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Baja Gardens

Osprey - 6-7-2008 at 09:02 AM

Baja Gardening 101

The little Mexican house I bought in Baja Sur was one of the last to be sold to gringos on this nice little hill above the beach. It still stands out as a tiny hovel compared to the mansions all around me. Those rich gringos have all installed special sprinkler systems for their extensive gardens – I didn’t have the money to make many improvements at my place or do neat, modern things like irrigation systems.

Thank God!

In the last 13 years my rich neighbors have gone through a few gardeners. The town boasts a half dozen gardeners/caretakers who now have probably upwards of 60 gringo houses to see to. Since I speak a little Spanish and I live here full time I act as a friendly liaison for my gringo neighbors. It is in this roll I learned a little about gardens, gardening myself.

Most irrigation systems consist of a series of timers hooked up to a water source which runs through feeder tubes to drip heads placed at the base of a plant or bush or tree. The systems here are specially designed to drive a giant wedge of animus and misunderstanding between the homeowner and his trusted gardener.

City services are still in primitive stages in some small pueblos like these and there are many power and water outages – if the timers don’t run on batteries, when the power is off the timers don’t work. When the water goes off (unless the homeowner has a gravity cistern just for the garden that is tuned to the drip system) no water gets to the plants.

A big part of the gardener’s job is raking the leaves from under the plants/trees – keeping the drip water bowls clear and clean to hold water for the plant. As he rakes he sometimes moves and uncovers the feeder lines which rot in the sun, break and release more water than their design dictated. The homeowners give the gardeners huge bags of drip heads and extra coils of tubing for such repair but the gardeners feel more at ease working out the navigation for space station docking than messing with the black beast in the garden.

When the power/water goes off the gardeners go back to watering by hand, with a long green hose. During the outage the plants suffered and now need more water so the hoses are left to drain/drip for hours/days until the gardener feels they are again robust and healthy. That’s where I come in: the snowbird homeowners leave 6 months of water money for the gardener > say $20 dollars per month, the average bill, but now the current bill is $150 dollars ---- the homeowner is sure the gardener left the hose running for days/weeks. Now the gardener has to go argue with the water company AND pay the bill out of his own pocket or risk a water shut off situation. He usually takes the money from Homeowner One to pay the big bucks for Homeowner Four. I institute a series of E mails back and forth to put out the fires, hold things together until they can work it out in October when the snowbird owners return.

In the meantime other forces are at work. This little village sits on a bluff just above the beach. While the village usually gets less than 4 inches of rainfall per year on average the plants are sustained in two more ways. Each hurricane that comes close enough to give us rain can dump an extra 5 or 6 inches in just a couple of days and we might get 3 or 4 of those kinds of storms in one summer. Fog, mist and humidity off the ocean soaks every green, living thing on most mornings for several months. A great irony exists: in some years my neighbor’s trees and plants would flourish into a veritable jungle if left completely to the vagaries of the weather – there are empty lots here that unattended become and remain miniature desert oasis.

I try to keep all these things in mind when I help a gringo neighbor deal with a new gardener – I don’t let them shake hands until we talk through the work, the systems, the weather, fertilizer, water, power, pests. I remind the homeowner that most Mexican gardeners down here lack the resources of those in the U.S.; few tools, extra funds for emergencies – they all do the best they can erecting and repairing braces, support posts, lattices, etc. while dispatching tuzas, gophers, rattlers, ants, grubs and whiteflies.

What stirred me to dash this little piece off was what happened yesterday. I recommended my gardener to several neighbors and happily he is now employed by them. One, a very nice snowbird, tried to talk to my gardener pal on the phone with little success. One quick E mail got us back on track (a little). I just told my gardener that homeowner Bill will be down for a few days in July AND he forget to tell him his sprinkler timers were tiny computers operated by batteries the gardener might be able to find at Ace Hardware.

Let’s hear some stories about your Baja gardens/gardeners.

DianaT - 6-7-2008 at 09:56 AM

We are still in the trial and error stage of our garden---but there will be NO irrigation type system---don't need those problems.

We are still in the trial and error stage of what grows in salt and wind. Our front yard is the easiest as we let it go back to its natural dune state.

Back yard is sand with some planting areas---a little cactus, sunflowers, geraniums, nasturtiums etc., and some food plants, if they survive. We have bought some dirt which is difficult to find, and like the locals, we use the dirt from around the mesquite trees. It is fun to see what will and what won't grow. But, we are keeping it simple. We also have several potted plants we move around.

