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Water system |
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The water in the Central Valley is alkaline, so I adjust the PH down with
vinegar (1 tbsp/5 gallons). Some day I hope to have a solar distiller big
enough to provide plant water, or a reverse osmosis system. The well
pressure is low, so this 275 gallon tote is left filling while other chores
are being done. Then various organic products are added, mixed & aerated. It
is a lot of work to hand water the plants, but it's the best way. |
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The secret's in the pump
That is a 1 HP irrigation pump with 3/4" hose. Watering with this
system is sort of like holding a machine gun. It really blasts water
out at an impressive rate.
With less pressure watering takes so long that I'd get bored. It was
just a waste of time. Now it is fun. |
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Sump pump
To aerate the water a sump pump re-circulates it out a shower like
spray nozzle. Sometimes I leave it aerating for an hour or two
before using the water mix.
Powdered fish emulsion stinks like fish. But it feeds the microbes
on the plant roots. The point is not to shove high nitrogen
fertilizers on the cactus, but let the roots work symbiotically with
all the soil microbes.
This stuff isn't cheap—this is about $100 worth. You can read about
Maxicrop, ThermX-70, etc. at either:
http://www.biconet.com/soil.html
OR
http://www.groworganic.com/default.html |
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