As our first garden crops mature, we're learning how to adjust our watering technique. The soil mixture in the beds is relatively soft compared to most of our home gardens, so when we spray-water, they tend to flop over more easily. And as summer heats up, it's better in any case to water at the roots, rather than from the leaves down. Therefore, we have decided to go for the 'trickle method' with both of the big beds. Here's how:
1. I've attached a two-way connector to the wall faucet at the back of the Parish house. So now there is ONE hose leading to the middle of one of the large beds, and ANOTHER hose to the middle of the second bed. (I also removed the nozzle from the one hose, with the help of much spray lubricant!)
2. When you come to water, turn the wall faucet on NO MORE THAN ABOUT A THIRD OF AN INCH. This will result in a modest but steady trickle to each of the big beds. Leave the trickle on for about half an hour -- you don't have to move the hose, as the water will gradually disperse to both ends of each bed.
3. While the two big beds are being trickle watered, fill the watering can with water from the rain barrels, and put one can on each of the tire beds (herbs AND potatoes). (If the barrels have run out, you'll have to wait till the large beds are done, and fill cans of water from a hose attached to the the wall faucet).
4. If you like, bring your Bible or other reading material, bring the lawn chair(s) on the P.H. back porch down on the lawn, and enjoy God's summer bounty as you wait for the big beds to finish being watered (Psalm 104 is a great creation psalm to contemplate as you do that!)
5. We have to be careful not to over-water (as well as not to under-water!). So if someone from your team has gotten there ahead of you, and the soil is wet and malleable, DON'T water again -- wait for two days (and co-ordinate schedules with other team members!)
As a reminder, I've reproduced below the watering schedule below (with one addition for September).
I'll be in San Francisco visiting son and grandson from June 30 to July 7, but look forward to seeing some reddening tomatoes when I get back!
Blessings, and thanks again for everyone' enthusiastic participation in this project.
MSVL
