How Long Should I Water?

How much, how long, and when to water are some of the most challenging questions when it comes to the efficient use of a drip irrigation system. In order to establish the amount of water needed for a plant's optimum growth, there are three main factors to consider: soil type, climate, and the size of the plant or container. Over watering is contrary to the goals of a gardener or farmer employing drip irrigation. Too much water results in an oxygen depleted soil that suffocates the roots and eventually rots them.  A plant only can absorb and only needs a certain amount of water for optimum growth. Water too little and you risk the plant dying of thirst, or at best, retarding its growth. Either extreme can kill your plant in short order.

Governor Brown Demands 25% Water Reduction

As most of you know, with the snow pack at a record low in the Sierra Mountains, California Governor Jerry Brown has ordered a 25% statewide reduction in water usage. What you might not know, is drip irrigation can reduce water usage in your lawn and garden by 30-50%. If you want to do something to reduce your water usage, immediately, DripWorks can help.

This is not bluster. This is fact. 

By placing the water exactly where it is needed, drip irrigation reduces water usage to a fraction of conventional watering techniques. So put aside that watering wand and convert that water-guzzling sprinkler system to a drip irrigation system.  Start saving water, time, and money today. 

Don't know anything about drip irrigation? No problem. Our complete kits are the fastest, easiest way to convert your garden, field, or landscape to a water efficient drip irrigation. 

Still have questions? The DripWorks Call Center is open 6 am to 6 pm PST, Monday through Friday and 6 am to Noon on Saturday. Our friendly, knowledgeable representatives are ready to answer those questions and help you get started right away. Call 800.522.3747 or email us at support@dripworks.com. Save Water!

Companion Planting for the Vegetable Garden

Companion Planting in DripWorks Demonstration Garden

Though some may plant their gardens haphazardly (to each their own, I say) I like to create a plan and plant carefully for beneficial growth and insect control. With 40 years of vegetable gardening experience as my guide, here are a few things that I have learned along the way:

Setting up a Drip System

Setting up a drip system is easier and more fun than you think. Drip irrigation has become the preferred method of watering for homeowners with vegetable gardens, landscape, orchards, and decks. Farmers large and small depend on drip irrigation to stretch their water supply and produce high yield, top quality crops.

Live Power Community Farm-CSA

Horsepower at Live Power Farm

Gloria and Stephen Decater moved to the sparsely inhabited but beautiful and fertile valley of Covelo, California in 1973.  Years later they formed Live Power Community Farm, an association of involved consumers and dedicated farmers. This farm today is a 50 acre, solar electric and horse-powered, diversified, certified biodynamic CSA farm.

Planting Your Juicing Garden

Fresh vegetable juicing has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity recently; here in Northern California and all across the United States. To that end, the DripWorks demonstration garden will be growing heirloom varieties of carrots, beets, kale, parsley, local apples, and melons to provide us with the raw materials for this delicious and nutritious way to be healthy. With proper planning, you can enjoy fresh juices year round without having to resort to less fresh and potentially nutrient deficient produce from the grocery store.

Heirloom Seeds: Part Two-The History

Humans have been farming and ranching in a way that fits their local regions for thousands of years, selecting plants that grow best and collecting seeds or cuttings from these well adapted plants. The result for present day humans has been a plethora of beautiful and nutritious choices. About fifty years ago the food industry began to develop food crops for ease of shipping, long shelf life on the supermarket shelf, and standardization—not taste or nutrition. The good news is that diversity of the food supply is actually increasing, at least for those who know where to find the seed to grow it. In this series of blogs, Dripworks hopes to make it easier for our readers to learn about the tradition of growing with heirloom seed and understand why today it is more important than ever.