Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/irrigation.html

Keep Pots Watered With Drip
June 2001
Carolyn Utter, Editor
    
    Container gardens add a soft, romantic element to porches, decks and
patios. How boring it would be to just have flowers planted in the
ground! Containers allow us to bring nature a little closer to home.

    Container gardens are, however, a little more "needy" than flowers
in the landscape. Patio pots dry out more quickly and in the heat of
summer need to be watered once or twice a day. And although I find it
very relaxing to stand in the crisp morning air, stretching out the
garden hose to bring a fresh drink to my potted plants, sometimes I just
don't have the time.

    This past summer, I finally crossed "drip irrigation for containers"
off my "To Do List" and the benefits for me and my plants were
phenomenal!

    My container drip system is designed with a splitter so that I can
water both the front porch pots and the backyard deck containers and
hanging baskets all from the same water source. The heart of my system
is the RAINDRIP timer. This takes the worry out of wondering if my
container plants will make it through another 100 degree day while I sit in my
air-conditioned office across town. The timer can be set to go off every
1-72 hours (or weekly) for periods of 1-120 minutes.

    If I'd have known how simple this project would be, I'd have tackled
it much sooner! Everything you need to get started on your container
drip system is available at Johnson's at the RAINDRIP display. You can
either purchase a kit or custom design a system to fit your needs É like
I did.

    You can't imagine how nice it was, during this past August's drought
and heat wave, to come home to freshly watered containers! My plants
were happy and I didn't need to perspire (girls don't sweat, you know)
in the blistering afternoon heat just to care for my thirsty plants!!

    Don't spend another summer without your container drip system. Just
ask Johnson's friendly staff to assist you at the RAINDRIP display.