Irrigation With Soaker Hoses

Being in Florida, even in the beginning of May, it has been reaching into the low 90s and the sun has been intense. This has presented a problem with watering. By midday the soil is bone dry and hot. One of the ways to combat this is by mulching the beds. We wanted to use leaves because we are up to our armpits in them but leaves present their own set problems when used as a mulch. They tend to prevent a good amount of moisture from getting down to the soil.

To remedy the situation, we elected to use soaker hoses. It is a black hose that is permiable so when water runs through, it seeps and trickles the water out. I' m not exactly sure how to guage how much water actually makes it out though. I can tell you it can effectively waters the soil roughly 8" out from either side of the hose. We used lawn staples to secure them to the ground. Just in case you did not know, lawn staples are really long staples that are used to secure cloth to the ground.

After placing the soaker hoses we then put down a thin layer of oak leaves. The leaves will hold in the moisture and at the same time insulate the soil from the hot sun and wind.

(Note from Angela: This bad ass hose bib was added by Justin and has been a lifesaver. Before, I was shlepping a gallon watering can back and forth from the well pump house, and having to do it several times a day. Now with the soakers, we don't even have to water every day unless it's wicked hot. Also, while Mandy was here, we added quite a few red wigglers to the garden beds and the compost. )