Drip VS SWC
 

Has anyone done a side by side, all things equal comparison between these two methods? I've been using homemade earthbox kinda thing for years. ( with good results) this year i was thinking of trying much larger
containers and maybe a drip so i didn't have to do any modifications of the large containers (20-30 gal). just wondering!

Thanks!

I was a drip guy for years, I actually created my own system to some extent with the wick in perpetual contact with the soil.

Not anymore - I just flood and I mean FLOOD my pots about once a week, or twice in the hot summer. This has given me over all less issues, and happier folliage.

Of course the later hinges upon drilling a few holes in the bottom so you don't get root rot.

I have both in my garden right now, although have more experience with SWCs. They're easy because the plants always have exactly the right amount of moisture (although my problem was that I could never completely keep the roots out of the reservoir). Now I have 3 raised beds and 9 grow bags on drip and I'm still learning what works. I think I wasted a lot of water last season. For 1"/week, I now realize that I only need to run the 1/2 gpm drip lines at 6" spacing for a couple minutes twice a day (realistically more as it heats up here in Zone 9b - of course then it will also start raining).

Mostly, if you want to grow in something larger than 5 gallon buckets, I find that building good SWCs (like EarthTainers) can get expensive and are a bit to maintain and clean out, even though my growing experience with them has been very good.

I use drip in both my pots and my in ground rows. Im sold on drip especially if you have alot of plants. Takes an hour or two job every other day in the summer down to no time watering. Leaves more time to enjoy your plants.

I've been wanting to try some Dramm dribble rings. They look like a neat product.

If i was to go the SWC route, i wonder how much of a reservoir would be needed for a 20 or 30 gallon container?

Why no have the best of both worlds.

Not saying buy the pricy thing but this is a good idea if done properly.
[URL]http://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/Underhill-Tree-Watering-Stake-p/a-dd14.htm[/URL]
Another idea would be to put underground drip line at the bottom of each container.
It has copper in it and the roots wont grow into it.
Here in Texas in the city of San Marcos it is now law that if the property is on a certain grade a new sprinkler system has to be underground drip.
This stuff works.
[URL]http://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/Rain-Bird-XFS-Subsurface-Dripline-p/xfs-09-12-100.htm[/URL]

[url]https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CD0QFjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rainbird.com%2Flandscape%2Fproducts%2Fdripline%2FXFS.htm&ei=k5DwVITpO8zagwTq3oKgCQ&usg=AFQjCNHhkACOKgHUyaPFdwu-RkHH1l7i2w&bvm=bv.87269000,d.eXY[/url]

[url]https://www.rainbird.com/documents/drip/XFSeriesDesignGuide.pdf[/url]



Worth

what an interesting idea! I'll take a look at those links..wonder if the nozzles would clog?

Thanks!

[QUOTE=rtvvvv;453645]what an interesting idea! I'll take a look at those links.[COLOR=Red].wonder if the nozzles would clog[/COLOR]?

Thanks![/QUOTE]

Not according to the data I have collected.

If you will go to the last link it is a PDF file with instructions on how to install the drip line underground.
I know it can be modified for containers.
The most important thing is to have the water on a good 200 mesh filter.
I tried several cheap ways and it didn't pay off.
So I finally did it right and I haven't had a problem since.

If you are interested I would be more than glad to help.


Worth

Thanks! i'm reading the stuff now!

How many containers are you going to have?

Worth

Dramm dribble rings - These look rather cool. Been looking at options for watering growbags.

Have you looked at the Earthtainer?
[URL]http://www.tomatofest.com/pdfs/EarthTainer-Construction-Guide.pdf[/URL]

I have these minifloats installed in all of my SIP's and they work perfectly connected to a hose timer.
[URL]http://www.amazon.com/Kerick-Valve-MA252-Float-Adjustable/dp/B0077RAX4W/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1425057519&sr=1-1&keywords=kerick+MA252[/URL]

well if i get the big containers (20-30GAL) i think anything more than 4 might be too crowded in a 6x8 greenhouse. i'll plant some outside in containers when the weather allows. i have about 30 plants in the basement getting ready. i'll no doubt have a bunch to give to neighbors!

James
i'll take a look..Thanks!

James, the earthtainer is EXACTLY what i have been using for years! I like the float thing it would be perfect for those! maybe i'll use them outside this year and retro fit them with the float valves.