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The 2013 season is nearing and I am struggling with deciding on a proper irrigation system for my patch. My first thoughts were to run a whizzer sprinkler system. I was thinking this system would be beneficiary in that I can run all my foliar feeds thru it as well as a cooling system for hot summer days. I also understand with this overhead system there is an increase in powdery mildew but I will be watering early morning and using strong fungicides. I have been doing a little research and it seems that a lot of growers use drip tape systems. The pictures I have seen of this system look like they don't provide a complete coverage of the ground (small dry areas between hoses). I am confused on what to run and what is the most efficient sprinklers, drip tape, or a hybrid combo of both. I would like any advice I can get on this subject. Addition info on my patch - I have access to a garden hose for hand watering, about 40 pounds of water pressure, and a 1:100 injector. Expense is really not an issue as I want the best for my patch.

1/14/2013 9:00:14 PM

Pa

I know what you mean by the dry spots between the hoses on drip tape. I have been told that the water you see on the surface is not necessarily the same as below the surface. If you dig down a couple inches you will see the water covers a bigger area that what it appears. Your type of soil makes a big difference as to the coverage.

1/14/2013 10:41:23 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Personally, I like drip tape. Coverage depends on your soil type and tape spacing.

1/14/2013 11:08:17 PM

That's true I didn't think about that. My soil is very loose and drains well. If I chose to do drip tape I would run them with 6 inch emitters and 2 feet apart so about 15 rows per plant. I have been considering running both the sprinklers mainly for foliage feeding and a cooling system as well as drip tape for a drench.

1/15/2013 9:51:36 AM

President - GPC

If you use digi sprinklerZ you can fertigate aZ well as cool from beneath leaf canopy.....HereZ a great start to it.....

http://www.starrfarms.net/sprinklerguide.htm

1/15/2013 10:02:39 AM

Central Minnesota

You can fertigate with drip tape as well, works great.

1/15/2013 10:55:51 AM

President - GPC

You can foliar feedZ with digiZ.....!

1/15/2013 11:02:12 AM

Cochran, Georgia

As far as Powdery Mildew is concerned just keep your vines trimmed and free of weeds. Air flow is very important. As long as the leaves do not remain wet for several hours at a time such as overnight or during stormy weather most diseases have a hard time spreading. I like drip irrigation as well. Remember that the soil is like a sponge and distributes the moisture well.

1/18/2013 6:53:06 PM

Partlow,Va

Isn't it hard to bury the vines with a drip system ?

1/25/2013 6:35:07 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Hank,

I've tried running drip tape two different ways: with a main line running next to the main vine and the drip tape laterals parallel with the secondary vines(assuming a Christmas tree pattern) and the main line perpendicular to the main vine behind the stump and the laterals running across the secondary vines. Burying is much easier with the laterals parallel to the secondaries, but I found it difficult to attach shut-off valves at the main line. I went back to the perpendicular main line and added drip tape as the plant grew. Some of the tape has to be moved to allow for burying of the younger secondaries but, overall, I found it to be easier.

1/25/2013 11:31:34 PM

Partlow,Va

That makes a lot of sense to me...never thought to run the main line with the main vine. So i will install the main water line and maybe 3 drip runs before planting and train the main vine to follow 6 inches or so right beside it. I have a barn nearby and am going to build a 7 ft high water barrel/tank tbd to catch rainwater. i am thinking that if the tank is 10' above the patch then im getting 10psi which should be enough psi. i've been researching drip tape. Thanks TT

1/28/2013 9:48:52 PM

Partlow,Va

Upon rereading this I will install a perpendicular main behind the stumps. Dazed and confused sometimes!

I'm building my "dream patch".
After much research and waffling between drip,under foliage sprinklers,overhead sprinklers,misters, shading options, etc, etc, here is where I'm at.

I'm going with a drip system. I am going to use shade cloth for cooling.In VA, I won't even be able put the plants out until around May 28 to be able to get one to any October weigh-off. Last year I missed it by about a month. It will be 80-90 temps from day one. Its against my religion to plant anything when its this hot. But I must be able to adapt and learn how to do this to be in this giant pumpkin sport. I'm up for the challenge (I hope)and its sure been fun learning.
Its all new to me but I have determined that with our high humidity that the misters for cooling are asking for trouble.

I set 6' tall posts today around the patch to accommodate future 30% shade cloth (type/brand is TBD)with temporary taller 8'support poles to be added along the center.

Thanks to everyone on BP who have been very helpful!
Hank

2/24/2013 7:59:58 PM