In the greenhouse, it was more complex. I put in a special timer and riggedan irrigation line into which I could tap a variety of misting or drip feeds. It took
time, but it will be much better than having to ask our neighbor to fill in for me
when I find myself away from home for any length of time.
At this point I need to speak in a LOUDER VOICE because it’s so important.
Because I’m on the road unpredictably, I had always dismissed the idea of
an edible garden and greenhouse because they would need attention, especially
proper watering on a daily basis. But with a good timer
and both light and heat sensors, the plants will still get
their basic daily attention, albeit mechanically (and,
perhaps, more reliably).
You’ve already made an investment (especially if
you’ve got a greenhouse), so go the extra mile on the
watering system and see that it’s done right! However,
don’t allow automation to take over. Your plants
need your personal attention.
My last units that needed watering were theEarthBoxes, which I watered by hand each day
through the box’s reservoir filler tube. There is an automatic overflow system to
prevent overwatering that worked fine, but since the boxes need help when unat
tended, I linked them into the greenhouse irrigation device to eliminate a poten
tial source of failure.
9. Feeding
With the watering working well, I then had to turn to a far more complex issue:
feeding. My local knowledge experts told me that there were two major errors
made by gardeners: adding too much or too little fertilizer. I found this unhelp
ful. “So,” I asked, “what is the Goldilocks quantity—the just right amount?”
“It depends,” they replied.
And so it went on—with me getting no wiser and, if anything, more confused!MY NEED-TO-KNOW LIST • 35