(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best lawn & garden watering equipment

I'll look into this. I have already invested in 2 separate timers and I'm not too interested in buying more, but this may be the best solution. My only concern is the distance they would have to be going from the spigot... more hoses for my hose collection!

I think something like this may be the best solution? https://www.amazon.com/Melnor-4-Zone-Digital-Water-Timer/dp/B0094KM4VK/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1536070143&sr=8-14&keywords=water+timer

In ground sprinklers would be most but if you need or want to stick with a hose have you tried an adjustable oscillating sprinkler like a Melnor XT Turbo or Gilmour Rectangular?

I have a Melnor that I use for my smaller lawns, each has different dimensions and it adjusts easily to cover them all without a lot of overspray.

I just came across another one Melnor released recently that would probably fit the lawn perfectly. It's an oscillating sprinkler with 2 parallel rows of adjustable nozzles. It rotates on the stand so you could even daisy chain a pair of them if you've got enough water pressure and cover the whole lawn at once.

https://gardeningproductsreview.com/melnor-xt-minimax-turbo-oscillating-sprinkler-review/

I'm considering one now myself, I think it'd fit my lawn better too.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PBKVNWQ/ref=psdc_553974_t2_B000NJPUHG

Yeah I'm assuming to run more than 1 sprinkler at a time, especially when daisy chained, would probably need some pressure behind it to be most effective.

There are timers with multiple outputs that could turn each sprinkler on independent of eachother, which sounds like it would be useful in a situation where your water pressure is limited.

If I had the water pressure I would daisy chain some sprinklers up, but I imagine the more you attach on a line, the less coverage each one provides. It's quite the pickle.

It may not be the most cost-effective, but if I had a large area to water and not alot of pressure, maybe 4 of those tripod things hooked up to that 4 zone timer (so only 1 was running at a time) might be the best solution.

I think if you have to walk on a seeded lawn though, it's best to do it before they sprout. So I'd try not to be in the business of moving sprinklers multiple times per day if at all possible. I've walked on newly seeded grass (after it sprouted) and I couldn't see any difference afterwards, but I imagine repeated abuse would probably beat it up a bit.

Someone else might come up with a better solution though.

1. I get better quality meals - my husband is an AMAZING, gourmet-esque cook whereas I'm sort of a throw a jar of sauce over some noodles type of cook. He can't shake a stick at my baked goods though, so we're pretty balanced in that regard.
   
2. I am a homeowner and he moved in after I'd already purchased the house and was living there for awhile. He will notice little things that need to be fixed (like fixing a doorknob or door frame) or buy parts that I didn't realize I needed. Most recently, it was these styrofoam teepees that go around your exterior spigot heads during the winter (after you winterize the exterior pipes). No clue that those were "necessary."
   
3. Being able to split chores with no arguments. My ex husband was ZERO help around the house. Because I was conditioned to expect that, I didn't ask for help around the house at all. DH started just doing stuff like washing laundry, running the dishes, mowing, etc. without being asked. Now I feel comfortable delegating and asking for help without fear of retribution or an argument.
   
4. Stealing body heat whenever I desire - he's great about letting me stick my popsicle toes on him to warm up.
   
5. Not having to grocery shop. Because he's a far superior cook, he wants to choose all of his ingredients himself and visit the butcher counter etc.... I usually just do a ClickList pick up order and call it a day. He knows this so he will shop by himself or we'll go together which makes grocery shopping tolerable to me since we get to hang out together.

A dog. A shotgun to go with the pistol. A phone call to the state police or maybe a out of town attorney if you insist on staying to start building a case against the sheriffs office.

You can also lock the water spigot if you want to start making things harder on them.

Reinforcing your doors could be a great investment in your safety and your sanity as well. Link below for that. I don’t necessarily recommend or know that specific brand mentioned in the video. Could be great. But just wanted to show an example of what you’re looking for.

