Soaker hose
installation in your
garden is simple enough for just about anyone to do. An underground
soaker system is the most effective, because you don’t lose any water to
evaporation, and you can soak the roots of plants at a deeper level.
Installing your soakers underground is most practical if you’re planning a
new garden. You can incorporate the hoses into the garden design, and bury
them as you plant your garden.
An aboveground soaker system is much
easier to install for an existing garden, and the hoses can easily be moved
whenever necessary. This type of soaker system is still extremely efficient
and effective. You simply place the hose along the ground around the base of
your plants, or better still, bury them under garden mulch. If the hose
crosses an area of the garden which doesn’t require watering, you simply
connect a section of regular hose.
A filter is highly recommended (Use
at least 150 mesh filter). A calcium inhibitor filter (same type of filter
that is used on a misting system) is also recommended for areas with hard
water. For use on a well system, a filter is a MUST so that particles that
might clog the pores of the tubing will be filtered out. Well water
typically has particles of sediment in suspension. Installing a back flow preventer is highly recommended to stop dirty water backing up through the
hose into your household drinking water supply. This is simply a matter of
installing a one way valve between the water source or spigot and the first
length of hose.
Pressure Regulator is a MUST since soaker hose is designed to work at low
pressure (we recommend the fiskars brand regulator).
Steps to installing a soaker hose
system
Tools & Materials
Plastic or metal stakes
MrSoakerhose (pre-measure the path
of the hose where you are going to lay it) soaker hose is sold only in
bulk, no fittings are attached/included.
Polytubing
Pressure Regulator is a MUST since
soaker hose is designed to work at low pressure.
Filter to keep particles from
clogging your soaker hose (minimum of 150 mesh).
Water timer (can be installed later)
Y connector with shutoff, splitters,
fittings.
Lay Out the Hose in Your Garden Beds
Position soaker hoses throughout the garden near each plant
within 6 to 12 inches of the base. On slopes, run across the slope, not up
and down. In perennial beds, keep hoses about 18 inches (sandy soils) to 24
inches (clay soil) apart. For annual plants space the runs closer, 12-18
inches apart, to make sure water reaches their shallow roots. Stake the hose
into place with stakes wherever it needs it to secure the hose's position.
Hide the Hose
After testing the soaker hose to see that it waters the area well, you can
cover it with 2 inches (or more) of mulch, such as wood chips, bark, leaves,
or compost, or even decorative rocks. The mulch keeps water from evaporating
and helps spread the water flow. It also helps protect the hose from the
sun. Have you ever felt the temperature of water that was just sitting in a
hose out in the sun? It's hot! Can be used above or below ground. Soaker
hose IS NOT for
lawn areas.
Stakes
Use to secure soaker hose
Watering times
Start out by running your soaker hose for about 40 minutes once a week, or
20 minutes twice a week for sandy soils and annual plants and gardens that
have shallower roots. The goal is to wet the soil in the plant’s root zone.
You can tell if the plant is getting enough water by digging a hole with a
trowel to see if the root zone is wet (wait a while after watering before
you check, so the water has time to soak in). Leaves may droop a little on
hot days but if they stay droopy after the hottest part of the day, they’re
probably too dry. Drooping can also be a sign of over watering but again,
check the soil first! Once you’ve got the timing figured out, attach and set
a timer to the system. This will make it possible for the watering system to
work even when you are on vacation.
Trees:
Using a soaker hose encircle the
tree with the hose beginning at the drip line. Add a circle of soaker
hose every 2' inward from the drip line throughout the root zone. Try to
water the soil areas directly beneath the foliage and shaded by the tree. Do
not water beyond the drip-line and do not water closer than 3 feet to the
trunk base on established trees.
Hanging planters, pots and window
boxes: Large, hard to
move barrels, pots and window boxes will do better with a slow running
soaker hose. Water regularly as the dry season goes on. Hanging plants may
require watering more frequently as the wind and sun dry them out. During
exceptionally hot weather (80's or 90's) hanging baskets may need watering
daily, or even twice daily if the basket has limited soil area. Small 1/4"
soaker hose in a loop works great for these small areas. By using a 1/4"
in-line valve you can regulate the flow to your planter for maximum
effectiveness. Like the 1/2" soaker, ALWAYS use a regulator.
Maintaining Your Soaker Hose System
Once or twice a year, unscrew the end caps and flush out any
accumulated sediment. Flushing it at the start of the year will help you
check for leaks, and ensure that it’s not plugged. Make sure everyone
working in the garden knows the soaker is there under the mulch, so they
don’t accidentally damage it. Most cuts or nicks can be repaired with
couplings. Soaker Hose is UV stabilized - won't freeze in the cold or crack
in the sun.
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