Don't Forget to Water, Water, Water...
It takes a lot of close monitoring to stay on top of our watering tasks this time of year. We've had sporadic showers and thunderstorms, but sometimes they're just not enough to keep all the gardens well irrigated.
Because of this typical mid to late summer weather, our hoses and sprinklers are always very busy in July and August. One of my favorite sources for watering equipment is Gilmour, a Madison, Wisconsin-based company that’s been manufacturing hoses and other watering solutions since 1949. I use several of their products at my Bedford, New York farm and at Skylands, my home in Maine - they're durable, long-lasting, and easy to use. With so many trees, shrubs, and plants to maintain, it’s important we use only the best quality outdoor tools.
Enjoy these photos.
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- Every spring, when it starts to warm up, my outdoor grounds crew puts out all the sprinklers and hoses around the farm, so they’re ready to use. During the driest, warmest days of summer, we have to do lots of watering. Fortunately, I have deep wells and an elaborate underground irrigation system.
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- Gilmour has a very dependable collection of gardening supplies – I have been using Gilmour products for years. The hoses are always put to great use in the gardens and wherever thorough watering is needed. Plus, they curve without kinking, connect without leaking, and are easy to store. I also love Gilmour’s Professional Adjustable Circular Tripod Sprinklers, Rectangular Sprinklers, and their Professional Watering Wands with Swivel Connect.
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- A Gilmour hose and at least one sprinkler are placed at every bibb or faucet. And here’s a tip… to keep it from kinking, when it’s new stretch it along a path or the edge of the lawn and then loop the business end back to the tap.
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- This hose and sprinkler is near my Winter House, where it can be accessed easily for watering the terrace parterres.
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- Here, a hose is paired with a wand for watering the container plants around my home.
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- Here’s a tripod sprinkler in my orchard. The adjustable tripod can reach a height of 58-inches and can water everything from above. Once the watering in one area is done, it’s extremely important to turn off the water at the source. Just turning off at the sprinkler puts a lot of pressure on the hoses and pipes.
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- Here’s a tripod in my new vegetable garden. Look how far the sprinkler can reach – and the spray is very consistent.
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- When ready to use, the collar of these tripod sprinklers can be adjusted for partial to full circle coverage. The controls are just under the sprinkler head.
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- A pin diffuser allows for a customized spray from powerful jet to gentle mist. I show every member of my crew how to use the sprinkler, so they can water properly and efficiently.
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- The round dial on top makes it easy to set the direction and length of the spray.
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- And, each of the legs is also adjustable. Here is one of the three spiked feet of the tripod sprinkler which provide lots of stability on varied surfaces.
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- The hose connects easily to the sprinkler directly under the sprinkler head so it is well-balanced and won’t tip over when in use.
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- Mornings are the best times to water – when water pressure is high, evaporation is low, and the soil can absorb the water before the sun heats up the ground. The distance and spray patterns of these tripod sprinklers can also be adjusted to suit so many garden needs.
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- I always instruct the crew to never direct hard spraying sprinklers at trees – this may mar the bark. Instead, use harder sprays for open spaces and wide lawn areas.
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- Well-established trees with strong, deep root systems will be more drought tolerant.
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- To avoid dry spots, sprinkler heads should be positioned so they overlap slightly in their coverage areas. During the summer, a good watering is done to a depth of about six to eight inches. An even, intermittent sprinkling is best for thorough, deep watering.
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- Here is a tripod sprinkler in a pasture. Every so often, observe any sprinklers in action and look for clogged or leaking heads that may need minor maintenance.
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- And when done, always take the time to properly roll up the hose, so it is neat, tidy, and out of the way.
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- Here at my farm, each person on the crew manages a day of watering during the warm weather season. This way, everything can be monitored and timed appropriately. This day is Phurba’s day – he goes around the farm checking that everything is adequately watered.
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- Some of the other Gilmour products we’ve used over the years include this Adjustable Spot Sprinkler with Spike Base. These are great for use where there are planters and garden beds. The durable metal spike provides stability in softer soil and on uneven ground.
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- These spot sprinklers are easy to push into the ground wherever needed and offer full circular coverage.
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- We use the Gilmour rectangular oscillating sprinklers that are easy to control in a variety of areas. They feature a tube with multiple openings that move back and forth to provide even watering.
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- I have many of these rectangular oscillating sprinklers. Some models are older, but they hold up so well through the seasons. They provide thousands of square feet in water coverage.
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- And this is a Gilmour® Professional Adjustable Circular Sprinkler. Made with a durable metal base and spikes, this sprinkler can hold up to constant use.
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- Fortunately, we’ve had good amount of rain this summer, but August is typically quite warm and dry. It’s nice to know we have the “right tools for the right jobs,” so all my gardens, groves, and allées will be well maintained. Wherever you live, I hope all your gardens are getting the water they need.
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