Self Watering Plant Guards
August 30th 2008 01:28
These self watering tree guards are firstly a guard which sits around the bottom of a tree to protect it. They are made from machine-blown polyethelene which is welded to form ribs, and which is robust and sealed. This unit stores 20 litres of water, which is slowly dripped onto the plant via a coil dripper. This enables it to be constantly watered for about 16 days. The length of time is only approximate, depending on climate. It should only be refilled every 30 days.
As it explains on the “Water Tube” website, the tube creates a microclimate which insulates the tree from the variations in outside temperatures. Whether you are a farmer or a plant lover in your own backyard, this will save money in terms of enabling your investment to survive, and saving on cultivation costs.
The “Tree Well” is a flat form of the “Water Tube” so it can fit around an established tree. It is also able to be linked together to water a series of plants and trees.
This method of watering plants saves you time and money, as you do not have physically water the plants everyday, or every week, but only once a month. The guards also protect the plants, as well as watering them, giving them the best chance to survive. “Water Tube” would also save water, as the watering is direct to the plant, rather than being wasted through evaporation into the air, which would occur with a sprinkler system.
Other alternatives on the market are drip systems, however they do not offer the protective guard to protect the plant and to provide the microclimate.
The Australian designed and manufactured units have been tested by the Environmental Horticulture Group in the School of Agriculture at Charles Sturt University. It was found that the Water Tube clearly enhanced the survival and growth of plants. Water Tubes have a field life of at least 2 years due to their durability, allowing it to be re-used several times. As the water level drops the drip rate progressively slows encouraging the plant to seek other moisture as it becomes established.
These self watering guards are inexpensive, about $20 for three. Being within the budget of a home gardener, they are great for people whose time, and plants, are money.
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