Using a soaker hose

 I know this is a stupid question, but I'm a fairly new gardener who is still
learning so bear with me.  What's the most effective way to use a soaker
hose?  I've been told to bury the hose under the mulch and let it run, but I
don't know how to tell how much water my plants are getting that way.  How
long should the hose be left running?  Is there any benefit to a soaker hose
over a hose with holes in it that sprays up?  If the mulch gets soaked, will
any of that water leach into the ground and water the plants below ground
level? Any assistance is appreciated.  Thanks!

Rhonda
Alexandria, VA
Zone 7


*********
Basic psychology is one of my subroutines.

 This is actually a smart question.  I find that with  my own experience using
soaker hoses, the ones which are porous are better than those which spray up.
Depending on how dry it has been, I will put the soakers on and go out and check
the soil in a half hour.  If I find the water has reached a depth of at least
eight inches, I know a half hour is a good timing gauge.  However, in beds where
I have native plants, I have to be careful to not over water the beds.  So, it
really depends on many factors, some being what type of plants, how well does
the soil drain, level of organic matter in the soil, how much runoff you have,
slope, etc.

In some of my native beds I have put in among the xeric plants one plant which
will wilt when extremely dry.  I call it my indicator plant.  If that plant is
starting to wilt, I water the appropriate amount to get it turgid again.

Many different things to consider, but placement of the soaker hoses should be
located under the mulch and within a foot or two of the plants you want to water
with them.

Victoria

 
The only advantage to pointing the holes upwards is that you cover a larger
area.  Of course you then have to let it run for longer.  There is no
botanical advantage to getting the leaves wet.  In fact, it may even slow
down your plants' metabolism on a sunny day.

After the mulch is saturated, water will drip through to the soil.  You
should let it run until the soil is good and wet.  Knowing how long that
takes is part of knowing your garden, you can test it by sticking your
finger in the dirt until you have a feel for it.

-- spud_demon -at- thundermaker.net
The above may not (yet) represent the opinions of my employer.

 On Fri, 16 Apr 2004 00:16:07 +0000 (UTC), lewis@spyder.mitre.org (Spud
Demon) wrote:


earth to potato devjl WTF did you get ths idea?

 -0700:

I tried it with a new soaker/sprinkler hose from Target by putting the red
stripe on top.  The spray covers 5' on each side of the hose.  

-- spud_demon -at- thundermaker.net
The above may not (yet) represent the opinions of my employer.