People have been asking me how I water all of my plants. The best thing that I have found, and that all the nurseries around me use, is the Nelson Whiz Head sprinkler. (<– that’s an affiliate link)
It’s fairly inexpensive and it fits right onto a ½ inch fitting on a ¾ standpipe. I run 5 of these at a time with my water pump. I wouldn’t get enough volume using a ½ inch garden hose. All are connected by a 1 inch pvc line that comes up to a ¾ inch standpipe and then put a ½ inch fitting on top to attach the whiz head.
The opening is very small, but you want that volume. Each sprinkler can cover a 30 foot area.
I have installed a timer to regulate the watering times. I let it go for 20 minutes, then off for 40, then on again for 20.
Now I also have homemade sprinkling stands.
I had a lot of used nursery pots and a big rock pile that kept growing, so I combined all of those ingredients, added a little concrete and some PVC piping and my problem was solved.
Step 1.
Put some rocks, bricks etc. into the bottom of an old nursery container.
Step 2.
Put a hole or two in the side of the nursery container. I just made a slit with my knife then using a small torch I softened the plastic and pushed the PVC pipe through the plastic container. I probably didn’t need to warm or melt the plastic but it was a good reason to play with fire.
I made three sprinkler stands.
This one I put a Tee in the middle of the pot so I could actually hook a hose to each end so I could run two sprinklers on the same hose connection. Usually a garden hose will only supply two of these oscillating, impact sprinklers.
Step 3.
Homemade Sprinkler Standpipe
After I had the PVC pipes in place I put more rocks or brick pieces on top of the pipes filling up buckets almost to the top. Then I added some ready mix concrete to hold the whole shebang together.
As you can see here after I put the holes in the pot I decided to put an elbow on two of these instead of a tee so I’d only have one hose connection. But these are for the nursery so a little cement dripping out the hole just gives it character. And yes, I do know this is crooked. After I got the photo (for you folks!) we moved these inside where the floor was level and make sure they were nice and straight before the concrete set up.
On top of these sprinkler stands I can change out the sprinkler head if I want. This is an impact type sprinkler head but I’ve also got Wiz Heads and Wobbler heads if I want a 360 degree pattern. On the ends of these PVC pipes you have to glue on a fitting that converts the PVC to a pipe thread, then onto that you have to thread on an adapter that converts the pipe thread to a garden hose type fitting. So you’ll have a few bucks tied up in brass fittings. Your hardware store has the fittings. Tell em Mike sent ya. They don’t know me but it will get them to wonderin.
So . . . what did I do wrong? Okay, I’ll tell ya.
I wish I had put one of those $4.00 fence posts in the pot next to PVC pipe. That would have supported the PVC pipe and protected it when you move it around. Had I put the fence post in, then I could just grab the fence post and carry these were ever I want them. But without it, it would be pretty easy to snap off the PVC pipe because that concrete is heavy.
In the nursery I use the fence posts driven into the ground, then I just tape the stand pipe to fence post and it works great.
But that’s how we learn things. I did it wrong, now you get to do it right.
I like to use these during our plant sales when we have a whole bunch of plants in different sections of the yard. They each have their own garden hose, and it is just more convenient than having to water by hand.
I’ve also installed a frost free hydrant, the valve is 24 inches underground so it won’t freeze in the winter. I ran a ¾ inch line from the main water line at the house and connected it to this hydrant. I recently attached 350 feet of garden hose to reach the back of the property and I actually got some pretty good water pressure. The ¾ inch line gives me the volume that I need. The minute that you put a quick coupler on, it reduces the flow down to 3/8 of an inch and then everything beyond that point is restricted.
As water runs through a line or hose, there is some friction loss. So if you start with ¾ inch then run 300 feet of one inch, it’s kind of like the equivalent of ¾ inch due to the friction loss.
Here’s a video I did on how my entire irrigation system is setup at my nursery…
Thanks, Mike. In the process of make 2 of these portable irrigation poles. I suggest using about 36.0 inches total of Blue Hawk 0.375-in Braided Polypropylene Rope (By-the-Foot) per pot. Burn the ends to seal it, then tie it into a knot (gives you 1 18 inch loop of rope – handle) and put the knotted end in the concrete. Here is the link to the rope: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-0-375-in-Braided-Polypropylene-Rope-By-the-Foot/1000759918 It holds over 400 lbs of weight and stands up to outside weather. and only $0.48 per foot.
Michael,
Good idea!
Mike – not sure if someone already suggested this but instead of $4 fence supports go to the masonry / bagged concrete section of your big box and look for their rebar section. They should have a selection of pre-cut rebar. Just buy some of the 18″ to 24″ (depending on how high you want your handle to lift your sprinklers ) put the rebar around something (thinking a 4×4 post) and simply bend it so you a nice u shape rebar piece. When you pour your concrete just push one into it and when dry you have a nice study handle to lift and carry your sprinkler buckets around.
Tim,
That’s a great idea. Thanks for sharing it.
