Q: Can I attach the irrigation grid to my rain barrels? A: We've looked at this option intensely as we have a 165 gallon rain catchment system here at SFG Supply. We've found in our testing that there's just not enough water pressure created by the gravitational flow of the water; however, we are persuaded that this can work if we insert a small water pump between the rain barrels and the i-grid(s). Be careful when selecting a pump as too much psi could damage the irrigation grid. Select a pump that supplies typical household water pressure or less.
Q: Can I install an automatic watering timer and connect it to my irrigation grid? A: Absolutely, we encourage this type of device. Just remember that Mel's Mix is designed to retain water in the peat and vermiculite. So, always take time to monitor your garden's health. SFG Supply recommends installing an
Orbit Automated Watering System when using two or more 4' x 4' I-Grids. Each Irrigation Grid should be attached to its own water control valve and should be programmed to water for about 15 minutes.
Q: I want to have deeper soil in my square foot garden planter. What do I do?
A: Setup the planter in the location you've chosen. Take a shovel and dig out the ground on the inside of the planter to the depth you desire. Install additional landscape fabric and fill the planter with Mel's Mix. If you tell us you're going to do this when you order, we'll send extra landscape fabric - no charge!
A: Some of the pipes and fittings are the same; however, you do not have all the different fittings, connectors, and additional pipe. We recommend you order the DIY kit for your size planter. The kit includes everything you need to assemble our Irrigation Grid! Or we can do it for you :-)
Q: My grid has four water spouts per square. How can I plug the ones I don't use?
A: We know it sounds a little hokie, but just buy a tube of silicon bath and tile caulk and put a little dap over the water spout when you have it turned off. Give it a day to dry. The next time you plant something different in that square peel off the caulk and stick a small nail in the hole to open it back up - your in business again. Some things just don't require a high tech solution! :-)
Q: What is your Five Blend Compost made of?
A: We mix equal amounts of Organic Mushroom Compost, Black Kow Compost, Organic Soil Conditioner, Black Hen, and Bat Guano. When the Bat Guano is not available we'll substitute Worm Castings.