A Blessing in Disguise!

I might have grumbled and moaned a few times when it was time start the watering process...again...fill jugs, load up car, unload car, carry to garden, empty out...everyday for the last 3 weeks. We have had NO rain!! Not having the luxury of running water has been a blessing in disguise. I have learned that plants benefit from daily hand watering best. They are getting water right at the root of the plant where they need it most, not sharing with the weeds. It has forced me to become up close and personal with each plant everyday. To see them grow and produce food in a matter of 24 hours is amazing! I was able to notice that with my best efforts to keep them hydrated emptying a gallon of water on them in a few minutes wasn't enough. I needed them to get water over longer periods of time. All that kept coming to my mind were the large bags landscapers use to keep young trees hydrated. I scoured the internet but found nothing worth what they were charging. The answer was right in my kitchen...Ziploc bags! A few pin holes in the bottom, half a gallon of water in the bag and PRESTO self made irrigation system! It takes most of the bags almost an hour to empty. The water again goes straight to the roots of the plant and not the weeds over a long period of time.

...We have FINALLY had enough rain to fill the 3 rain barrels!! HOORRAAY!!