We just hire someone to water a few times a week while we are gone---this time we have one of the bike team members watering to earn a brand new helmet.

Since our water from the city can be off for days, we have some barrels of water around and/ or the person watering can use some of our tinaco water. We don't worry about being turned off if we are not there to pay. The water company knows us and assures us that they will not turn off the water as they know we will pay when we get back---our water bill is a flat rate but they won't take money early.

We would hate to see some one start with things like fancy expansive gardens, or even worse, grass along with irrigation systems etc. Right now our city water comes through a 1/2 pipe---they say they are going to replace it with a 3 in pipe soon. :lol:

We just like to keep it simple---works best for us

Diane

David K - 6-7-2008 at 10:34 AM

I would be happy to offer advice or info. on drip irrigation set ups for Baja homes...

Some key points are well expressed in Osprey's post:

Because of unrereliable power, a good quality battery powered controller is best (2 9v batteries that last over a year).

Because of low or very low water pressure, a valve that requires little or no pressure to operate. Drip emitters or products that can run at very low pressure must be used.

Because of gardeners with rakes, avoid small drip tubes off or to emitters which will get disturbed.

Stay tuned!

DianaT - 6-7-2008 at 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I would be happy to offer advice or info. on drip irrigation set ups for Baja homes...

But that takes away a potential watering job away from a local--- :no:

David K - 6-7-2008 at 09:06 PM

Not all Baja homes have 'locals' or locals that want the job...

But, if they do then please spend your dollars on them!

Also, consider if the plants were automatically watered, then that 'no skill required' hand watering time could be better used by your gardener to trim, rake, install new landscaping, etc. where they can use gardening talent!

DianaT - 6-7-2008 at 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Not all Baja homes have 'locals' or locals that want the job...

Really? Before we hired one members of the bike team, we hired one of Juan's sisters, (who we will hire again) ---she wants the extra money to help with her son's education.

I just can't imagine that there is anywhere in Baja where there is not someone needing a little extra money and would be more than happy to water.

But then again, your experience of living in Baja must tell you something different.

Diane

David K - 6-7-2008 at 09:37 PM

All the homes south of San Felipe where I travel to more than Asuncion, are not located near any towns... So yes, really...

:light:

[Edited on 6-8-2008 by David K]

Diver - 6-7-2008 at 09:39 PM

Yada, yada, yada ...... drip, drip, drip ..... :rolleyes:

Roberto - 6-7-2008 at 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
All the homes south of San Felipe where I travel to more than Asuncion, are not located near any towns... So yes, really...

San Felipe -- that well known area devoid of all development and locals. :lol:

You GOTTA be kidding.

Pescador - 6-8-2008 at 09:25 AM

Diane may be a little altruistic when she states that there is always someone who wants a gardening and watering job. In our small village we had an agreement with an older fellow who is deaf as a board and had suffered a stroke some years ago. Since he was watering about 5 other places adjacent to our place we thought this would be a perfect match for us for the time we were back in the states. And like Osprey, our next door neighbor was kind of the unofficial supervisor and the gardner actually lived in a small trailer on his property. All went well until the gardner talked to his daughter in Ensenada and decided it was time for a little trip up the peninsula (hitchhiking). Since the unofficial supervisor was in the states that week doing cataract surgery, everything pretty much died in the process.
So, I contacted David K., who is the official expert on drip irrigation and decided that I would install a system that would take care of things while I was out of the country. David had some great insight into how I might adapt my situation to the available pressure and supply. My first set up worked wonderful until the local roaming dogs felt like my iceplant surrounding a palm tree made a wonderful and cool nightime sleeping area and there must be something in the plastic tubing and plastic sprayer nozzles that the dogs loved to chew on. I even coated them with hot sauce and since they were Mexican dogs, they loved them even better with the hot sauce. Next, I place the heads and tubing in PVC and that seems to be a workable solution as the dogs do not like the taste of PVC.
Now my friend wanting to be an element of social change and economic development thought my method was stupid and irresponsible so he felt like stimulating the local economy with $40 a month was the answer. In 4 years he has gone through 6 different people who promise to water every other day when the water is available and clean up leaves, dead fruit, and all that kind of thing. What he keeps getting is people who do the job while he is there, but things kind of fall apart when he is gone, and then a big rush to really soak things and bring them back to life just before he comes down.
I don't know what the answer is, but I do know it gives me something to focus on and challenges me to constantly adapt to everchanging conditions. So if it does nothing else but keep my mind sharp during retirement then it has at least provided something.