Flow Security Systems | The FaucetLock | Heavy Duty Brass Construction | Prevents Water Theft & Secures Outdoor Bibbs | Promotes Water Conservation | Keyed Differently | FFS 50 | 1 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G4NI0RW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_imsWBbFT9XS20


https://youtu.be/5h2xYwtnBXM

/u/relaymail beat me to it. I have been using the 1/2 mainline and 1/4 drip emitter tubing for a few years now on my raised beds and it's been great.

You can see how I have it set up in - this pic

Since the pic was taken I've buried all the mainline so I don't have any showing except for where it comes up and across the beds, then back down.

I have had the best luck with [this main line from MisterLandscaper] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ZNPE4I/) compared to some others. It's a bit more stiff than some of the others which has helped it hold up, makes it easier to poke holes in for adding drip lines, and it held up very well to trenching in between beds.

[This drip line from Toro] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026TA5JE/) is the one I settled on, preferring less flow more frequently to more flow every foot. This is half as much water every six inches, versus twice as much every foot. Yields the same water, total, but spreads it out a bit more, which should be more flexible for planting things.

Lastly, I've been using Rain Bird fittings and connectors, with Orbit water timers.

So far, so good! Let us know how the project turns out!

Pump/arduino systems are cool and all, but sometimes it's best to stick to basics.

Can testify these things work great. Most people install them wrong: you must water the plant conventionally til the water is saturated, THEN install these things.

This. Plus, you need to figure out what kind of hose bib to install. In cold areas, these are typically code:
http://www.amazon.com/Prier-P-164D14-Quarter-Turn-Anti-Siphon-Outdoor/dp/B00519RLQ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459284896&sr=8-1&keywords=freeze+proof+hose+bib

They prevent the pipe/valve from bursting if you forget to turn off the water in the winter. However, if you leave the hose hooked up to it when it freezes, it will burst anyway. I typically use these:

http://www.amazon.com/American-Valve-M76QT-Quarter-4-Inch/dp/B0052EKFAE

I always shut off my water in the winter, so I'm not worried about forgetting and bursting a pipe. The nice thing about these is that they are full 3/4" ball valves and have amazing flow. And, they don't wear out and leak like a saddle valve eventually will. You just need to make sure you shut off your water in the winter, and leave this valve OPEN. If you leave it closed, the water trapped inside the ball will burst the sides of the valve.

Since you've got hot water nearby, it might be nice to have it on the deck. In which case, you could get something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Woodford-22CP-12-MH-Frostfree-Horizontal-Mount-Faucet/dp/B001R2CXLY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1459285207&sr=8-3&keywords=outside+hot+cold+faucet

Sure they are. A garden hose shut off valve costs around two dollars and is a great thing to have.

It really helps when you're filling water balloons, too.

Obviously, it's been exposed to freezing temperatures before you bought the house, so it's probably OK. If you really want to know if it's frost protected, you'll have to remove the handle, ~12 inch shutoff tube and faucet washer at the end of the shutoff tube. The fixture looks like this https://www.amazon.com/Prier-P-164D12-Quarter-Turn-Anti-Siphon-Outdoor/dp/B0051966QW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1539751647&sr=8-4&keywords=freeze+proof+sillcock

I don't mist mine at all. Water thoroughly when the leaves start to wrinkle or soften a little bit. Make sure the pot has drainage. I use a squeeze bottle like this ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BTRH3SL ) to get water close to the roots and not on the plant when they're new. Most in the sub will suggest you bottom water (set in a container with water to wet the soil and then let the water drain) to promote root growth.

Sure! I got 2 of these timers:

https://www.amazon.com/Orbit-62061N-91213-Single-Dial-Water-Timer/dp/B004INGS8S?ie=UTF8&ref_=zg_bs_553988_1

They also have a 2 outlet version, which you could do without buying a Y adapter:
https://www.amazon.com/Orbit-58910-2-Outlet-Programmable-Faucet/dp/B008VDULGG?ie=UTF8&ref_=zg_bs_553988_3

I'm pretty sure this is the Y adapter I have:
https://www.amazon.com/A1001-WARRANTY-Connector-Garden-Shut-Off/dp/B018Q3AQ4W/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1467746856&sr=1-2&keywords=hose+y

This one would be better. But a drip system with a pump amd timer is better as the pH will change even if its just water, and with this, you know exactly how much water(or nutrient solution since it's not a problem like it could be with blumats) is consumed in a day.

