We are in the middle of one of the worst droughts to hit Michigan in decades. Farmers in the area have been struggling to keep their crops alive with almost no rain and record high temperatures. As the national news highlights the rising corn and soybean prices, local vegetable and fruit farmers have been struggling too, and so has the Ginsberg Garden. But, thanks to our new drip irrigation system, our plants will be much happier!
Drip irrigation is great for gardens, even when drought is not a concern. The drip hosing soaks the soil slowly and at the soil line, which helps prevent disease and helps out the root systems of our plants. When watering from above with a hose, the water evaporates more readily and does not soak into the ground as deeply. Also, watering the leaves of plants (especially when using city water) can cause fungal diseases to develop.
Right now, we have to use tap water from the Ginsberg Center for the drip hosing. But in the future, we hope to be able to use our rain barrels instead!
The water passes from a normal hose, through a pressure regulator and screen, then into the drip hosing.
Testing the drip hosing!
Thirsty cabbages are loving their new water source.
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