Sprinklers to water tomato plants?

Kamper420 · May 30, 2006

I have about 25 plants on a drip system right now and about 6 that are in buckets and the drip system is not long enough to water the plants in the buckets. I was wondering if I relocate them and plant them where the lawn sprinklers would water them, would that be OK?
I heard its not a good idea to water the leaves and if I plant them near the sprinklers they will for sure get all wet. If its ok that the sprinklers would get the whole plant wet, what would be a good excuse to tell my wife I need to re-locate and take up more of our backyard

Thanks,
Kamper

**Mischka** · May 30, 2006

I wouldn't water my garden with sprinklers for the simple reason that wet foliage invites disease, as well as the potential for sunburn, should you water during the time of day when the sun is high in the sky.

An additional downfall to overhead watering is that much of your water will evaporate before it has a chance to reach the root system of your plants. If you pay for your water (or the electricity to pump it from your well) this can be a waste of your hard earned money.

Soaker hoses or irrigation trenches are both better choices. :wink:

Kamper420 · May 30, 2006

My sprinklers come on early in the morning and the ground in wet for a few hours after. I dont water at night.

**coronabarb** · May 30, 2006

Kamper,

Do you mind my asking where abouts in So Cal you are? Coast, Inland, Mts, Desert? (we got it all :wink: ) I have not had a problem with overhead watering because it is so darn dry here (inland) but that might not be the case where you are. If you can talk the wife into giving you more room, GO FOR IT!!!

QAGuy · May 31, 2006

Corona Barb

Glad to hear someone else doesn't mind getting the foliage wet!

Steve Goto recommended overhead watering to rinse off any nasty spores!
Assuming of course, that you have a good mulch to prevent splashback.

I've been overhead watering for years and have not had any problems with it.
In fact, I think the plants like a good shower.

I'm in Glendora, BTW.

Kamper420 · May 31, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by coronabarb

Kamper,

Do you mind my asking where abouts in So Cal you are? Coast, Inland, Mts, Desert? (we got it all :wink: ) I have not had a problem with overhead watering because it is so darn dry here (inland) but that might not be the case where you are. If you can talk the wife into giving you more room, GO FOR IT!!!

I live in Corona. It is dry here and the heat is starting to pick up.

May 30, 2006	#1
Kamper420 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2006 Location: So Cal Posts: 9	Sprinklers to water tomato plants? I have about 25 plants on a drip system right now and about 6 that are in buckets and the drip system is not long enough to water the plants in the buckets. I was wondering if I relocate them and plant them where the lawn sprinklers would water them, would that be OK? I heard its not a good idea to water the leaves and if I plant them near the sprinklers they will for sure get all wet. If its ok that the sprinklers would get the whole plant wet, what would be a good excuse to tell my wife I need to re-locate and take up more of our backyard Thanks, Kamper

May 30, 2006	#2
Mischka Tomatoville® Administrator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Bay State Posts: 3,207	I wouldn't water my garden with sprinklers for the simple reason that wet foliage invites disease, as well as the potential for sunburn, should you water during the time of day when the sun is high in the sky. An additional downfall to overhead watering is that much of your water will evaporate before it has a chance to reach the root system of your plants. If you pay for your water (or the electricity to pump it from your well) this can be a waste of your hard earned money. Soaker hoses or irrigation trenches are both better choices. :wink: __________________ Mischka One last word of farewell, Dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long happy life with you: "Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved." No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail.

May 30, 2006	#4
coronabarb Tomatoville® Recipe Keeper Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Roseburg, Oregon - zone 7 Posts: 2,821	Kamper, Do you mind my asking where abouts in So Cal you are? Coast, Inland, Mts, Desert? (we got it all :wink: ) I have not had a problem with overhead watering because it is so darn dry here (inland) but that might not be the case where you are. If you can talk the wife into giving you more room, GO FOR IT!!! __________________ Corona~Barb Now an Oregon gal

May 31, 2006	#5
QAGuy Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2006 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 167	Sprinklers Corona Barb Glad to hear someone else doesn't mind getting the foliage wet! Steve Goto recommended overhead watering to rinse off any nasty spores! Assuming of course, that you have a good mulch to prevent splashback. I've been overhead watering for years and have not had any problems with it. In fact, I think the plants like a good shower. I'm in Glendora, BTW. __________________ "We have met the enemy and he is us" - Pogo