Garden Talk Podcast #50: Automatic Watering Solutions with Michael Box

Speaker:

• Chris aka Mr. Grow It (Host)
• Michael Box from Sustainable Village (Guest)

Introduction

• Chris welcomes listeners to the 50th episode of the Garden Talk Podcast.
• Vision: To learn from gardeners worldwide and expand knowledge for both host and listeners.
• Guest: Michael Box, specializes in plant irrigation, gardening for 22+ years.

Episode Highlights

• **Goals: **
  • Bring zero-cost gardening information to the public.
  • Thank sponsors: Spider Farmer, Dutch Pro, AC Infinity.

Michael Box's Background

• Work Experience:
  • Lead designer at Sustainable Village, Boulder, CO.
  • Background in organic farming, permaculture, market garden, CSA program, and farmers market.
  • Passionate about water and irrigation design.

Introduction to Blue Mats

• What are Blue Mats?
  • Components: Ceramic carrot, moisture sensing valve, silicon line, adjustable brown dial.
  • Operation: Measures soil moisture, maintains constant soil moisture by opening/closing valve.
  • Types: Blue Mat Classic and Tropf Blue Mat.
  • **Application: **Use in containers, raised beds, and large-scale agriculture.

Irrigation Methods for Different Pot Sizes

• 1 Gallon Pot:
  • Blue Mat Classic preferred, for small-scale or individual plants.
• 3 Gallon Pot:
  • Single carrot with three distribution drippers for even coverage.
• 5 Gallon Pot:
  • Similar to 3-gallon, one carrot and possibly multiple drippers (3-5).
• **7 Gallon Pot: **
  • OK to use two carrots, one carrot is usually sufficient.
• 10+ Gallon Pots:
  • Use five-inch carrot with distribution drippers or nine-inch carrot near the plant base for large pots.
• Large Beds (3x3, 4x4, etc.):
  • Use double manifold system with Blue Soak lines for even watering.

Blue Mat Configuration Considerations

• Installation Tips:
  • Maintain soil moisture and prevent dry-out to avoid system errors.
  • Set up Blue Mats properly to ensure consistent soil moisture.
• Reservoir Size Recommendations:
  • Small-scale (e.g., 5-6 plants): 5-gallon buckets.
  • Larger reservoirs or automated refilling recommended for extensive setups.

Blue Mat Troubleshooting

• Common Issues:
  • Air bubbles in the carrot, bumping the carrot, soil dry-out.
  • Regular checks and adjustments ensure optimal functionality.
• Synthetic Nutrients:
  • Half-strength dilution to avoid salt buildup.
  • Product recommendations (e.g., Drip Clean) to prevent clogs.

Other Auto-Watering Systems

• Comparison with Blue Mats:
  • Hand watering: labor-intensive, risk of overwatering.
  • Drip Irrigation: Inconsistent, sensitive to environmental conditions.
  • Auto Pot Systems: Special pots required.

Additional Tips

• **Using Compost Teas & Microbial Inoculants: **
  • Can water them in, Blue Mats will turn off until soil dries to set moisture.
• Nutrient Well Technique:
  • Carve small well in the soil to hold dry amendments; regular watering feeds nutrients consistently.

Wrap-Up

• Services: Free irrigation design consultation through Sustainable Village.
• Upcoming Events:
  • Michael's participation in agricultural shows and conferences.
• **Connect: **Find more information and services at sustainablevillage.com.