Watering the garden is a much more complex job than many people think. It is particularly difficult if your soil is water repellent (or hydrophobic), because the water just runs off instead of soaking into the soil. These soils can be treated with a soil wetting agent such as Wettasoil (apply as per the directions on the container). However, this takes time and the treatment may need to be repeated. In our segment Don demonstrated a quick and efficient way to deliver water to a plant which is drying out. He used a homemade watering device with a long nozzle which he inserted into the soil and pushed down in among the roots. He then allowed the water to bubble into the soil, taking care not to wash soil away from the root system.

To make your own deep watering device, follow the instructions below.

You will need

• 1 metre (or more, depending on your height) x 12mm hard drawn copper pipe
• 1 x 12mm (No.13) Cu to MI elbow (male thread)
• 1 female thread hose tap fitting

What to do

1. Solder the elbow joint to the copper pipe
2. Screw on the hose tap fitting
3. Attach the hose

Further information

Pipe and tap fittings are available from hardware stores or plumbers suppliers.
Expect to pay around $9.78 per metre for 12mm copper pipe, and $6.41 for a 12mm elbow.

Copyright CTC Productions 2001