Using soaker hoses

I live in North Alabama and we are already having 90+ degree weather. I got soaker hoses for my garden today and can not decide on how long I should run them and how often.

Cindy Adams
Florence, Alabama

It depends on your soil. If it is sandy or gravelly, the water will drain down fairly quickly, so you’ll need to run your soakers longer and more often than if you have a clay-based soil. To tell if you need to run them more, just dig down between the plants, in line with your hose. (Don’t cut the hose!) The soil should be evenly moist but not soggy between waterings. You want about an inch of water twice a week (on average, again depending on your soil). Be sure to water enough so the deeper roots of the plants get adequate moisture. By using an organic mulch, such as straw, it will help conserve moisture, keeping the ground moist with less water use. — Jackie

Thanks for everything

Dear Jackie, I don’t have a question at this time. But I do want to say what an inspiration you are to so many people. Including myself. There are the building things that you do that I am slowly learning. But the canning, Holy Smokes, that has really taken off in my household. I just wanted to say thanks for all that you have done through out the years for all of us. And hope that you will continue throughout many more years.

Maida Gaddis
Myrtle Creek, Oregon

Thanks for the kind words. I’m so happy that you’re doing so well and canning up a storm. Great! And have lots of fun, too! — Jackie

4 COMMENTS

  1. Congrats on the wedding, dh and I just celebrated our 8th, and as this is our 3rd each and we are in late 50’s, it truly is never too late! The best is yet to be! Nothing better than being married to your best friend! Enjoy!

  3. I second what Maida said!!! & I hope everything went smoothly for your wedding, too….Congrats, again :)

  4. Congratulations… you are 2 days into being married! How exciting :-) We are all hoping you will share some pictures with us soon. You and Will are so lucky to have found each other. It really is a blessing when you can find the total, solid, deep friendship that is the foundation for a strong marriage, must be divine intervention! Congratulations not just to you and Will but to your entire family.

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