Update: Rain gutter self-water system

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FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1405556066	Reply with quote #1

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 __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

blueboy1977

Registered:1375760370
Posts: 459

Posted 1405556798	Reply with quote #2

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! __________________ Rob Zone 9a/9b were the too meet. South Houston Tx Growing: Black Madeira, Smith, LSU Scott's Black, Improved Celeste, VDB, MBvs, RDB, Unknown Peach/Apricot, Salce, Malta Black, Texas BA-1, JH Adriatic, Atreano, CDDN, CDDB, CDDG, Strawberry Verte

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1405557227	Reply with quote #3

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! __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

Charlie

Registered:1404043833
Posts: 1,214

Posted 1405562650	Reply with quote #4

Awesome setup you have Frank! __________________ Zone 7A ~ Fort Smith area Arkansas

Otmani007

Registered:1404531079
Posts: 573

Posted 1405565097	Reply with quote #5

Nice setup Frank. How does the irrigation system work when you're away? __________________ Dallas, TX - Zone 8a Wish List: Col de Dame Blanche, Brogiotto Bianco, Sicilian White, Panache Otmani

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1405600134	Reply with quote #6

It's all regulated by the floats. Very simple setup! __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

eboone

Registered:1378418906
Posts: 1,101

Posted 1405604866	Reply with quote #7

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? __________________ Ed Zone 6A - Southwest PA --------------------------- Short wish list: CDDG, LSU Red, Dark Greek (Navid), Col Littman's Black Cross. And any cold hardy early fig.

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1405606268	Reply with quote #8

Thanks Ed. I'm using Pro-Mix BX. It wicks beautifully. __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

JohnnieB

Registered:1365275627
Posts: 155

Posted 1405689262	Reply with quote #9

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. __________________ Wish List:St. Rita,LdA, and any unknown heirlooms

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1405690234	Reply with quote #10

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. __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

jake

Registered:1352891024
Posts: 313

Posted 1405692915	Reply with quote #11

Float valves can be found on ebay. Some less than $10. __________________ Jake Zone 8B Crystal clear Gulf of Mexico,White sand beaches,Citrus trees, Large hurricanes,and tornadoes. Wish list: Scott's Yellow ( now have cuttings, Spring will tell)

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1405697253	Reply with quote #12

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 __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

JohnnieB

Registered:1365275627
Posts: 155

Posted 1405700644	Reply with quote #13

Thanks for the information Frank. __________________ Wish List:St. Rita,LdA, and any unknown heirlooms

Rob

Registered:1320245426
Posts: 550

Posted 1405713282	Reply with quote #14

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. __________________ Rob Maryland Zone 7 http://rbfigs.webs.com/

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