Tatnam Organic Patch

Water Minimisation Project

Why do it ?

• It is a common mistake to give too much too often when watering vegetables ! This encourages
  o Leaf instead of root growth in root crops
  o Leaf and stem growth at the expense of fruit eg Tomatoes, Peas and Beans
• Mains water is processed and chlorinated for drinking. Using it for watering gardens is a waste.
• Collected water is purified and pumped by sun and clouds and is free
• As part of the overall aims of the garden, we want to demonstrate ideas on garden watering to others

Saving Water

• Save rainfall on all garden roofs (inc. Dip tank covers)
• Store a maximum percentage of total garden requirements
• Apply only as much as is required by each plant and apply where it is best utilised
• Minimise evaporation by keeping the soil well mulched and in good heart, with a high humus content.

Save work

• Design automatic watering in Greenhouses using capillary mats, hydroponics, seep hoses, drip nozzles and by channelling
• Dip tanks numerous and conveniently placed all round garden
• Dip tanks filled simultaneously (all on a common level and linked)
• Provision made for emergencies (mains hose from adjoining allotment site)
• Watering regime noted on Bed Boards
• Overflow pipe to top up wildlife ponds
  

  Close-up shot of greenhouse watering system

  Progress to date

• Water collected from shed
• Water collected from small greenhouse – used for dip tanks (Greenhouse removed 2009, tank remains !)
• Water collected from large greenhouse
  • Feeds 3 high level toilet cisterns for semi-automatic irrigation
  • Feeds 2 baths which double as heat stores and seating area/planters
  • Feeds 2 dip tanks, one alongside greenhouse, other halfway along garden
  • Dip tanks around site – filled by temporary syphoning
• Large greenhouse
  • Gutter based Irrigation system- Urinal cistern to automate flow
  • Benches and pipework for 2 baths
  • Organise overflow out of greenhouse
  • Hydroponic bed on top of bath – sitting on ex-fridge shelving
  • Pebble seedbed ontop of the other bath
• Overflow to top up main pond