At the allotment I have a watering system up and running that is supplied by my waterbutt and it works!
From the waterbutt, (which is raised 1.5ft above the beds) i have a 16mm supply pipe running down the length of my tunnel (at a later date i will fix it to the wooden base rail) from this i have 7mm waterbutt pipe from www.gardensystems.co.uk P&P £1.80- £4.60)which already has drippers inside and these run into my planting areas. I have also fixed two taps along two areas of 7mm pipe so that i can turn of the supply if i don't require the area to be watered when the bed is empty.
I have only set this system up in two large beds for my tomatoes in my PT to help my fellow plot holders water my tunnel when i'm away but when i get back I will extend the system to all the beds and the bench.
I also picked up a few connectors from B&Q who do a 16mm and 7mm supply pipe, their 7mm doesn't have drippers inside you have to buy a pack of them and add them yourself.
I'm really pleased that i've been able to do this,my PT is 20ft x 14ft, i'm a 35 Mum who's husband hasn't been to my plot in the three years so i'm on my own, so if i can do it anyone can. I even think the guys at the allotments are impressed with my efforts.
It's so far cost £24.32 but i have loads of the 16mm so won't need anymore of that. Money well spent, it normally takes me over 20 minutes just to water 2 thirds of the tunnel using two watering canes.
Marianne