DianaT - 6-8-2008 at 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
Diane may be a little altruistic when she states that there is always someone who wants a gardening and watering job. In our small village we had an agreement with an older fellow who is deaf as a board and had suffered a stroke some years ago. Since he was watering about 5 other places adjacent to our place we thought this would be a perfect match for us for the time we were back in the states. And like Osprey, our next door neighbor was kind of the unofficial supervisor and the gardner actually lived in a small trailer on his property. All went well until the gardner talked to his daughter in Ensenada and decided it was time for a little trip up the peninsula (hitchhiking). Since the unofficial supervisor was in the states that week doing cataract surgery, everything pretty much died in the process.
So, I contacted David K., who is the official expert on drip irrigation and decided that I would install a system that would take care of things while I was out of the country. David had some great insight into how I might adapt my situation to the available pressure and supply. My first set up worked wonderful until the local roaming dogs felt like my iceplant surrounding a palm tree made a wonderful and cool nightime sleeping area and there must be something in the plastic tubing and plastic sprayer nozzles that the dogs loved to chew on. I even coated them with hot sauce and since they were Mexican dogs, they loved them even better with the hot sauce. Next, I place the heads and tubing in PVC and that seems to be a workable solution as the dogs do not like the taste of PVC.
Now my friend wanting to be an element of social change and economic development thought my method was stupid and irresponsible so he felt like stimulating the local economy with $40 a month was the answer. In 4 years he has gone through 6 different people who promise to water every other day when the water is available and clean up leaves, dead fruit, and all that kind of thing. What he keeps getting is people who do the job while he is there, but things kind of fall apart when he is gone, and then a big rush to really soak things and bring them back to life just before he comes down.
I don't know what the answer is, but I do know it gives me something to focus on and challenges me to constantly adapt to everchanging conditions. So if it does nothing else but keep my mind sharp during retirement then it has at least provided something.

Well, one answer is to keep it all real simple---it is why in front we have let it go back to natural dunes so mother nature takes care of it.

Certainly not the first time someone has called me altruistic, and I plead guilty!

I have heard the stories of people not watering until right before someone comes back---never a sure thing. And, we are not gone for very long---just a few weeks at a time.

Now this next comment can be classified under sexist and may be flamed, but I will say it anyway. :lol:

I personally think for something like this that hiring a motivated mother may be more reliable. They want things for their children and are very motivated. JMHO

It will be interesting this time to see how the 13 year old bike team member did---he really wants a new helmet.

Love the story about the dogs loving the hot sauce---smart dogs.

Diane

On edit---I guess we are really lucky in one area. We pay a flat 90 pesos a month for water---obviously, it is much higher in other places

[Edited on 6-8-2008 by jdtrotter]

David K - 6-8-2008 at 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
All the homes south of San Felipe where I travel to more than Asuncion, are not located near any towns... So yes, really...

San Felipe -- that well known area devoid of all development and locals. :lol:

You GOTTA be kidding.

Again, a language problem... and I don't speak Italian! NOTE what I wrote: "All the homes south of San Felipe where I travel to..." You know I don't camp or stay in cities, Roberto.

I am talking 20 + miles south of San Felipe, like Bahia Santa Maria, Nuevo Mazatlan, etc. Where the coast is almost all vacation homes.... and except for El Vergel, not near any village that has kids looking to earn bike money. I don't think a kid or anyone will go 40 miles to water some palms or salt cedars twice a week (round trip from San Felipe).

PESCADOR: That was an interesting post... I had forgotten that I gave you some advice on a system. Drip lines (polythylene) are not animal proof, unfortunately. If they are coverd by mulch or soil (out of sight), then there is a better chance the dogs won't notice it and have fun with it. Coyote damage has been reported by a customer of mine in the desert and the solution was to provide a big pan of water with an emitter to keep it full! Now the coyotes did not need to chew the hose for water... it was easier to just give it to them! :light:

DianaT - 6-8-2008 at 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I don't think a kid or anyone will go 40 miles to water some palms or salt cedars twice a week (round trip from San Felipe).

Someone these days would actually plant salt cedars---the monsters of the desert and any drainage basins???

Gees--can't believe it.

David K - 6-8-2008 at 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I don't think a kid or anyone will go 40 miles to water some palms or salt cedars twice a week (round trip from San Felipe).

