Why do it ?

• It is a common mistake to give too much too often when watering vegetables ! This encourages
• Leaf instead of root growth in root crops
• 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, 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

Progress to date

• Water collected from shed
• Water collected from small greenhouse - used for dip tanks
• 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
• Irrigation system under construction
• Dip tanks around site - filled by temporary syphoning
• Emergency mains link available (by kind co-operation of adjoining allotment holder)

How much water are we collecting ?

• Large greenhouse
• Complete irrigation - Urinal cistern to automate flow
• Benches and pipework for 2 baths
• Organise overflow out of greenhouse
• Overflow to top up main pond

Still to do

• Level and Link existing Dip tanks around site
• Install high level tank behind shed
• Lids on dip tanks including water saving
• Overflow to top up other ponds
• Shadduf or other arangement (wind or solar powered pump ?) to raise water from stream

We would welcome ideas/helpers/donations towards completing this project, and publicising the principles.

This aspect of TOPS is designed and coordinated by Barry Adams and Andy Hadley. To get involved contact Contact Jan 01202 623987, Gary on (01202) 679517, Andy on 389782 or Agenda 21 Officer on 01202 633062

Other aspects of TOPS garden or Return to Poole LA21 Home page