Automatic irrigation system suitable on balconies?
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Automatic irrigation system suitable on balconies?
Okay, here the thing — I'm living in an apartment with a balcony with a roof over it, and I have a few bonsai trees on the balcony. Since I'm lazy, and also will probably not remember to water my bonsai trees as often as is required, is there any good automatic irrigation system that you can recommend? There has to be no water dripping down from the put since I don't want a lot of water on the decking on the balcony.
P.S.
I started this thread yesterday since I had found a sub-irrigation method that caught my interest, but maybe that method is not the best method to use for bonsai trees (I haven't tried it).
P.S.
I started this thread yesterday since I had found a sub-irrigation method that caught my interest, but maybe that method is not the best method to use for bonsai trees (I haven't tried it).
Altai- Member
Re: Automatic irrigation system suitable on balconies?
I think automatic and no drip on the balcony is impossible if your trees are to get watered properly. You want water running out of the bottom of he pots to properly flush the soil and replace oxygen to the roots.
Jkd2572- Member
Re: Automatic irrigation system suitable on balconies?
The pot could perhaps be in a larger pot without holes that can collect the water. But I don't know what would work.
Altai- Member
Re: Automatic irrigation system suitable on balconies?
In my green house, to stop the floor getting soaked when I water, I have attached tarpaulin to the under-side of the staging that gets gradually lower down towards one side. The excess water runs down this and into a bucket which is then emptied when it fills up.
Jack Carrack- Member
Re: Automatic irrigation system suitable on balconies?
Jack Carrack wrote:In my green house, to stop the floor getting soaked when I water, I have attached tarpaulin to the under-side of the staging that gets gradually lower down towards one side. The excess water runs down this and into a bucket which is then emptied when it fills up.
That's smart, but on what do your pots stand if you have a tarpaulin under them that catches the water? Do they hang from the ceiling?
Altai- Member
Re: Automatic irrigation system suitable on balconies?
Sorry, the trees sit on raised wooden planks which have gaps between them. The water falls through the gaps and onto the tarpaulin. The tarpaulin is attatched to the underside of the planks.
Jack Carrack- Member
Re: Automatic irrigation system suitable on balconies?
Ah, I see.
I also found a video about this automatic irrigation system; he who built it also only had a balcony to keep them on:
He uses a container to catches all the excess water. That water is then pumped back into the pot for 1 or 2 minutes 1 or 2 times per day. Maybe something to go for, but I'm a bit worried the pump is gonna get clogged by soil and stop to work.
I also found a video about this automatic irrigation system; he who built it also only had a balcony to keep them on:
He uses a container to catches all the excess water. That water is then pumped back into the pot for 1 or 2 minutes 1 or 2 times per day. Maybe something to go for, but I'm a bit worried the pump is gonna get clogged by soil and stop to work.
Altai- Member
Re: Automatic irrigation system suitable on balconies?
I will be dealing with the same DIY this coming spring/summer.
My balcony has no tap water supply and has no electrical outlet as well... I am not very handy with putting electric stuff together...
Can anyone suggest how to add a power supply to this system that will last spring,summer and fall without having to recharge?
Thanks in advance!
My balcony has no tap water supply and has no electrical outlet as well... I am not very handy with putting electric stuff together...
Can anyone suggest how to add a power supply to this system that will last spring,summer and fall without having to recharge?
Thanks in advance!
immAGinoso- Member
Re: Automatic irrigation system suitable on balconies?
Only the most sophisticated and expensive computer control system with a sensor, or more, in each pot will come close to properly watering a bonsai tree or most pre-bonsai for that matter. These systems also rely on power being available and if there is a failure then your trees die. Your finger or a chop stick frequently stuck in the soil of each pot and then each watered accordingly is correct for the trees. This frequent contact with each tree is also the only way to monitor its health and well being and then respond with the appropriate fert or pesticide.
Sorry to be direct, but this is the way it is with outdoor trees. Perhaps you should trade your trees for some tropical bonsai that you could enjoy inside your apartment. Also join you local club they will have suggestions specific to your area.
Good Luck
Sorry to be direct, but this is the way it is with outdoor trees. Perhaps you should trade your trees for some tropical bonsai that you could enjoy inside your apartment. Also join you local club they will have suggestions specific to your area.
Good Luck
DougB- Member
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