I put a bit of grow big in the water and hoped for the best. I wasn't really sure what would happen. [Upgraded] Automatic Drip... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P9ZH7PQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I've used the Ziro and the Amolen marbles on my MK3. I don't like running it with the standard .4 nozzle though. Same applies with wood/glitter filament. There's an E3D nozzle pack on Amazon for ~$45 with a few different sizes. Definitely worth it if he wants to play with exotics. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013VBTM80/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tGi8CbH4S9QMQ

I did just buy a spool of this color changing filament https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071HLVQ9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oyi8CbB1JTD8C and it's printed decently so far.

Hope you are in a frost free area with that setup? There are dozens of options for hot/cold faucet options: Woodford 22CP-12-MH 12" Hot/Cold Frostfree Horizontal-Mount Faucet - 1/2" MIP or Female Sweat Connection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001R2CXLY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_GJVAyb5HTA5A3

haha better deal this is what i bought

https://www.amazon.com/Orbit-58086N-Plastic-Shut-Off-Coupling/dp/B00004S25R/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1498054902&sr=1-1&keywords=plastic+hose+valve

You can get a splitter at your local big box. Attach it to the cold water source and then connect both the hot and cold hoses from your washer to it. When you move out, just take it out.

Someone in my family insisted that she could tell the difference between hot and cold washing. I switched the machine as above to cold only, so no matter what cycle she selected only cold water was delivered. She never noticed nor complained.

Will your clothes get clean? Yep. Modern detergents work fine in cold water.

Ok. So, then as others have said you need a valve and not a pump. You could probably easily modify something like this. It has a valve (solenoid driven?). I assume you could just override it's timer with your raspberry pi. Or, if you really want to use the pump you could hook up the city water to a tank with a float valve to keep it full. Then turn the pump on/off to actually do the irrigation. Diaphragm pumps can run dry fairly well, but I wouldn't recommend it for long periods so you would want everything set up so at not drain the tank.

Orbit 21005 Watering Smart Hose Faucet Timer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0758V2JQS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oy0rDbE8PWVCJ

Currently on sale, this might fit your needs

Edit: the version above is for Bluetooth, if you need WiFi remote capabilities you can buy one with the WiFi receiver bundled

Orbit 21004 B-hyve Smart Hose Faucet Timer with Wi-Fi Hub, Compatible with Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0758NR8DJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iE0rDb0APF6ET

I was looking at these two options:

1. orbit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0758NR8DJ/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
   
   
2. melnor https://www.amazon.com/Melnor-Programming-Independent-Individual-Available/dp/B01E0LONN4/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?keywords=smart%2Bwater%2Btimer&qid=1563218614&s=gateway&sr=8-17&th=1&psc=1
   
   One is going to be 3x more expensive obviously, but what do you think would be easier from your experience?

I used a tractor sprinkler for years and loved it. Lay the hose out making the path you want it to take and turn it on. You can set the gear speed for a quick or slow watering

https://www.amazon.com/Nelson-1865-Raintrain-Traveling-Sprinkler/dp/B00002N6AN

If you use soaker hose, which would be fine, you will have to bring it into the garage each winter.

Spray emitters will spray more area, and increase weeds, and may increase problems with fungus and mold. That's more of a consideration for cucurbits.

These adjustable drip emitters are the best. The flat "pancake" or "button" emitters are terrible and tend to plug up in less than one season.

Seriously this. If you REAAALLY don't like watering them this is the ideal solution. Get a splitter for your spigot and leave it hooked up to a timer all the time and never water again!