Hey Mike,
I’m a teacher in Northern Ohio and I am really interested in your Backyard Growers University. I think growing/selling plants would be an awesome way to make extra money during the summer months. My wife and I may be building a home in the next few years. How would you suggest setting my new home up for watering all the plants I plan to grow? Should I install hydrants outside, install 3/4 inch spigots instead of 1/2 inch (for increased volume), etc? We would have well/water where we plan the build. Any help would be great! Also, I live close enough to you I’ve thought about driving to your nursery to purchase my plants I’d eventually take cuttings from. Thanks in advance for any help!
Sean,
Couple of things.
1. Our members area is open now, it’s only $7.00 to test drive it. http://backyardgrowers.com/join And we have an annual get together coming up soon for our members. That’s at my nursery and it’s an amazing day.
2. When irrigating volume is far more important than pressure and the larger the line the better volume you will get. 3/4″ lines to an outside spigot would be great, but getting a one inch line coming right out of the well for an irrigation line would be better. At first the house spigot is fine, but later you’ll want that one inch line.
3. The University is an awesome amount of information. About 17 years worth of archived info.
4. At the Shindig we will have lots of wholesale plant deals.
Hey Mike,
Thanks so much for the reply, really appreciate that! I’m from Sandusky and may come by your nursery some Saturday morning. I love your videos and information, they’ve really sold me on the idea of growing small plants.. I’ll have to talk my wife into joining the members area but sounds awesome. Thanks for all you do.
Sean
TO MAKE A SPRINKLER YOU CAN ALSO ,TAKE P.V.CP PIPE AND DRILL A LINE OF SMALL HOLES STRAIGHT DOWN ONE SIDE,THEN PUT A FITTING FOR A GARDEN HOSE ON ONE END AND A CAP ON THE OTHER END. tHAT WAY YOU CAN TURN THE HOLES DOWN AND JUST WATER THE ROW, WITHOUT WATERING THE WHOLE GARDEN (TO MAKE THE WEEDS GROW) ,OR YOU CAN TURN THE HOLES UP TO MAKE A SPRINKLER…
Mike I made this two years ago and it was very heavy to move. Also the cement started to crumble. So I revised your idea with three one foot pieces of two by fours made into an H with pipe coming through the middle held up in recent 60 mpg winds and is very easy to move. Your idea improved!
Could you please provide a photo? Did you use the wood instead of the bricks and rocks?
Thank you for sharing all this good information!
I’m starting to research because we plan to move into a house in about a year. We are currently in an apartment so I can’t start any large products but I’m definitely getting some good knowledge on how to be a successful gardener!!
Thanks again!!
Thank you for sharing your valuable information. I’ll be talking with you soon. I’ve been paying your booklets and I just purchased your video and info on selling plants. I’m one step away from buying all your videos for the $99.00 . Like I said thank you for sharing your information. I’ll be watching, thanks Don
Don,
Thank you for your support. Our Backyard Growers University is a treasure trove of valuable information. Stay in touch, I want to follow your success.
I was a little confused. first you say 1/2″ stand pvc pipe then you said 3/4″ with 1/2″ fitting on top. could you please tell me what size all the pvc pipes and fittings are so the nelson wiz head will attach to the right size fitting. I wanted to get started making this right away.
thanks so much
Terri,
I would use 3/4″ PVC for the sprinkler stands with a 1/2″ male fitting on top for the wiz head. But if you aquire the wiz heads first, then you know for sure because maybe they come for larger pipe as well I really don’t know, I always order 1/2″.
Hi Mike!
Thank You for your information on a new way to do an Irrigation system! For the amount of Plants you have, it looks like it works Really Good! Ingenuity! I have a question. I was going to be buying an Irrigation System from you shortly because this is the first year i believe i will be able to take cuttings, and have to be dedicated and keep them watered on a continued timely basis.. I have used those sprinklers, they are Amazing how Well they work! But for the 3′ x 27′ frame (holding approximately 1 cubic yard of Silica Sand) i have for my propagating spot i don’t know if this type of Irrigation system is the right way to go yet for me.. Do you Agree? Do you have any Irrigation kits left? Thank You.. Also, i don’t have any silica stones in my sand propagation box, or any stones at all, is that alright? Thank You for All You Do, i also am a big Fan of listening to all you say and show us.. Couldn’t get all this information Any where else.. I appreciate You!
Kathy
Kathy,
My propagation system come with the spray nozzles you need for propagating. That system is very different than the one that we use for watering our container grown plants. https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/mikes-plant-propagation-kit/
Mike, can you give me a address where to buy those wizz head sprinklers you use.Thanks for your help.
Frank,
Just google Nelson Wiz Head Sprinkler and you will find several options. Last ones I bought come from Drip Depot I think.
Mike-you have an AWESOME Backyard Farm. I love the portable sprinkle system.
Thanks for your videos.
Dog deterrent: 1 part water to 4 parts ammonia (scented or unscented). Pour in 1/2 gal. jug ( soda pop bottles, . Leave top off, punch a few holes (if necessary) on top of jug. Set a few, about 10 feet apart in yard, near where Fido is marking his (not yours) territory. This tells Fidi, this yard belongs to you. This works with puppies, indoors, where you do not want them to have accidents (spray area), then put paper down where you want them to go.
