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We had our coldest temperatures in two years! I gave tips on winterizing your irrigation system and what to do minimize any damage.
If your system has not been winterized yet and you are concerned
about freezing temperatures damaging it, here are some tips to keep
this from happening.
First and foremost it is important that all pipes, heads, valves,
etc., that are buried underground will not be affected by short periods
of cold temperatures. The temperature must remain below freezing 24
hours a day for several days (4-7 days). Unfortunately, most systems
have piping above ground where the pipe comes out of the house.
Typically, if you have city water, your backflow "preventor" is located
here. If you have well water it will just be a pipe. This is where we
hook up to the system to winterize it and where you may have trouble.
To keep the pipes and backflow from freezing, there are a few
things you can do. One option is to shut the water off inside and
drain the pipes. First, turn on a zone by the timer and then go shut
the water off. This will relieve the pressure and allow some water to
drain from above ground pipes. Where the pipe comes out of the wall,
there will be a threaded fitting or a hose spigot. The threaded
fitting must be removed with adjustable pliers. The hose spigot can
simply be opened up. This will allow the water to drain down. Now
turn the timer off and you should be just fine.
Another option is to set the timer to water a remote area of your
lawn in the middle of the night for a few minutes. This will put
warmer water into the pipes and keep them from freezing. You must be
careful about which zone you choose because ice will form and be very
dangerous on concrete and asphalt. I can't tell you how annoying it is
to see irrigations sytems watering streets and sidewalks when
there aren't freezing temps, but it's down right dangerous when there are freezing temperatures!!
A more expensive option is to buy heat tape and wrap the pipes with
it. Heat tape uses electricity so you would need to plug it in.
If you haven't done anything yet there is still time, but I'd hurry if I were you.
Heavy Petal Plant Pick brought to you by Skinner Nurseries, Marietta, www.skinnernurseries.org:
Dick Byne owner of Bynes Blueberries. Bynes Blueberries is the oldest and largest family owned blueberry producers in Georgia. Dick joined us to discuss the art of growing them organically. He has to be the most enthusiastic blueberry grower I have ever interviewed. His 4 girls and his wife are all about of the growing of this wonderful and healthy fruit. Bynes Blueberries are so good that Whole Foods sells them! Which
means, I've had them and can attest to the fact they are the sweetest fattes fruits I've had. Dick also is producing a blueberry salsa. Can't wait to try that. For more information about Bynes Blueberries and their product line or if you want to visit go to www.bynesblueberries.com
Product of the Week:
Emily Voth owner of Indigo Wild. Emily is manufacturing Proven Winners new line of all organic
all
natural hand lotions, creams, and soaps for the gardener called
'Gardener's Goods'. She joined us to discuss her company and her new
partnership with Proven Winners. Emily's company Indigo Wild is based
in Missouri. They use only natural based plant oils and organic goats
milk for they're line of body care products. Emily teamed up with
Proven Winners when they saw a niche for her product. For more
information check out www.provenwinners.com and click on Gardener's
Goods. Or go to Emily's company, www.indigowild.com
Special Organic Segment:
Stephanie Van Parys, director of the Oakhurst Community Gardens. Stephanie joined us to talk about
a class she took at the gardens called 'Winter Sown'. It involves taking a plastic milk jug or bottle and
cutting it almost all the way thru but leaving a hinge. Then poke drain wholes in the bottom. Cut two
wholes in the top and keep the bottle cap. Put a good potting mix and place your seeds of perennials or
any seed of a plant that needs vernalization. Place them on a table then all you have to do is sit back and
wait for them to sprout. For more information go to www.oakhurstgardens.org
Recipe of the week:
With culinary expert Virginia Willis - Old Fashioned Apple Pie. There is nothing old fashioned about this pie.
And why would you buy a pie crust when this one is so easy. For details go to www.virginiawillis.com
My Special Guest:
Carol Simpson owner of Ashe-Simpson Garden Center joined us to discuss a Southern garden staple, the Camellia. Carol has over 100 varieties at her fabulous nursery. For cold hardiness she recommends 'April Trist' and
'April Rain'. Camellias are relatively pest free though Scale can be a problem. Also, you want to be sure to clean up
any fallen blossoms. There is a fungus that only affects Camellias when the blooms are allowed to stay under the
shrubs that causes the blooms to drop and never open. Carol also has a wonderful collection of native plants to choose
from as well as unique garden antiques. Ashe-Simpson is located at 4961 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., acroos from Lowes.
Their phone number is 770 458 3224. I don't see how you could go there and not leave with something! I never have. |
Posted on Sunday, December 10, 2006 (Archive on Monday, January 01, 0001)
Posted by lisabartlett Contributed by lisabartlett
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