I've never tried that, but he may have put the wicks into the pots before the plants. You could potentially harm them trying to shove a wick deep down into a root ball, but it should be ok if you're nice about it.

Another option is a big water jug with a dripper head on it like this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0037OEK0M/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1427124487&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=pop+bottle+drip&dpPl=1&dpID=41KQIF7GwzL&ref=plSrch

Just put the bottle upside down into the soil with this on the end and fill it up. I can't speak for how long these will drip for, but i know you can get a slow drip for days with the right set up.

Edit: the first reviewer claims that using this with 2L bottle filled with water absorbing crystals should last a week. YMMV

If you want to save time refilling, I got one of these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P9ZH7PQ/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_ZpeDDbY2RV7S4

I have it screwed into a water bottle top over a 1 gallon container that I refill with distilled water weekly. I have it set to run for 30 seconds twice a day and it keeps the whole thing nice and moist.

Cool, thank you. I was looking at two packs of these 5 inch.

Are you talking about something like this?

Home Intuition Outdoor Foam Faucet Cover, 2 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZF91HN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zL1zDbF81EXNV

If that works out, please let us know, that would be about as cheap as it gets and take up a lot less freezer space too.

I personally like a spray bottle for seedlings. It's murder on your hand if you've got a lot of cells to water though. If you've got a ton of seedlings, a proper watering can with a seedling head like so. works well.

I know the schools around here have faucets outside that have the handles removed. They have a square shaped shape for a t handle to slip into. Something like that would solve your issues. Just replace the faucets, and carry your t handle.

EZ-FLO 20215 Female Loose Key Hose Bibb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K7G6MUO/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_t-.3tb0Q07WQAY40

Or something like this

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00F22RGG2?pc_redir=1406844712&robot_redir=1

when i bring my trees inside for winter i found a small watering can made by haws and the stream is vert gentle and does not wash soil away. It also has a longer, smaller diameter neck and the spout/head can be removed and cleaned. CONS: it small. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TASSYQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Been a little nervous/paranoid that my neighbor could take advantage of my spigot that's on his side of my house. He's the kind of guy that gets utilities disconnected due to non-payment.


I'm probably going to get one of these:

The Faucet Lock


I just have been resisting because I figure if he sees that, it might realize I'm already accusing him before he does anything. We get along fine, so far, but that could end if he takes advantage.


Ah, I just realized what to do. I have one of those foam things that covers the faucet to prevent freezing. I'll wait until the first cold weather and then put the lock on and cover the spigot. Might forget to uncover it come spring. :-)

I got a DIG brand kit last year, the ML50, and then bought some extra parts, including some adjustable emitters from Amazon. Then I have an auto faucet timer this one that I've been using for years. I don't think you need a whole kit yet, but you might get it so you have the whole faucet assembly. It comes with a filter, pressure reducer, and backflow preventer. I would Go from the faucet to the timer to that assembly, then just run 1/2" tubing from there. Line up all your plants in a row so you can just run the tubing along the tops. Find a way to anchor them down. The just put an emitter or two over each pot.

These things look neat, never tried one though

https://www.amazon.com/Nelson-1865-Raintrain-Traveling-Sprinkler/dp/B00002N6AN

I used this line. You can only run so many feet of emitter line from a single emitter tap, in my case it was 18 feet. So, I ran one of these emitter taps into the 1/2" line for each 16 feet (I have 8 foot beds), each going up and back in a row (effectively 2 lines).

I found the 1/4" line is a lot easier to get and keep in place than the 1/2" line - so I only use the 1/2" line for the supply run around to all the raised beds, then I used the 1/4" line and 1/4" emitter tubing to run into the beds.

Plus a squeeze bottle, I use this more than the formlabs printer that it came with lol

www.amazon.com/dp/B07BTRH3SL

water shut off valve for my outdoor hoses are behind a bunch of dry wall

That sounds like they're nearly worthless then. You should consider uncovering the shutoffs and making sure you have frost-proof hose bibs (which should be sufficient protection around Seattle if there's a warm interior wall).

