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Parker, CO

As the time to plant my first pumpkin gets closer I have a question regarding my water... I am hoping to get a few opinions/suggestions.

I will be using tap water that I think has a PH of roughly 7.0 – I picked up a test kit today and I will text tomorrow for an exact number. In my reading it seems like a P.H. of 6 is where you want to be – as such, how do you adjust the water directly from the tap? Not possible, right?

Also, reading about chlorine in tap water and how it will kill all the good stuff that we are trying to keep alive and grow to help the root systems… The chlorine will gas off it the water is left to stand for 24h and also the PH will settle as well.

My question is: how do you overcome these challenges for those of you who use city water? I have been considering placing a LG tank at the top of a hill near my patch to fill every few days, adjust the PH and gas off. Only issue with this is that im not sure if the pressure will be enough for the irrigation system.

Just wondering how everybody in my boat deals with this. Any tips, tricks or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

3/7/2015 11:31:19 PM

Whitehall Montana

My water is 7.0 .There is PH up and PH down product you can by to adjust water ph.Many growers run water into big tanks to let chlorine leave the water and let the water heat before they water with it.Citric acid can be used to lower ph Too and can be washed out of the soil if you use to much.I catch a lot of rain water and when its gone I use straight out of the spicket.

3/8/2015 9:28:39 AM

Parker, CO

Typically would the pressure of a 100g tank be enough to keep a drip system happy? Or would I need a booster pump?

3/11/2015 10:22:36 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Colorado, its not the size of the tank, its the head that determines the pressure. How high is the water in the tank above the hose outlet? The more head you have, the more pressure you will get. That is why you see in some grower diaries that they have built stands to get their tanks higher or have them on a hill above the garden. Smaller delivery hoses will limit pressure to your drip system. And the longer your delivery hose and the more bends you have in it, the more friction you get to reduce pressure.

3/11/2015 11:09:37 PM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

Green gro. Makes a water conditioner... Removes chlorine just remembered that... Might wanna check into it....

3/12/2015 8:51:11 AM

Parker, CO

Thank you for the tips! I used to own a tropical fish store and plan to use a water conditioner and also let it gas out - typically a few drops are good for a large amount of water.

I have come across a plastic 55g drum that I think will do fine. I suppose I can build a 6' stand to get myself some pressure.

Anybody have a guess as to how much water you use per day for 1 plant? a 55g tank might not be enough... :-\

3/13/2015 12:56:14 AM

Massachusetts

A good planning number without knowing anything about Centennial is an inch of water per week. If your patch is 800 square feet then roughly 500 gallons per week or 70 gallons per day. If your patch is 650 square feet then the 55 gallon drum daily is just right.

3/13/2015 8:09:41 AM

Parker, CO

Tom, thanks for the tip on that. This gives me a great starting point!

1 last question for the ol' pros... Rather than build a stand I am considering putting the tank or tanks by the house and them pumping the water out to the patch.

Pros – I wont have a big water tank up in the air. I wont have to trust my carpentry stills. Water and power very close.

Cons – Cost of pump and power?

Thoughts.?.

3/14/2015 9:22:02 PM

Colorado

most of the water in denver area is 7.6-7.8

3/14/2015 9:35:27 PM

Central Illinois

Some people use a 1 HP Portable Lawn Sprinkling Pump, they are about $129 and you may want to buy a low water shut off switch and a few ball valves.

I am not sure how far you can pump the water or what rise they have


http://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/pumps-well-tanks/pumps/1-hp-portable-lawn-sprinkling-pump/p-1448183.htm

3/15/2015 10:57:17 AM

Hyde Park, Utah USA

Charcoal filtration system about $100 with filters will remove chlorine.

3/30/2015 5:07:04 PM