be wise about water:
ideas for city-smart irrigation:
Remember two things when wondering if water-wise is for you.
1. saving water isn't brain surgery
2. every bit helps
Feel free to implement creative kinds of watering techniques that solve your city problems, and consider ways to capture water when it does rain.
One of the most satisfying solutions without much expense is the old world use of Ollas. Check out this simple approach to supporting plants and needy edibles in particular. French drains and deep pipe irrigation are two basic methods of capturing waters to direct towards plants and reduce flooding. Trenches and pipe can carry water directly to the root zone, better establishing the plants root system and allowing water to drain well. The Rio Grande Nature Center has deep pipe irrigation at work in the Pollinator Habitat and bosque restoration areas. Visit ecocomposite.org/restoration/deeppipe
If you are interested in an automated waterwise system, drip irrigation is
a good choice. Parts are reasonably priced, assembly is straight-forward and
systems are usually easy to maintain. THEY DO REQUIRE YEARLY MAINTENANCE,
sometimes twice a year. Drip irrigation is best suited for establishing plants
and for automation of regular watering. New Mexican conditions are unkind
to those materials used for drip irrigation -- be ready to do repairs as the
dryness, heat and cold take their toll on pipes.
Drip irrigation, for do-it-yourselfers, is an advanced level project suited
for minds with more technical/math ability. It is very important to get an
experienced opinion on the upcoming job to assess the work is required, explore
any possible obstacles and discover what will fit into the budget. Planning
saves time and money while preventing accidents!
Plumbing can be quirky.
There are three basic parts to a drip system: a filter regulator assembly,
tubing and the set-up for each planting or plant. Each plant set-up will have
'emitters' that regulate the amount of water dispensed from the tubing at
the watering site. And that rate of flow (gallons per hour or GPH) is the
way to select a appropriate emitter for the plant type.
Assistance is available on a walk-in basis at the GG supply shop. Research
the details before digging begins!