Someone these days would actually plant salt cedars---the monsters of the desert and any drainage basins???

Gees--can't believe it.

Believe it, as they are the fastest growing shade tree and it loves salty water... The largest trees in these photos were planted about 1970, from cuttings taken from the huge tree growing 1/2 mile up Arroyo Agua de Chale.

Here are those trees in 1973:

and in 1977:

Baja has MANY different regions, plants and people... this is about 25 miles south of San Felipe, next to a big, beautiful beach...

You can see a few more salt cedars to the south of Nuevo Mazatlan.

DianaT - 6-8-2008 at 11:04 AM

OMG, David

Don't need multiple pictures to know that there are salt cedars in Baja---they are also in Arizonia, California and elsewhere. They are one of the worst plants introduced into these areas.

Yes, they are fast growing, tolerate salt, and suck any and all available water, and spread quickly right into drainage basins---there is a lot of money being spent in the southwest to get rid of these giant water sucking weeds----why do you think Los Pinos is removing them.

Nevermind, you are in a business related to plants and if you think salt cedars are just fine shade trees to plant in the desert, well, what can I say.

I guess if they provide you shade while camping, that is what is important.

Diane

[Edited on 6-8-2008 by jdtrotter]

David K - 6-8-2008 at 11:32 AM

"They are one of the worst plants introduced into these areas"

Can you tell me more about this? Since that tree has been there long before and Mexicans or Gringos were developing the area... ie. this is a native plant... at least that variety of tamarisk in that location. There are other varieties in other areas that have caused problems.

"Nevermind, you are in a business related to plants and if you think salt cedars are just fine shade trees to plant in the desert, well, what can I say"

I was 12 when the owner of Nuevo Mazatlan planted the tree cuttings, and had nothing to do with that choice! LOL

"I guess if they provide you shade while camping, that is what is important."

Of course, why else would he (Luis Castellanos Moreno) have worked so hard at growing that forest in the desert... It is now a beautiful oasis of shade and the trees ward off insects with their salty needles and minimize dust during wind events.

See www.vivabaja.com/nm for more on Nuevo Mazatlan.

DianaT - 6-8-2008 at 11:43 AM

Yes David,

You have all the information you need. :rolleyes:

Diane

Barry A. - 6-8-2008 at 12:05 PM

Diane------

I think you are out on a limb on this one (besides seeming hyper-sensitive to ANYTHING David says) :lol:

--------there are numerous types of Tamerisk, I believe, and these particular type (as ID'ied from David's Photos) are NOT the type invading the river and stream channels throughout the southwest, I don't believe. And yes, they are STILL being planted for wind breaks in the southwest, despite their voracious appetite for water----in the Borrego Valley, for one, tho they do cause controversary as the water table in Borrego Springs is continueing to drop. They do have some very unique characteristics that make them desirable under certain circumstances, as David laid out.

I certainly agree with you that the river tamerisk are a huge pain, and a severe problem, but they are NOT the tree-type of tamerisk (Salt Cedar), and were introduced from abroad.

My frame of reference is my job irradicating the river tamerisks within certain National Parks and Monuments way back when I was doing that sort of thing (1970's) as a Park Ranger/River Use Manager------but we were not very successful.

Please feel free to correct me if you have other information.

Barry

fulano - 6-8-2008 at 12:16 PM

Tamarisks are an invasive non-native species originally from Eurasia. There is an active program to eradicate them in San Diego County. It is illegal to plant them here. They have a nasty habit of sucking up the salt deep in the soil and exuding it from their leaves, turning the topsoil salty and killing native species.

Barry A. - 6-8-2008 at 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fulano
Tamarisks are an invasive non-native species originally from Eurasia. There is an active program to eradicate them in San Diego County. It is illegal to plant them here. They have a nasty habit of sucking up the salt deep in the soil and exuding it from their leaves, turning the topsoil salty and killing native species.

------Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm-----are you saying that all 50 to 60 species are outlawed in San Diego County???? Interesting, as I KNOW that the tree-type are still being planted in a few places. Go figure!!!

DianaT - 6-8-2008 at 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
Diane------

there are numerous types of Tamerisk, I believe, and these particular type (as ID'ied from David's Photos) are NOT the type invading the river and stream channels throughout the southwest, I don't believe. And yes, they are STILL being planted for wind breaks in the southwest, despite their voracious appetite for water----in the Borrego Valley, for one, tho they do cause controversary as the water table in Borrego Springs is continueing to drop. They do have some very unique characteristics that make them desirable under certain circumstances, as David laid out.

