Water is really important...
 

These plants at my house get same amount of fertilizer, mulch, hose water, TLC, etc.

And you may not be able to tell from the photo, but some are generally 'better off' than the rest.

You see, there is a gutter that spans the length of the roof. The run off areas are only on each end. Certain banana plants get substantially more natural water(rain and yes...dew) than the rest.

This picture tells the story:


Water seems to make a huge difference in the health of these plants.

Edit: It is my yard, but my neighbor's tyvecked building, so I don't control the run off water. There is a fence behind the banana trees on the property line. My house is off camera to the right.

Re: Water is really important...
 

Sure looks that way. Are they the same plants?

Re: Water is really important...
 

:woohoonaner: A new thread should be started "What did you water today" Thats incredible that you posted this ! This is the
same method that I kinda live by at my house.High value plant- high water requirements -put it near the source- Close to my home. Another topic can be "What was your water bill last month.":nanadrink:.I have micro irrigation to conserve water needs but at 100 degrees its water water water .

Re: Water is really important...
 

Almost...there is the oddball Bordelon near the right center.

Re: Water is really important...
 

In peoples opinion, how close is well water to rain water in terms of natural nutrients? I try not to water with city water from the tap and pump from my inground sprinkler well.

Re: Water is really important...
 

I can win that game! Last year I had two months of over $400.00.

That is why I just spent $4,200.00 on a well that I should have online this week.

Re: Water is really important...
 

Here's my 2 cents. This is just from my observation from where I live, I have noticed when we have large storm fronts come through which originate in the deep south and dump a lot of rain that the fronts pick up soil and deposit it within the storm front. Have you ever noticed the thin film of red dirt on your car, car windows and plant leaves after the water has dried? I am sure this is chock full of nutrients and minerals. As for well water, I have never used it because the bedrock is so thick here. So I am stuck using city water.

Re: Water is really important...
 

Thanks for starting this thread.
When I first read this it grabbed my attention, water is such an important topic. I am not sure of the point you are making , are you saying rain water is better than other forms of water or that you are not giving the other plants enough water?

Re: Water is really important...
 

Really, that the small plants don't get the same amount of water as the larger ones. It really shows here. Since it is my neighbors gutter, certain plants have benefited from the extra run-off.

That being said. Rain is a very effective way to water the plants as it is evenly distributes to the roots. My micro sprinklers reach only a portion of the roots. Its city water, but I'm not sure it makes a difference.

Re: Water is really important...
 

Thanks for the clarification, so it appears you only need to do more watering for the other plants. I mainly use rain water for my plants. Many times you can read "Too Much Water" is bad or lethal, but they never say how much is too much or what is the best amount. I have areas that stay flooded for long periods of time and they always produce a higher yield than the other areas.

Re: Water is really important...
 

I don't know about the difference in nutrients, but the bacteria are very different. The bacteria in well water is much better for your soil.

Re: Water is really important...
 

How is that new well working out? I want one so bad--- the temps here in the natti are smokin hot . My ferns hate it -my turf hates it- and my wallet hates it.

Re: Water is really important...
 

I am pleased so far. The first obvious benefit is NO irrigation bill. I am still running some test on it as I lay out some new zones. From what I can tell this system is capable of irrigating a 150' x 90' area at one time. I will be using rotator heads and I am spacing them for 100% overlap as they should be.

One of the test I ran was a dump test. I opened up a 2" valve and waited till the pump was kicked on. It was hard to be precise due to the volume of water coming out but it appeared to be one gallon per second at no presure. Today I'm going to try and get a good measurement at 50 psi and 40 psi.

I'll try and remember to post some results but if I forget please remind me.

I appreciate you asking for an update!

Re: Water is really important...
 

Darkman did you put in a deep well or a large diameter shallow well?

Re: Water is really important...
 

The well has a four inch casing that was drilled to 135' were we hit a impermeable clay layer. We hit water bearing sand at 45' that continued to 135'. The pump was installed at 115' at was plumbed with 2" steel pipe. The pump is a three horse.

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That is one serious well. :) That sounds great.

Re: Water is really important...
 

Just an FYI

Here in Lizard Creek, I have had Well Water for over 11 years now and LOVE it. That is what I water my plants Nanna's and everything else with unless I get enough rain to not water or am not so lazy and use the pond water where I have stocked hybrid Brim in and dip it up and use it on my plants.

I like DAT me. No water bill, no sewer user fee's, no garbage fee's and an electric bill of approx $58.00 per month for a 1600 Sq foot home in the country.

So.......I use all the extra no fee monies to buy AMMO:}

Cuz U Never Know lol

Re: Water is really important...
 

I live in the city and I'm required to use their water and sewer. I can only use the well for irrigation, pool filling, car washing, etc...

BUT

as I mentioned I had a $400.00 irrigation bill twice last year so it is WELL worth it.

Re: Water is really important...
 

AT the end of the day it's the NRA. :08:lol

Re: Water is really important...
 

darkman..whew.. $400/ bill.. ouch.. ive heard that areas
of florida have real water restrictions..or a cost..whew..i get excited
with a $50/month bill in july/aug.. we have it good here ..compared
to that..you would really have to love your plants to put that kind of
$$$ to keep them going..