How to Use a Soaker Hose in Organic Gardens
Soaker hoses offer an alternative to sprinklers and more complex drip irrigation systems. According to the University of California Cooperative Extension, soaker hoses minimize evaporation while applying water uniformly. Soaker hoses are more tolerant of impurities and minerals in the water that will plug other types of drip systems over time. The downside is that soaker hoses come in many brands delivering water at many different rates so the amount of time to irrigate will vary depending upon brand. For that reason the best approach when using multiple hoses is to not mix brands. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Draw the layout of the garden on a sheet of paper. Once the borders are defined draw lines to represent rows of vegetables, and circles to represent hills or individual plantings.
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2
Prepare the garden soil and make sure it is reasonably level.
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3
Lay the soaker hose 2 inches into the soil next to the locations where the rows and hills will be. Connect multiple lengths of hose together using hose-end connector couplings. Don't make any single soaker hose longer than 50 feet.
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4
Attach a hose-end female fitting to the end nearest the water supply. If the water supply is not nearby, plan on using a standard garden hose to reach the soaker hose.
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Close off the other end of the soaker hose using a hose-end fitting.
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Attach a back flow preventer to the faucet that will serve the soaker hose.
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Turn on the water to the hose and check for leaks at all fittings.
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Cover the hose with soil.
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Plant the crops following the layout and alongside the hose.
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Monitor the soil moisture level near the plants to make sure moisture is reaching the root zone. Also make sure the soaker hose is not applying so much water that moisture is traveling below the root zone.
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Tips & Warnings
For large gardens that require multiple soaker hoses, using a manifold at the outdoor faucet will allow multiple hoses to always be connected while still allowing each one to be run individually.
Timers can be added to automate turning the hoses on and off.
Adding a filter to the faucet serving the soaker hose will help extend the hose life.
Follow manufacturer instructions. Some hoses may require a pressure regulator.
Any type of irrigation system can develop leaks. Check them regularly. Don't leave systems on when going away for an extended time unless someone will be checking on them.