Barry

If those trees are a different variety they still are phreatophytes are they not? Sounds like it from your description. Can't imagine under any circumstances where water is a limited and precious resouce that these are appropriate---unless one does not care about water conservation.

Now, David says these are native to Baja? I am sure no expert on the plants of Baja, but I have never heard of any tamarix that was native to Baja. But for the sake of argument and possibilities, let's assume it is a native plant. If so, it should not require any extra water from either a human or a drip irritation.

Is is not true that since it is a phreatophyte, if it is planted in an area like a garden that requires extra water, with its water siphoning capability, even more water is going to be needed to keep the rest of the plants alive---such a waste.

Phreatophyte---one word I learned many, many, years ago but alway have remembered it just because I like the way it sounds. :lol:

Do you know the specis that Los Pinos is busy replacing along the highway? Seems like the wise thing to be doing with all the water problems in that area.

JMHO

Diane

Cypress - 6-8-2008 at 03:14 PM

Jeez,

Nothing worse than an unreliable " yard boy". :no:

That's one of those horror stories that keeps people from investing in Baja. :lol:

Barry A. - 6-8-2008 at 03:29 PM

Diane------

No, I don't know what species the Los Pinos trees are-----in fact I am not sure where "Los Pinos" is.

You certainly have a point in that Tamerisk (tamerix) is a water hound, but I guess I just found it annoying that you seem so hostile towards whatever David K seems to be saying, which I find strange since David helps more folks on this board than anybody else.

Cottonwood trees (poplars) are also "water hounds" (tho "native")-----do you advocate doing away with all cottonwoods? I hope not.

It just seemed like an extreme position, to me, but what do I know? Yes, tamerisk is NOT native, but I certainly know what David means when he asserted that the tamerisks upcanyon "had been there prior to gringoes and Mexican development".

In all honesty I guess I was responding more to your perceived pickyness and sarcasm, which annoyed me, then the actual point you were making. I should not have done that, and for that I apologize.

I would be very disappointed if David no longer posted his helping views on Baja, so it worries me when folks appear to go after him.

Barry

Simmer down now...hear!

Sharksbaja - 6-8-2008 at 07:07 PM

:lol:

Great argument! :rolleyes:

Back to the drip subject, no not you David.

Ok I will weigh in here.

Since my dad was revolutionary in developing regulating self-flushung low pressure emitters and since I own a home that I installed a system in Baja Sur 4 years ago I can add some feedback.

First off let me state that a properly maintained quality system will save thousands of gallons of water a year as opposed to hand watering.

There are the problems noted by some which include:

Pests and insects
Low pressure or no pressure for extended periods.
Power outages
Theft
Careless gardening
Floods

Now the pluses:

Water conservation
Target watering
Consistency
Save work
save money
surprise the neighbors
flourishing and thriving plants

I have to say I really like my system. Keeping plants at their happiest requires regularity. I have returned to find a flourishing jungle at our place but one time found thieves had helped themselves to the hose but fortunately the programmer battery went dead. It seems many Mexicans don't understand drip irrigation. I have seen some really bastardized setups. :lol:

Actually they are more like holes-in-a-hose and quite frankly I think that's how many look at a professional system. They are NOT all created equal tho. No not Mexicans, drip systems.

It doesn't take a whole lot of time in the summer heat for plants to wilt and die w'o water.. If your caretaker/waterer forgets or moves on good-bye to water hog plants.

Anyhoo, our place was pretty much wiped clean of vegetaion after the flood. After clearing away the mess I reinstalled the system. I might add that I was able to salvage much of what hung on during the flood.

Here is the proof. The whole yard has completely recovered(and then some)without someone watering it.
11/06

6/07

11/07

Loving Baja and drip systems like DK does makes me all warm and fuzzy inside! :bounce:

edit for grammer

[Edited on 6-9-2008 by Sharksbaja]

Roberto - 6-8-2008 at 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Again, a language problem... and I don't speak Italian!

Come on David, give me a break. I DO read for content. I have a place about 8 miles north of Puertecitos ... and last time I checked there are plenty of locals I could find to do watering duties if I needed it.

Can you EVER take critcism? Can you EVER admit you might not have considered all angles before you post? Do you ALWAYS have to be right? Good luck in your travels if you do.

