Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2006
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/irrigation.html

One Drip At A Time
June 2006
Carolyn Utter, Editor & Johnson's Marketing Director

    As a passionate gardener, one of my most enjoyable tasks is topping
off a morning jog with a trip around the landscape to water my potted
plants. There's a tremendous amount of relaxation to be found at the
business end of a garden hose during the early morning hours.
    But as much as I enjoy this activity, watering outdoor potted plants
and hanging baskets in the summer can be a burden. The wind and heat
often dry out the soil faster than I can keep up. My limp, wilted plants
cry for help. And there's not much relaxation for me when I'm watering
plants in the blistering afternoon sun.

Drip is the Answer
    Not being one to give up without a fight, I decided last year to
connect all my pots and hanging baskets to a RainDrip irrigation system
and timer. What a difference! Now I just wish I'd done it sooner. The
system is a simple line of 1/4" tubing with drippers at each pot;
connected to a timer at my outdoor faucet. With the timer, my system
runs whether I'm home or not, so no matter how busy the day has been, my
plants never go thirsty and they continue to thrive even in the hottest
of hot, windy summers.
    If you'd like to learn how easy it is to put together a drip
irrigation system, attend one of our "Got Drip?" seminars on June 24
(see below). In addition to containers, RainDrip is designed to work
(with or without a timer) in all types of growing situations including
vegetable gardens, flower beds, landscape beds ... even single trees.

The Soil's Little Helper
    To increase moisture retention, I also use Soil Moist in all my
outdoor pots. This amazing little crystal holds a huge amount of water
and releases it back to the plants as needed. Potting mix stays moist
much longer. Plants are happier and grow better. Caution! A little goes
a long way. Just 1.5 teaspoons of Soil Moist will absorb a full quart of
water so don't overdo it!

Slow-Release Plant Food
    Much like drip irrigation provides a source of slow-release water,
slow-release fertilizers are an easy way to keep plants fed. So I always
add ferti-lome Start-N-Grow at planting time, too. I still use
ferti-lome Blooming & Rooting (9-59-8) to help bring on lots of
flowers, but with Start-N-Grow in the soil, I don't have to fertilize
quite as often and it doesn't matter so much if I miss a time or two.

Better Late Than Never
    If your pots are still being hand watered ... and you haven't added
Soil Moist or Start-N-Grow, don't fret. Both Soil Moist and Start-N-Grow
can be added to pots after planting. Just work them into the soil as
deeply as you can. And the RainDrip irrigation system is such a
no-brainer that you can start or add to your system any time.
    Now that I have pretty much eliminated the enjoyable task of hand
watering, I have replaced it with other relaxing activities such as
lounging on the deck in the morning with a cup of coffee and soaking up
the view ... or taking a stroll around the garden to see "who" has
decided to start blooming today. My plants are happier ... and I'm still
happy, too. It's all good!