I'm going to give soaker hoses a try this year in my 4 1/2' X 50'
vegetable bed. Having never used them before, I do have a few
questions. I will be planting 3 rows of vegetables the full length of
the bed. There will be 18" between rows. I will use be using two 50'
soaker hoses connected to a Y splitter. I will place one hose down the
center of each row. The hose will be 9" away from my plants on either
side. My soil structure is clay that will be amended with compost and
other organic matter. The bed will also be well tilled before planting.
My questions a Will a soaker hose provide enough water for plants
that are 9" away from it ??? Also, how often and for what length of
time should I use the system each week if we don't get any rain ??? The
last thing I would like to know is it better to bury the soaker hoses a
bit or just lay them right on top of the soil ??? The reason I'm
planting so close together in this bed is because I want to give intense
planting and intercropping a try this year. Just not so sure what size
area two soaker hoses will take care of Any ideas on my irrigation
plan for this year would be more than welcomed

Happy Gardening ........... Rich