Roberto - 6-8-2008 at 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
Diane------

I think you are out on a limb on this one (besides seeming hyper-sensitive to ANYTHING David says)

Takes one to know one, I guess, Barry. Is there ANYTHING you ever disagree with David on?

David K - 6-8-2008 at 10:05 PM

What town with bike riding kids is 8 miles north of Puertecitos?

Now each campo may have the owner or caretaker's family in the camp, but to say that guarantees kids or adults will be there to hand water your trees or garden isn't the case... like in Bahia Asuncion.

Anyway, my reply to you was your saying this: "San Felipe -- that well known area devoid of all development and locals." with laughing symbols like I was an idiot for saying there were no kids in San Felipe! You just read that I said SOUTH of San Felipe where I go... like way south not, on the edge of town. So, you can rephrase your posts or mine all you want... but you make it so clear that all you want to do is to throw mud on my posts.

Funny that you came here where I post the most from a forum where you were and I do not post at... Just wondering why that is, except that this really gets your jollies up... right? :lol:

99% of Baja Nomads are awesome people and I know so many of them to be great in person, too. Too bad there is 1% that only have hate here and have little or nothing good to say. Oh well, maybe they will find happiness someday? :rolleyes:

Lord knows I have tried to be friendly and helpful...

Good night Paisano!

Roberto - 6-8-2008 at 10:11 PM

Yup, sums it up, David. You got the ticket. You are right on.

But, just wondering what this means:

Quote:

Funny that you came here where I post the most from a forum where you were and I do not post at

Are you tallking about Baja Nomad? If so, please check the date I registered. And, for the record, I was on the Amigos board LONG before Dr Drip showed up. Do you REALLY believe I am here to persecute you? :lol:

Amazing, but not surprising that you are THAT full of yourself. You should run for political office, especially since you clearly have things together on THAT front! :barf:

[Edited on 6-9-2008 by Roberto]

David K - 6-8-2008 at 10:32 PM

Then why don't you stop Roberto?

I never come into your posts (do you have any of your own?)... But, you can't resist coming into mine to muddy it up.

I am talking about Baja.net where the lies and stories told about me there were such great amusement for you and a couple others. I didn't post there after mid 2001. Check the date I registered... I am the oldest active Nomad after Doug (#10 of 4,000+), joining the same month Doug started this forum and a year before you registered here.

Can you just stop... ? It is only productive to your weird sense of fun and is a big turn off to most or all who come here for Baja information.

fulano - 6-8-2008 at 10:43 PM

CaboRon - 6-9-2008 at 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Then why don't you stop Roberto?

Can you just stop... ? It is only productive to your weird sense of fun and is a big turn off to most or all who come here for Baja information.

I agree, I am pretty sick of this "baja hodad" , sticking his negative comments into everything.

CaboRon

Jack Swords - 6-9-2008 at 06:43 AM

Wow, dropped by to read about "Baja gardens". Good info on drip irrigation, problems with garden labor in Mexico (had that in Todos Santos in '80s and '90s). So very true! Been member of CA Rare Fruit Growers since the '70s so very much interested in the subject. Sadly, again an interesting subject deteriorated to unwarranted personal comments about individuals. I suspect that there are no others on this board whose professional career is designing and installing drip irrigation and solving problems inherent with these systems. I, for one, am still interested in the current technology and new products in this field. Few are qualified to provide this information. So apparently assuming that a thread entitled "Baja Gardens" would generally confine itself to that subject is no longer true. What has happened to this great board that has previously been so informative?

Diver - 6-9-2008 at 06:46 AM

Some forget the days of DK and JR's frequent confrontations.
Unfortunately, Roberto is no JR !
And DK will never change !

Price - 6-9-2008 at 07:39 AM

Back to gardening - I live in SF & have a very small garden area - my problem is my dogs think it is a salad bar - also the salt cedar sounds like the southern kudzu in its tendency to take over -

Roberto - 6-9-2008 at 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I am talking about Baja.net where the lies and stories told about me there were such great amusement for you and a couple others. I didn't post there after mid 2001. Check the date I registered... I am the oldest active Nomad after Doug (#10 of 4,000+), joining the same month Doug started this forum and a year before you registered here.

David, I stopped posting on baja.net almost FOUR years ago. And joined this board well before that. So, WTF are you talking about? And, P.S. I have never told a lie about you -- I couldn't make that stuff up if I tried.

