Irrigation systems for the vegetable garden on vacation
Growing your own fruits and vegetables can be a lot of fun, but when the time comes, you have to think about what will happen to your garden during the vacations. Harvesting is the fun part. But to get there you'll have to make sure that, in your absence, your plants continue to get the food they need to produce.
The summer months are one of the busiest times for many crops, but gardening on vacation can be a challenge for urban agriculture enthusiasts.
In the market there are different solutions as far as irrigation systems are concerned. Choosing the most appropriate one is an essential issue for the maintenance of your plants during the summer period and drip irrigation is one of the most recommended.
One of the main advantages of drip irrigation is that, contrary to what it may seem, it is not expensive. In addition, you can use it beyond the summer and you only need to have the appropriate materials and instructions to do it yourself. Of course, before getting down to work you should know that there are two options: to install it directly to the tap or water intake (if you have one) or to a tank.
Hoses, connections and closures, drippers, anti-scale filter or pressure regulator are some of the elements that will be part of your irrigation system.
But if there is one accessory that cannot be missing to guarantee the summer efficiency of the system, it is an irrigation programmer. This device will allow you to choose which days, at what times and for how long you want to water or, in other words, it will be in charge of the system in your absence. But you can also use it to facilitate the task even when you are not on vacation.
In any case, when buying the programmer it is interesting that you take into account certain recommendations. First of all, it should allow you to stop it manually without having to deprogram it.
It also doesn't hurt that it has a battery indicator (many are battery operated so this information will be very useful). And, of course, make sure it can be used outdoors and is suitable for the water pressure of your system.
Drip irrigation systems with programmers are one of the most efficient and recommended solutions for the care of the garden, not only in the hot months, but all year round.
If the idea of installing a drip irrigation system does not seduce you too calmly, there are alternatives. Another formula that can help you with your vegetable garden on vacation is to opt for hydro-gardeners. These are self-watering systems that allow the root zone to be constantly moist.
Before you go on vacation, make sure you have filled the built-in reservoir and capillarity will do the rest! Your plants will absorb the water they need at their own pace.
Depending on the dimensions of your garden or its design, you may not have to resort to such sophisticated systems. Among the alternatives that you can find in the market, mud cones, gelled water or hydrogels can be a solution to consider. The mechanics are similar to the previous system.
In the latter case, it is a matter of placing the hydrogel - which usually comes in tubes - slightly buried in pots or planters so that the plants take the water they need to keep your vacation garden in perfect condition.
There are many formulas that you can use so that your plants do not lack anything. However, only one guarantees that in case of any unexpected problem you can act with the utmost haste. Although it will not be easy to intervene hundreds of kilometers away from home, if you delegate the care of your fruits and vegetables to a relative, neighbor or friend, it will be easier for your plants to be at full capacity when you return.
In addition to irrigation you can take the opportunity to assign the harvest. Perhaps with the prospect of sharing the harvest you will have an easier time finding a substitute on vacation.
Alexandra Hays - 2.5K views
