Market Farming

["Sharon and Steve" <shopkins AT tdstelme.net>]

> I am about to buy and install an overhead sprinkler system in my 
> greenhouse.
> Can anyone out there give me any advice? Are there any good web sites that
> show how to install a sprinkler system?
>
>
>
> Andy King

In the past drip tape was used to grow greens in the ground. Last year I 
started growing herb and bedding plants. They are started in 50 to 250 cell 
trays then moved into 3.5" to 7" pot depending on the plant. It took 3 hrs 
to hand water and since I am doubling my production this year, I need a 
faster way to water. Ebb and Flow bench irrigation would be great but I can 
not afford it at this time.



Andy King

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The problem with warering systems is matching the crops to the water being 
provided and visa versa, but if you had that much to water it would indicate 
more than a few houses so you will be able to set up different houses with 
different systems.

Harnois makes boom waterers that work well for areas that need the same 
amount of water all over, it can be on a timer and water the whole house and 
be done. The model with a rail track on the floor is a pain work aroundbut 
for an all in all out crop they are cheaper.Otherwise look to the overhead 
model.

Sprinklers set up on pipes can be for bench size or full house width, to 
have a large house as one zone takes a big water supply, that can be broken 
up into sections with a zone timer and electric valves, you can get the 
parts at Home Depot, or just use their www site to compare prices and work 
with a greenhouse specialist.

These systems can be run by all manor of device and control, including 
computers that monitor several factors and water, heat, cool, and ventilate, 
as needed, all according to how much electronice you want to pay for. ATP we 
believe that quality bedding is best watered by hand, the edges and corners 
of benches dry first and may need extra water, and moving at watering speed 
we will likely see the first plants in trouble.



MAsteveINE