And yes, you are right (of course). I have NO posts "of my own" :lol:

But, back to the original reason for my post a drip system DOES, in fact, remove a possible job (small as it may be) for a local. You statement that there are no such locals in the south campos is ludicrous.

Roberto - 6-9-2008 at 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CaboRon

I agree, I am pretty sick of this "baja hodad" , sticking his negative comments into everything.

CaboRon

No, not everything Cabo Ron, I particularly target stupid comments from the likes of you and DK.

David K - 6-9-2008 at 08:41 AM

All you seem to know how to do is insult, and all I want to do is provide accurate information... Now you might have a vacation home near Puertecitos that has plenty of people you can trust to keep your plantings irrigated, but I would bet there are plenty of vacation homes in Baja that do not have such a labor pool or that the home owner would like to have some independent control of the irrigation... THAT is who I am addressing and for some reason you and jdtrotter just love to interfere with what I am giving here.

Nomads, I already have had u2u and email questions sent to me on irrigation systems... please do the same if you are not comfortable posting in this mess! :biggrin:

By the way Roberto, this info appears next to your name with every post:

Roberto

Super Nomad
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posts: 1434
Registered: 9-5-2003

[Edited on 6-9-2008 by David K]

Pescador - 6-9-2008 at 08:51 AM

Methinks that Roberto would be upset with anybody with more information than he has. David is a good wealth of information and has always been very willing and open with sharing his information. If that rubs someone the wrong way, they need to look deeper into their own motivations to try to understand the reason.
As far as Diane is concerned, she is an ex teacher and has a definite liberal view of the world and that obviously is in direct conflict with David's view of the world which is more conservative and free enterprise oriented.
So go figure, even with this wide diversity there was still some really good information and we can blame it all on Osprey who is sitting back and laughing at getting all this started.

DRIP IRRIGATION

rob - 6-9-2008 at 08:51 AM

We get 4" of rain a year here in Rancho la Aguja - so every drop counts . . . we are self-sufficient in terms of vegetables (not totally true - there are things I cannot get to grow) - I saw what the neighboring ejidos put onto their crops and decided that I wanted to live. We have 24 computer-controlled valves (massive overkill, but what did I know back then?) that water everything from trees to asparagus.

DRIP IRRIGATION

rob - 6-9-2008 at 08:55 AM

One day I will master the photo attachment thing . . . I want to post two photos, but the progrma will only let me select one.

DianaT - 6-9-2008 at 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
THAT is who I am addressing and for some reason you and jdtrotter just love to interfere with what I am giving here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posts: 1434
Registered: 9-5-2003

[Edited on 6-9-2008 by David K]

David,
Was not going to post again here, but you need to keep things accurate. I am not trying to interfere with your OPINIONS---but can't someone disagree with your OPINIONS, or is everything to dish out FACT.

Yes, you know far more about drip irrigation systems than I ever will. The thread was about how people are doing with their gardens in Baja---you don't have a garden in Baja, but yes you could help people who want your services.

But, to say that a drip irrigation system might take a job away from a local----is my OPINION---not interference with you and your facts.

To disagree with you about the planting of water sucking plants---gosh, I guess you also have the FACTS about that---opinions, David, opinions.

Then again, I guess you are correct---this thread was about DavidK your tree pictures and your drip irrigation business.

LAST TRY

rob - 6-9-2008 at 08:56 AM

My apologies

Completed-irrigation-valves.jpg - 5kB

DianaT - 6-9-2008 at 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador

As far as Diane is concerned, she is an ex teacher and has a definite liberal view of the world and that obviously is in direct conflict with David's view of the world which is more conservative and free enterprise oriented.

So nice that you have it all figured out. So nice to be told who and what I am by someone who does not have a clue about who I am. :rolleyes:

[Edited on 6-9-2008 by jdtrotter]

David K - 6-9-2008 at 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

Diane, I agree with you... again here is what I posted before all this mess:

"Not all Baja homes have 'locals' or locals that want the job...

But, if they do then please spend your dollars on them! "

Why is that so hard to believe? Have a great day, okay!

Roberto - 6-9-2008 at 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
By the way Roberto, this info appears next to your name with every post:

Roberto

Super Nomad
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posts: 1434
Registered: 9-5-2003

Correct. What's your point?

