Garden 2012

[neanderpaul]

Awesome!

[freshtiva]

Getting there but going to need some rain before it will work.

[Safety Guy]

That is an interesting "pump" design! More like a "bucket wheel" I suppose. Just as effective, and doesn't rely upon sealing capabilities.

Karl

[freshtiva]

Got my water containers home this morning.

[freshtiva]

My parents house ( built 1891 ) where I grew up had a deep hand dug, rock lined cistern underneath it. It captured water off the roof. It had a diverter which would divert the water away from the cistern if desired. If water wasnt diverted away from the cistern it would run through a large canister full of charcoal before going into the cistern. I wish I knew where that canister is now. There was also a seperate large cistern to catch water off of the barn. That cistern had a pump. The pump used a large chain with many scoops on it, the scoops would dip into the water and carry water up to the surface. The crank handle worked through a gear drive. Ive got a picture of it somewhere.

Found this picture of the pump at the barn. Thats me on the left and my kid brother on the right. People knew the value of water in 1891. The cistern and pump are still there. I think the scoop chain is missing. I think it got pulled out and isnt at the bottom of the cistern.

[freshtiva]

The system on the youtube link has a first flush deverter. Looks like its manual though. Youd have to unscrew the cap and then put it back on. The floating ball is a good idea. Ive seen people use a plastic water bottle instead of a floating ball. I plan on using the water for the garden initially but in might be good for livestock too in the future.

[Safety Guy]

The first small tank I was talking about is a "first flush diverter," and you need it because:

"When it rains, water slowly builds up in the roof gutter system before it exits through the downpipe. The first flush of water from the roof can contain amounts of bacteria from decomposed insects, lizards, bird and animal droppings and concentrated tannic acid. It may also contain sediments, water borne heavy metals and chemical residues, all of which are undesirable elements to have in a water storage system."

From this site:

http://www.rainharvest.com/rain-harvesting-pty-downspout-first-flush-diverter.asp

I'm not necessarily recommending this brand. There are cheaper ones of different and simpler design. If this will all be "garden water," then maybe you don't need it. But if you ever drink this water, you should give plenty of thought to a good first flush diverter.

Karl

[freshtiva]

Purchased six of these today @ $50 each. 275 gallons each for a total of 1650 gallons.



I like this configuration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGF3hFRZkr8&feature=related

[Safety Guy]

Marcus wrote:

"Im also planning a rain water catch system. Maybe using a gravity fed drip hose from a 2500 gal poly tank positioned under my shop eaves."

Now you're talking! Make nature do as much of the work for you. Don't forget to research the initial rainfall filter (most of the dirt and bird doo will be in the initial rainfall so it needs to be run off before filling the main tank) and all the other little things first.

Karl

[drddan]

Paul and Markus, awesome gardens. Makes me hungry to look at this thread!
Even in the middle of a drought, and losing some, what you have gotten looks great, and also looks like a lot of work, to keep them going.

Good job, mates!

Clutch, I just ate some homegrown watermelon. Man, was it good! Yum.

[freshtiva]

Ive never heard of the chiltepin. Just googled it though, nice ! Aztec in origin and the official pepper of Texas. Huge sunflower ! Not sure your corn will pollinate, it usually has to be planted in mass for the wind to do its stuff. Thanks for the pics, nothing taste better than home grown !! I like to harvest something and have it on the table in 15 minutes. It doesnt get fresher than that.





"Definetely doing a few things differently next year, weeds are insane. "


Me too Buck. The rabbits devoured my bean crop. Going to have to build some fence or get a dog. Im also planning a rain water catch system. Maybe using a gravity fed drip hose from a 2500 gal poly tank positioned under my shop eaves. Going to get some clean wheat straw for mulch next year to keep the weeds down and retain moisture. Need to work in more organic matter into the soil as well. Gardening is a year around venture.

[neanderpaul]

This is a chiltepin plant. Hot peppers. 8-9 on a scale of 1-10. Tiny. They will turn bright red.

Cukes are the only thing we've gotten any quantity of so far. I brought 3 to fourthtiva.

I planted 8 new to me varieties of tomatoes. Then 12 volunteer plant sprung up. I transplanted them along the the fence line.


A volunteer sunflower came up too! We've never planted those. It was a gift from the birds.


The Juliet tomatoes were the first to ripen. Just a handful so far.

They grow in an interesting pattern.

These are yellow pear tomatoes.

I planted six corn. They are producing silk and are over 7 feet tall.


There are more pics to come. I need to weed and take more pics.

[neanderpaul]

Marcus you are the man!

[blacklabels]

The kraut looks mighty tasty!

[freshtiva]

Five quarts of home made sauerkraut from home grown cabbage.