Soaker hoses

I'll let Paige answer that. ;-)

Ummmm.....like Bob Seger??

I am running against the wind again.

I've use both and I prefer the drip system. Saying "drip" system is probably confusing because you have several choices. I'd suggest you buy the kit for the first trial. You'll be able to experiment with the different options. (And it includes Goof Plugs so if you punch a hole and then change your mind!)

One is similar to the soaker hoses. I have not had sucess with them because some of the holes drip and some spray, causing an uneven water pattern just like the soaker hoses. And it takes FOREVER to get enough water out to water satisfactorily.

The second is similar to a water sprinkler but smaller with a fine mist. The misters are on stakes that are attached to the 1/2" poly tubing by the narrower 1/4" vinyl tubing, so the stakes can be moved around to suit your need. These work well in a garden like you are describing, the only downside is they don't work well on windy days.

The third is drippers that can flow from 1 gph to 10 gph attached to the 1/2" pipe. But while they are called drippers, they can spray up to 3 ft. I find they work best on narrow borders or where there are plants in a row like shrubs. These can also be attached to a stake with the 1/4" tubing to use for pots. I've been going to try them for out-of-the-way plants in a bed but haven't yet. (Have any of you used them for that purpose? Results?)

Of course I always check to be sure everything is getting watered,

I'm so glad to have found you fellow Texans.

barbur, we're glad you found us, too!!

Yep!

Thanks for all the help and ideas! And glad you found us too Barbur! I returned the soaker hoses and have now replaced the large sprinkler heads at the back of my bed with poles and sprayers on those. But I've not had a chance to really see how that works since it's been raining! no complaints tho!! If they do work, then I will be able to use my sprinkler system, finally! If not, I'm going to try the drip system next.

Well I made big progress on my drip system this weekend! I will take some pictures of it this afternoon, as promised, and start a new thread so it doesn't slow everything down. When I do, I will post a link in this thread to mine with the pictures in it. Make sense? I got about halfway done, but you will get the idea.

And yes barbur, the goof plugs have become my best friends! The other thing I will share, as I learned my lessons, is to buy one of those guages that measures your psi. The info on the various drip system componets bases everything on psi. For instance, mine said you can have up to 15 emitters with a psi of at least 25. Mine is like 90 so I think I will be okay with the 17-20 emitters I plan on running off that one faucet. Also, don't try to do an entire yard with 1/4 inch tubing! I had to re-run mine with 1/2 tubing and then just run the 1/4 off that to the various attachments. This will be more clear in the pictures. I will get that done after work today and I hope you find it useful!

Jamie

konkrete, your pictures are beautiful. What ever you do, you are doing it right.

Can't wait to see it Jamie. I am hoping to learn from yours and others mistakes so mine will be easier. LOL

Well no one can spare you the ordeal and sore fingers unless they do it for you, but I am happy to share what I have learned! Pushing the little fittings into the hose HURTS. I advice that you get the little hole puncher tool, wear gloves, and use a lighter! I have it down to a science now- hold the lighter to the end of the hose for just a half second to loosen the rubber, then push the fitting in. But don't do it for too long or it just goes all wobbly and you don't have enough resistance.

This was more difficult to setup than I anticipated, but I have no doubt it will be worth it in the end. I will get those pics up tonight. :)

Thanks Beverlyf! I managed to water everything last year, just about every day! I guess the plants that I have are just not as drought tolerant as others. With our wind it speeds it up too. I don't mind watering, and my bill wasn't extremely outrageous, but I HATE THE WATER HOSE!!!!! lol It's the WORST tool in the garden. My bed is larger now so I have to lug the hose over my shoulder and then hold it up with my left arm to keep it from flattening plants. That's just the beginning of the battle of which way it will twist and whether or not the hose reel handle will spin and hit my leg, leaving a huge purple bruise. Oh yes, sprinklers or drip system I must have!

You will NOT regret it!!

K- got the thread with my drip system done. Here it is if you're interested!

http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/508389/