Backyard Produce

May 2010 - Solar Rain Pump - Timer system

This recently completed Solar Rain Pump - Timer system irrigates raised beds and pots for a backyard garden

Challenges:

  • 3 raised beds and 30+ pots with produce in each
3 raised beds for crops

In this installation the client already had rain barrels but was looking for a more effective way to use the rain water. The backyard has 3 raised beds for growing lettuce, tomatoes, and other produce as well as 30+ individual pots for growing additional produce. The Solar Rain Pump - Timer was the perfect fit for this system because the usable water pressure connected to a drip irrigation system makes watering the crops as simple as turning the timer dial to 5 minutes.


individual pots for produce

To the right are some of the pots used to extend the size of the garden. The drip irrigation system makes it possible to water each pot individually at the same time cutting water time down from an hour to just 5 minutes. The benefits of rain water for produce are many as rain water is naturally soft and contains nutrients for the plants.


15-Watt Solar Panel

A 15-Watt solar panel was to keep the battery recharged and ready to irrigate the produce at any time. The panel is mounted to an old satellite mount with the Solar Rain Pump and rain barrel just beneath the panel next to the house.