Hey Mike,
Thanks for all the tutorials! Any chance you could do an in depth one one fertilizers and brewing teas?
Thanks Brian and thanks for the great suggestions.
I watched your video a few weeks ago about the rooting system where you put the round ball like object with the peat moss soil inside, which was made for rooting on the plant.without cutting the branch off. Can you now tell me where to obtain some of these rooting systems.
Arthur,
Check the products tab at the top of https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/ if you don’t do any good there contact Sharon in my office at [email protected]
I was wondering where you got the pump you are using and what brand would you recommend, you said a big box store.
Sean,
I got my at Home Depot and I don’t remember the brand, Flo something. It’s an irrigation pump. Low pressure, high volume.
Once again our Professor Mike shows the world how to do it yourself.
I hereby promote Mike from “Dumb Ole Dirt Farmer” to professor of Dirtology.
For new members, you will not find Mike’s Forum information in any College class or any number of books. After a bout with Pneumonia I built Mikes potting Bench, and his Compost center is next. Thank you Mike for sharing all your wisdom!
Jim,
You’re welcome and thanks for the promotion! It’s been a long time coming!
Thanks for the videos. They are very educational.
Do you water the vegetable garden overhead??? Tomatoes and everything?
Judy,
I don’t grow veggies, never had the time. But I do water everything overhead and always have. Most importantly, make sure all the leaves are dry from watering before the sun goes down.
Great information! I’m a loyal fan and customer. Thanks Mike, Robert
Robert,
You’re welcome and thanks for being such a great fan!
Can you tell me how to keep neighbors dog off grass? Our front lawn is now filled with brown urine patches. Neighbors lawn is ruined and now he is using ours. What should we do? Help before this problem explodes. I have today placed sacks of soil on patches to let him know we see him allowing this.
Bunny,
I don’t know that I have an answer for you. I know how frustrating it is.
I had a friend that had this exact problem. He got some “NO Poop” signs from the hardware store(a picture of a dog pooping with red x on it) and put them in his front yard. The responsible dog owners got the hint, the irresponsible dog owners didn’t want to be caught and kids just don’t care. The problem pretty much went away.
In our area we have an ordinance that requires pet owners to pick up their pet poo. And since pet owners are humans they don’t always obey these kind of rules including stop signs and speed limits. Or, anything else that gets in their way for that matter. What we try to do is shame them with a little poignant humor. We have made little signs and attached them to discarded “julie” utility marker flags. When we find poo in the yard we stick a sign near or actually through the stuff that reads ” YOU forgot your poo! It has been affective at reducing the volume of poo and it is also nice to know that most of the neighbors are somewhat literate along with being inconsiderate. Good luck and try to have fun with the whole mess : ]
In our area we have an ordinance that requires pet owners to pick up their pet poo. And since pet owners are humans they don’t always obey these kind of rules including stop signs and speed limits. Or, anything else that gets in their way for that matter. What we try to do is shame them with a little poignant humor. We have made little signs and attached them to discarded “julie” utility marker flags. When we find poo in the yard we stick a sign near or actually through the stuff that reads “YOU forgot your poo!” It has been affective at reducing the volume of poo and it is also nice to know that most of the neighbors are somewhat literate along with being inconsiderate. Good luck and try to have fun with the whole mess : ]
try this for dogs:
http://www.gardenersedge.com/yardgard-ultrasonic%25252fsonic-cordless-animal-repeller/p/YGD/
The Home Depot actually sells a dog and cat and other large animal keep away product. It’s a liquid or granular type you spray in the area you want them to stay out of and it also doesn’t harm them at all. Its a smell that only they pick up on that is bothersome to them.
Bunny, I would set up a sprinkler with a motion detector on it.
You can get them from catalogs and possibly your local home store.
Set up your sprinkler and just wait and enjoy the karma.
save your bacon grease and poor it on his dodo! won’t be long the neighbor will get the message.
B B gun
Try flushing the brown areas several times with lots of water.
This may leach out salts deposited by the urine.
Have you spoke to the neighbor about the problem. He is responsible for his pets actions, especially dogs. Call Judge Judy (lol).You can also report this as well. Sorry you are having this problems. I had some of the same issue. Call the county and it was taken care of.
This may be socially incorrect but get a solar electric fence charger a few stakes and set it up in the toileting area. When pooch is sniffing if he contacts the wire it will shock him he will run yapping away. If pooch hikes his leg and urinates on it, well the shock will travel up stream if you get my drift. We use this for different reasons on the farm like to keep coyotes off the chicken coop, I have put it up temp. To teach a new pup my flower garden is not a play thing to this day 2 yrs later my dog won’t get near it. Animal activist don’t alarm it is not lethal, in fact the hubbs has urinated on one at the farm he didn’t know was hot and he jumped and hollered, but there was no damage.
Best of luck with the poopy pooch