Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The most basic means of delivering water to the polytunnel plants is the soaker
hose: a length of porous pipe that is laid on or just beneath the surface of the
beds and allows water to escape along its entire length. This is an inexpensive
way to water large areas deeply, but is somewhat inexact and difficult to fine-
tune. You have to keep a constant eye on moisture levels in the beds, and also
spot-water thirstier plants by hand. Some degree of top watering is also always
needed, to prevent the surface layers of the soil from turning to dust.
The best automatic watering systems use rigid pipe connected to a soaker hose
and various other micro-watering elements, which irrigate specific areas or even
individual plants. This means that you must take care not to underestimate the
amount of water a particular plant needs, or it will suffer. Several companies
manufacture attachments for this kind of system: Hozelock, Gardena and Claber
are all worth a look. Most retailers are very happy to work out what you will need,
if you explain your garden set-up. The following are some of the other attach-
ments you might come across.
Micro-jet
This is a sprayer mounted on a rigid spike that lifts it above the soil surface. The
spray covers a set angle and distance (included in the supplier's description),
and everything inside this area will get soaked.
Micro-mister
This is a light, upright spray that is ideal for delicate plants and seedlings.
Because micro-misters put out such a fine mist they are poor options for any-
where subject to even a light breeze, and are therefore ideal for enclosed spaces
such as greenhouses and polytunnels.
Drippers
Drippers are pushed into the earth at the base of small plants. Try to get the
adjustable variety. They deliver water to the plant at a specific rate, without wet-
ting the leaves in the process.
Multiple-outlet connectors
If the water supply needs to be split into more than one branch, you may need a
multiple-outlet tap connector. This can connect either directly to a tap or to the
end of the mains supply pipe, and allows the water to be divided between more
than one outlet. Some units also have an electronic timer option.
Pests
While we mention pest problems for specific plants in Chapter 8 ('Plants for the
polytunnel'), there are some general preventative measures you can take that
will help deal with common problems.
