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Kansas City, MO

Last year was my first year and I watered by hand. I'd like to get something this year that makes watering a little easier and more precise. I don't have the time to set up a (or want to spend the $$$) on a fancy drip system. I saw Costco had a deal for on 50' soaker hoses. Just wanted to get some opinions/tips on soaker hoses and how they work or if I should just keep doing it by hand. These hose are the black rubberized ones that weep all along their length. Thanks!

4/16/2017 7:26:01 PM

aurora, IL

You can also look at dripworks.com. They have all different types of hoses and fittings. Also, they are glad to help if you have questions.

4/16/2017 8:58:53 PM

Albuquerque NM

soaker hose will crack after 1 season if the sun gets it, and can't be fixed. plus it puts out a lot of water. Drip tape will water your patch more evenly, and last several years, it can be patched.
it's worth it if you are passionate about growing.

4/16/2017 10:17:56 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Long ago I found that the water delivered by soaker hoses is completely uneven and not acceptable for giant pumpkin plants. I don it recommend it.

4/17/2017 7:31:17 AM

Central Illinois

I think you could go with 1/2" inline drip emitter tubing and use the minimum of parts fairly cheap, but if you want to build up to something big start with T-tape.
I think you could hook this up straight to a garden hose.

https://www.dripworks.com/9-spacing-1-gph

4/17/2017 11:26:19 AM

Mn

I use a $10 sprinkler from home depot. I paid for the "fancy drip tape system" and didn't care for it. The drip tape system is in the garbage now :) Just trying to tell you, you don't need a fancy irrigation system to grow a big pumpkin.

4/17/2017 11:37:53 AM

Marion,IN

Jon, the whizzer sprinkler is the way to go. Get a 4 foot stake. Hammer it in the ground a foot. Attach sprinkler to hose using thread tape. Tape hose to wooden stake using black electrical tape. Turn on sprinkler. Stand back and watch the whizzer do it's job. It will spray water in a 40 foot diameter. I got my from Hollands and would recommend them highly!

Mark G.

4/17/2017 12:11:32 PM

Kansas City, MO

Thanks for the replies. I really didn't want to go down the drip irrigation route. The whizzer sprinkler sounds like it would be a good fit. I assume you would just want to water earlier in the morning so the sun wouldn't burn the leaves. Thanks again!

4/17/2017 12:54:01 PM

water wont burn leafs

4/17/2017 2:39:55 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Thanks Don, I chuckle when people think I'm "gonna burn" all my plants by watering them with the sun shining...

4/17/2017 3:08:28 PM

Deer Park WA

We are trying drip tape this year in conjunction with overhead watering. Have always used only overhead but found it hard to get the soil under canopy in mid summer nice and moist.

4/18/2017 2:13:40 AM