Watering Trees and Shrubs Effectively

Whether you're an orchardist, a landscaper, or a homeowner looking to install a few trees or shrubs, you may have questions how to water them effectively. Today we hope to answer a few of those questions and provide you with some options to that water-wasting wand you've been lugging around.

The Magic of Aqua-Traxx Drip Tape

A field watered with Aqua-Traxx

Aqua-Traxx is a low-cost, thin walled 5/8" drip tape that offers superior plugging resistance and incredible watering efficiency. Available with emitters spaced 4, 6, 8, or 12 inches apart, it is ideal for long, straight rows and performs best on level terrain. If you have row crops or raised beds--and want to save water--this may be the ideal product for you.

Water Wise Planning

Lake Mendocino-Photo courtesy of savingwaterpartnership.org

If your part of the country (like ours) has been gripped by drought then you're probably already doing several things to save water (cutting back on shower times; shutting off the water while brushing your teeth; not washing the family car). But if your local water department implements restrictions (110 gallons per day at our house) perhaps it's time to look for more ways to save even more water.

New Products for 2014!

Spring is almost here which means a 2014 DripWorks catalog should be appearing on your doorstep. We're excited about the new catalog and anxious to share all the new products we are carrying this year. With the rising cost of watering and the dwindling supply, we know that an efficient drip irrigation system is more important than ever.

Getting Your 2014 Garden Going

California River Bed courtesy of NOAA

Happy New Year! I started writing this back in January, when temps were in the 70’s. Although it was wonderfully unexpected to bask in summer sun at midwinter, the long awaited rains have arrived and couldn't be more welcome. Still, it appears we are in for a very dry year ahead. If so, gardening this year will require some creative planning. With water restrictions possible (our local water district has already implemented them), the size of the garden may depend on how much water you are allowed or can afford to use. Whether you rely on a municipal water system or a well, one thing is for sure: the supply will be limited.

Community Supported Agriculture

Robyn Van En

Back in the 70's I graduated from college in Boston, drove across the good ole USA, and settled in northern California. Riding shotgun was my friend, Robyn Van En, who needed to visit her parents on the West Coast. During our travels through the Midwest farm belt, we had many discussions about the economic struggles of these vitally important farmers and the need for healthy, locally-grown food.

Drip Irrigation in Mexico

Bienvenidos from sunny Mexico! I'm writing from our vacation home near the southern tip of the Baja peninsula, where my wife, Nancy, and I were recently fortunate enough to have a guided tour through Wirikuta, a dazzling cactus theme park located nearby.