need to go into a larger pot.  They've grown about a foot this year, but once I up-pot them they should take off.  So glad the Carini is treating you well!  Take good care.
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Frank
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Maro2Bear

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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
Nice job Frank! You can use your extra time to start and grow mew figs. Ive expanded my drip irrigation system this year to all my potted and in-ground trees, all on a timer. I no longer come home to droopy plants. Keep us posted with more photos of course.
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Mark B., Glenn Dale, MD Zone 7a
FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eukofios
Frank that looks like a great system! Thanks for posting the photos and info. I need to work on something like that too. The Carinis you sent are fantastic! I have golf ball figs on one already, first year. This winter Im keeping them in the garage, then probably plant one in ground in the Spring. I want to keep one in container, so will need a watering set up one of these days.


Daniel,

Great to hear from you!  So glad the Carinis are doing well for you.  My 4yr old in ground tree died over the winter but came back from the roots.  I have close to 50 figs on it now.  This is more than last year, which is amazing.  Take care!
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Frank
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FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #10 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maro2Bear
Nice job Frank! You can use your extra time to start and grow mew figs. Ive expanded my drip irrigation system this year to all my potted and in-ground trees, all on a timer. I no longer come home to droopy plants. Keep us posted with more photos of course.


I wish I had room for more figs!  This is my limit though, as I need to store them in the garage over the winter.  I'll update with pictures sometime in August.  Take care Mark!
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Frank
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figgoonie

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Posted Reply with quote  #11 
Hi Frank, still using the RGGS system?
FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #12 
I sure am!  In 2015, I used 30 feet worth of gutters.  Aside from the mosquitoes, I am still very pleased with this setup.
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Frank
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figgoonie

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Posted Reply with quote  #13 
Nice.  I have considered using that system or his grow bags in saucers with rock around them to help the mosquito problem.  Have you tried the grow bags and would rocks work in the gutter?  Also how do you handle them when they go dormant?
FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #14 
I have not tried the grow bags.  As for rocks in the rain gutter, I'm sure they would work just fine.
When the trees go dormant, I place the buckets inside another bucket without any water, as they don't need anymore for the season.  Then, they go into the garage where they relax at a nice 50° for the winter.  Several are waking up right now, but they won't go outside until March or April.  I'm hoping to have my 6x8 greenhouse built by mid-March so they can get a head start.
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Frank
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tennesseefig

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Posted Reply with quote  #15 
Nice setup Frank!  I am a little familiar with this as I have seen the videos before but never actually built one.  How much did it cost you to get everything up and running?
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Micah 4:4But each one shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, with no one to make them afraid, for the mouth of יְהוָה of hosts has spoken.

Zone 7a,  wanting: JH Adriatic, Smith, Strawberry Verte, VdB, RdB
FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #16 
Thanks!  If you factor the 4 rain barrels, I estimate everything came to roughly $200.  The convenience of the system makes it all worth it (to me).
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Frank
zone 7a - VA
ChrissyChris

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Posted Reply with quote  #17 
is there any reason you can't just dig a trench and put the gutter inside instead of building a wooden frame? #frugal
FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #18 
You absolutely can!  I think in one of Larry's videos, he show it being done.  Maybe with PVC pipe though.
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Frank
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figgoonie

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Posted Reply with quote  #19 
Do you use his mix Frank?
johnnyq627

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Posted Reply with quote  #20 
Toss a few fish in the rain gutters to control the mosquitoes! Instant fish pond and some extra fertilization ;)
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Zone 6B/7A - Douglassville, PA
Wish list - Galicia Negra, Paritjal Rimada, Black Ischia UCD
FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #21 
figgoonie - No, I use Pro-Mix BX

Nick - I wonder if that might really work!  ;)
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Frank
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Brooklynmatty

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Posted Reply with quote  #22 
You could also throw in a few mosquito dunks and it should clear up the infestation due to standing water. The fish idea will look cool though, I think minnows eat mozzie larva.
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Matt - Long Island - Zone 7B
Wishlist: CDD Roja, Planera, CDD Rimada

Please use the following thread if your growing my "unknown Sheepshead" to track your progress.
http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/saved-brooklyn-tree-unknown-sheepshead-community-growlog-7808733?pid=1290171384
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