We are extremely fortunate to have a state-of-the-art drip-irrigation system at the Garden which was designed and laid out by Cheryl Pytlarz. The trick is learning to customize it to our specific needs, considering our climate, the soil we have, and the crops we want to grow. In 2018, we closed the well we had used for 10 years and connected the garden to city water. This freed us from the inconsistencies of a pressure tank and undependable water supply. We also have rain barrels placed all around the garden so gardeners can hand water when they think their plots are too dry. The irrigation system automatically drips water in each plot 3 times a week according to sections or “lines” of the Garden. To access the irrigation schedule, see below. Irrigation schedules are also posted on the Bulletin Board on the west side of the Castle (storage house).
How the irrigation works in your plot: The main line runs east from near the old pump in the northwest section of the garden along the north fence and brings water to each line of plots by way of the submains. These attach lateral bedlines (drip tapes) that run from the submain into each garden plot. Most plots have 4 or 5 bedlines. IT’S IMPORTANT THAT THE DRIP OPENINGS (indicated by a blue line) ALWAYS FACE UP AND ARE NEVER COVERED BY SOIL so they don’t get clogged . Also, the ends of the bedlines must be securely fastened so water doesn’t gush through uncontrolled. The spigots at the submain end of each bedline control water flow. The spigots are open when they lie east and west (perpendicular to the submain,) which will allow water will drip onto the plot in this position. They are closed and prevent water from being delivered when they run north and south (parallel to the submain.)
Landscaping staples can be used to keep your bedlines in place. Position them loosely to allow for expansion when water is flowing. Take care not to puncture bedlines when using the staples. Staples are easily lost in the soil so keep your eye on them. More are available in cardboard boxes on the floor at the front of the Castle.
We realize all this information is overwhelming when you’re unfamiliar with the irrigation. It’s really easy to learn. Ask another gardener to explain the irrigation system to you or call 906-544-2425.
THANK YOU for helping to keep the rain barrels filled. When moving hoses to fill rain barrels be sure not to drag them through anyone's garden plot. The hoses in the garden are used only to fill the rain barrels. Don’t drag them to your plot to water by hose. Use the rain barrels and watering cans provided to hand water when necessary.
If you have any questions, let us know by calling 906-544-2425.
IRRIGATION SCHEDULE
Beginning June 15, 2019
(Find your line number by referring to the top of your row on the Plot Diagram that was mailed to you at the beginning of the season and is also posted on the bulletin board outside the Castle .)
Lines 1 and 2 will get an automatic drip from 3:30-5 a.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday
Lines 3 and 4 will get an automatic drip from 3:30-5 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Lines 5 and 6 will get an automatic drip from 5-6:30 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Lines 7 and 8 will get an automatic drip from 5-6:30 a.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday
Line 9 and the Raised Beds will get an automatic drip from 6:30-8 a.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday
How the irrigation works in your plot: The main line runs east from near the old pump in the northwest section of the garden along the north fence and brings water to each line of plots by way of the submains. These attach lateral bedlines (drip tapes) that run from the submain into each garden plot. Most plots have 4 or 5 bedlines. IT’S IMPORTANT THAT THE DRIP OPENINGS (indicated by a blue line) ALWAYS FACE UP AND ARE NEVER COVERED BY SOIL so they don’t get clogged . Also, the ends of the bedlines must be securely fastened so water doesn’t gush through uncontrolled. The spigots at the submain end of each bedline control water flow. The spigots are open when they lie east and west (perpendicular to the submain,) which will allow water will drip onto the plot in this position. They are closed and prevent water from being delivered when they run north and south (parallel to the submain.)
Landscaping staples can be used to keep your bedlines in place. Position them loosely to allow for expansion when water is flowing. Take care not to puncture bedlines when using the staples. Staples are easily lost in the soil so keep your eye on them. More are available in cardboard boxes on the floor at the front of the Castle.
We realize all this information is overwhelming when you’re unfamiliar with the irrigation. It’s really easy to learn. Ask another gardener to explain the irrigation system to you or call 906-544-2425.
THANK YOU for helping to keep the rain barrels filled. When moving hoses to fill rain barrels be sure not to drag them through anyone's garden plot. The hoses in the garden are used only to fill the rain barrels. Don’t drag them to your plot to water by hose. Use the rain barrels and watering cans provided to hand water when necessary.
If you have any questions, let us know by calling 906-544-2425.
IRRIGATION SCHEDULE
Beginning June 15, 2019
(Find your line number by referring to the top of your row on the Plot Diagram that was mailed to you at the beginning of the season and is also posted on the bulletin board outside the Castle .)
Lines 1 and 2 will get an automatic drip from 3:30-5 a.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday
Lines 3 and 4 will get an automatic drip from 3:30-5 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Lines 5 and 6 will get an automatic drip from 5-6:30 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Lines 7 and 8 will get an automatic drip from 5-6:30 a.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday
Line 9 and the Raised Beds will get an automatic drip from 6:30-8 a.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday