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Portsmouth, RI

I want to setup a drip system next season and was wondering whats a good spacing between the drip lines? Also would it be better to run the drip lines across the plant or in the direction of the main vine? I never used an irrigation system before.
Thanks, Bob

11/17/2009 2:38:19 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

ld725, I tried it for the first time this year and got it wrong!!! IMHO...draw yer patch...then draw yer perfect plants...then decide where you want to put down water, most prudent to leaf nodes...then, it sorta became apparent to me that I had done it wrong!!! The drip lines and emmiters need to run parallel (right beside) yer secondary vines. The emmitters closest to each secondary will (hopefully) take care of the main. Jeez, I hope I get it right next year!!! Peace, Wayne

11/18/2009 1:27:32 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Or contact dripworks...and they will draw it out for you!! LOL Peace, Wayne

11/18/2009 1:28:10 AM

Sacramento, Ca

I used drip this year and it works well. One word of caution, keep the emitters away from the stump or bad things will happen! I ran a main drip line to the stump of the plant and then just followed the secondaries with side runs and emitters off of the main line.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=121795

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=121796

11/18/2009 10:42:35 AM

Corbin, KY

My two plants were grown in a Christmas tree pattern. The main water line was ran down the main vine. The drip tapes were put between the secondaries. I installed the drip tape (T-Tape) as I buried secondaries. When you weed all you have to do is move the tape over and weed and move it back, very easy. With a fertilize injector you can add your compost tea, fish and seaweed etc to your root zone keeping your leaves dry. Any foliar nutrients can be applied with a mister. Worked great for me. I will install it the same in 2010. T-tape can be reused but I will have to buy new main line each year. 100 foot of main isn't that high. I purchased all my irrigation supplies from drip works but others will work.

11/18/2009 10:57:10 AM

Portsmouth, RI

I was reading you can install shutoffs for the drip lines you don't want to use. Compost tea will go through the drip system without clogging anything?

11/18/2009 12:10:16 PM

Connecticut

I am a big fan of drip irrigation for giant pumpkin growing. I feel it can add the correct amount of consistent water to keep the plants happy.

Also, I live 40+miles from my patch so a battery timer with rain sensor has helped me ensure my plants get water (but not to much) even if I am not there.

Look at my 2008 and 2009 diaries for the actual drip irrigation + overhead impact sprinklers (for cooling) set-up for my 10 plants.

Some highlight pictures...

2008-
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=99584
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=99585
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=99670

2009-
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=112854
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=113578

Hope this helps.

11/19/2009 9:53:33 PM

Portsmouth, RI

Thanks, this really helps.
Bob

11/20/2009 7:44:48 AM

Ohio

Im running mine exactly the way you see here.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=104680

11/20/2009 10:40:47 AM

Belgium Europe

Drips parallel to sidevines looking good.
Do you lead them under or over main vine, Matt?

11/20/2009 2:19:41 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

If you plan to run your laterals parallel with the secondaries, don't get behind in doing so. Running between well-established vines is a pain in the a$$. I'm going back to running perpendicular next year.

11/20/2009 9:32:16 PM

Connecticut

Hi Jos-

I keep the drip lines as close to the ground as possible so I just let the main vine grow over the drip lines. As you can see in my diary the T-tapes are set-up before the plants go in the ground.

Running the drip lines parallel to the side vines is a big problem solver.

11/21/2009 8:56:37 PM