Setting up the Blusoak/Blumat system and figured I would give a go at documenting some of the best practices that have worked for me. I would like to thank
www.sustainablevillage.com for their free grower support, call them up and they will work through any questions you have.
I will start by explaining how I am using the system. I use 1 9in carrot per bed, they have a 5in one as well but I find the 9in works better for my beds (3x3 and 2x4). If you go for the sustainable village bed kits I suggest getting the kit at least one size larger than the bed you have. I don't think they include enough soaker hose with their kits, I ended up getting it in bulk and cutting to the lengths I wanted and using the stuff that came with the kits elsewhere. Also, they have a flexible tubing (8mm superflex) that is much easier to work with than that stiff pvc shit.
Since the system is entirely dependant on line pressure anything that can be done to ensure more consistent pressure will make the system work better. Keep the reservoir height and fill level consistent. Lower profile reservoir will be more consistent. Minimize the length of hose and number of fittings. Use a loop feed system instead of a single line.
Loop feed -
As you can see I have a leak to address, not surprising.
Right now I am saturating the beds, this will probably take a day or 2 so it is a good time to presoak the carrots.
When it comes time to assemble the dripper heads, the goal is to have one hanging drip.
Too fast
View attachment 20230206_112004.mp4
Still too fast, but like I said I am presoaking the beds so I am monitoring theses throughout the process.
View attachment 20230206_112406.mp4
Next post will have more details on setting the carrots up, in the meantime if you have any questions, fire away.