I just picked this up and so far I love it Orbit 21004 B-hyve Smart Hose Faucet Timer with Wi-Fi Hub, Compatible with Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0758NR8DJ/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_mXlsDbF0264ZC

When I put my original nozzle back on it passed all the calibration, so I don't think there is any filament jammed up in there. This is the nozzle I am trying to use, could it be the issue?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013VBTM80/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You’re talking about the watering spikes like this right? https://www.amazon.com/Master-Craft-Plant-Watering-Spikes/dp/B0037OEK0M

I have about the same size lawn also with trees and other obstructions. I was considering putting together a temp watering system when I go to overseed in the Spring. Used the Orbit sprinkler design tool online to get an idea of placement and what it would be like. I was going to use zones with this 4 zone timer, alternating one after the other so water pressure stays up and more of the lawn gets watered without moving sprinklers around much.

Might try a traveling tractor sprinkler something like this https://www.amazon.com/Nelson-1865-Raintrain-Traveling-Sprinkler/dp/B00002N6AN

I got this for last vacation and it worked very well. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07P9ZH7PQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title&th=1

$70 for just the timer is a rip. here is just the timer for $41. The price of the combo fluctuates a bit, but is worth it even at $70

A friend purchased this one to water a narrow strip. You can adjust the width.

The Q&A says:

>Question: How narrow can the stream be when running full blast?
>
>Answer: I would say 2 1/2 to 3 feet. Full blast makes it go farther, not wider. Great for a narrow strip.

You have to lock your bedroom. She's laundering to cover her snooping; when you prevent the laundering she'll just be sneakier about it (but not TOO sneaky, because you knowing is part of the N-feed).
Having locked your bedroom door, you'll want to also disable the washer and dryer:
Turn off the associated circuit breakers (or remove the fuses) if it won't disable anything else important.
Turn off the water. If possible, lock them off or lock out the hose
Unplug them, and lock up the plugs.
If one of you is electrically handy and you're feeling particularly put upon, you could install a key operated power switch into the washer itself. Make sure that the switch is sufficient for the load; this example will do most washers but not electric dryers. (And I have no idea whether such a modification would be legal where you live.)

Someone commented this in another post.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07P9ZH7PQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title&th=1

Traveling Sprinkler . I don’t think there’s any technical name to them.

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0037OEK0M/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1427124487&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=pop+bottle+drip&dpPl=1&dpID=41KQIF7GwzL&ref=plSrch

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

Try a faucet lock!

This Automatic watering thing might work...

https://www.amazon.com/Nelson-1865-Raintrain-Traveling-Sprinkler/dp/B00002N6AN

I'm on a well and have the same problem. There was a higher up-front cost but I got one of these https://www.amazon.com/Melnor-4-Zone-Digital-Water-Timer/dp/B0094KM4VK and enough hoses/sprinklers to attach to it. Now I can have up to 4 sprinklers that run one after the other to cover the areas I'm reseeding.

No idea where you live but if it needs to be a frost proof than woodford is the only way to go


https://www.amazon.com/Woodford-22CP-12-MH-Frostfree-Horizontal-Mount-Faucet/dp/B001R2CXLY

There're these. Reviews are mixed, though.

If you're just bad about shutting the water off, a simple mechanical timer would do just as well and be a lot more reliable.

Hose and sprinkler but it's attached to a WiFi/Bluetooth hose timer. I actually use a few sprinklers placed strategically (and out of the way) so I can just leave them there all summer.

Set it and forget it. I'm in Benton Park and don't have much grass so this works perfectly for me. I also do this with a drip system for all the flowers.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0758NR8DJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_omo2Cb29F8X75

I like the idea, sounds pretty cool but what would keep someone from stealing it? I'd rather drop ~$60 on this sprinkler that follows a hose (http://www.amazon.com/Nelson-1865-Raintrain-Traveling-Sprinkler/dp/B00002N6AN) than ~$400 someone could come and take from my yard.