Water, Water, Water...
We're expecting a much cooler day here in the Northeast after the first extreme heat wave of the year - temperatures this week soared into the high 90s.
When it's very hot and humid, it's crucial my animals have access to cool water and lots of shade. I also make sure my outdoor grounds crew works safely - wearing protective clothing and staying well-hydrated. And, it's also important to monitor the gardens. Here at my farm we've had some showers, but the hoses and sprinklers are very busy. 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 home in New York and at Skylands in Maine - they're durable, long-lasting, and easy to use.
Enjoy these photos.
-
- It’s only the first official week of summer and already we’ve had a heat wave. In New York, a heat wave occurs when there has been at least three consecutive days with temperatures 90-degrees Fahrenheit or higher. We’ve had temperatures in the high 90s with feel like temperatures above 100.
-
- Around my farm, I’ve made sure to check on all the animals. My chicken coops are covered to provide ample shade.
-
- The geese outside my stable also have shady areas…
-
- … and multiple pools to keep them cool. These pools are checked often and refilled with clean water.
-
- Out in my horse paddocks, the trees are all checked and limbed up if necessary, so my horses can safely stand under the shade.
-
- The gardens are also closely monitored. Fortunately, we’ve had a lot of rain over the last month, but beds dry quickly in this extreme heat.
-
- A Gilmour hose and at least one sprinkler are placed at every bibb or faucet.
-
- I’ve used Gilmour for years. They’re so durable and come in a variety of lengths. Plus, they curve without kinking, connect without leaking, and are easy to store.
-
- 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.
-
- The hose connects easily to the Gilmour sprinkler directly under the sprinkler head so it is well-balanced and won’t tip over when in use.
-
- The legs can be adjusted for high or low watering.
-
- … And, each of the legs has a spiked foot which provides lots of stability on varied surfaces.
-
- 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.
-
- 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.
-
- The round dial on top makes it easy to set the direction and length of the spray.
-
- Here’s a tripod in my vegetable garden. Look how far the sprinkler can reach – and the spray is very consistent.
-
- 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.
-
- Well-established plants with strong, deep root systems will be more drought tolerant.
-
- I designate one crew member to keep track of the watering, so sprinklers are rotated appropriately and water is never wasted.
-
- 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.
-
- And at the end of the day, always take the time to properly roll up the hose, so it is neat, tidy, and out of the way. It’s nice to know I have the “right tools for the right jobs,” so all my gardens, groves, and allées can be well maintained.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