David K - 6-9-2008 at 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
Methinks that Roberto would be upset with anybody with more information than he has. David is a good wealth of information and has always been very willing and open with sharing his information. If that rubs someone the wrong way, they need to look deeper into their own motivations to try to understand the reason.
As far as Diane is concerned, she is an ex teacher and has a definite liberal view of the world and that obviously is in direct conflict with David's view of the world which is more conservative and free enterprise oriented.
So go figure, even with this wide diversity there was still some really good information and we can blame it all on Osprey who is sitting back and laughing at getting all this started.

Thank you very much... I really don't think it matters what kind of politics we have as long as we don't post hate here...

Roberto - 6-9-2008 at 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
David is a good wealth of information and has always been very willing and open with sharing his information. If that rubs someone the wrong way, they need to look deeper into their own motivations to try to understand the reason.

Why bother when they can just ask you, since you've already got it all figured out.

David K - 6-9-2008 at 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto

Quote:

Correct. What's your point?

This is what you posted:

"David, I stopped posting on baja.net almost FOUR years ago. And joined this board well before that."

9-5-2003 is when you joined Nomad, is my point...

You chose to come here and spend most of your time attacking my posts.

Anyway, I would rather talk about Baja then correcting your comments about me. I will ask again, will you find something else to do on Nomad then spend 90% of the time with me here?

Roberto - 6-9-2008 at 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
This is what you posted:

"David, I stopped posting on baja.net almost FOUR years ago. And joined this board well before that."

9-5-2003 is when you joined Nomad, is my point...

Must not be fully awake this morning ... almost four years ago would be 2004-2005. 9/5/2003 is before that, so what I said matches the dates, right?

Originally you had accused me of coming here from baja.net with the purpose of attacking you. That would seem unlikely since I joined here before I even knew anything about baja.net.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Funny that you came here where I post the most from a forum where you were and I do not post at

Barry A. - 6-9-2008 at 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

So nice that you have it all figured out. So nice to be told who and what I am by someone who does not have a clue about who I am. :rolleyes:

[Edited on 6-9-2008 by jdtrotter]

Diane------it is appearances and perception that is EVERYTHING--------of COURSE none of us know what is actually going on in your mind. I (and others??) perceive hostility-------and we don't know why-----again, perception is everything.

Barry

Sharksbaja - 6-9-2008 at 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

So nice that you have it all figured out. So nice to be told who and what I am by someone who does not have a clue about who I am. :rolleyes:

[Edited on 6-9-2008 by jdtrotter]

.........and it appears to us you are perpetuating a conflict of personalities. Not hard for us to see what's going on in your mind. But hostility? That's a tad extreme Barry.

Paula - 6-9-2008 at 11:43 AM

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=youngbloods&sitese...

:saint:

Barry A. - 6-9-2008 at 11:55 AM

:lol:

Greatttt video, and Sharks---I hear you. Nuff said (for now).

barry

Natalie Ann - 6-9-2008 at 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
Methinks that Roberto would be upset with anybody with more information than he has.

I believe you're mistaken about this, Pescador. Roberto is aware that I know waaaay more than he does on any given topic, and he's still my friend. :biggrin:

Nena

(edit to say::lol

[Edited on 6-9-2008 by Natalie Ann]

Price - 6-9-2008 at 05:04 PM

Excuse the interuption of the kindergarten - he said - no ge said - crap - I asked a question pertaining to the original post - is everyone so caught up in this petty drama that no one can answer ? or maybe nobody knows - if so just say so - to just disreguard everything but your pee - off match is just - RUDE :fire:

David K - 6-9-2008 at 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Price
Back to gardening - I live in SF & have a very small garden area - my problem is my dogs think it is a salad bar - also the salt cedar sounds like the southern kudzu in its tendency to take over -

Feed your dogs better, perhaps? :lol:

Okay, that was a joke... Seriously, bury the drip lines and if they are not visible, at least train the dogs to not dig into them.

Perhaps its the variety, but the salt cedars (tamarisk trees) at Nuevo Mazatlan do NOT go wild and spread like the variety in the Borrego Desert and elsewhere.

There was/ is one large tree that was the source of Luis's cuttings up the arroyo from the beach... today that tree is right near to Hwy. 5. at Km. 32.

The trees were planted in rows and that's were they have remained and gotten bigger.

Flash floods have washed many of them out and more were planted... some right on the beach (nice). They love the sea/ salty water... like sea weed! Occaisional super high tides will flow right up the road next to the trees... and they drink it up!

If this variety of tamarisk which was a big tree when we first were there in 1966 is not native, then where did it come from (a bird?)... as it was not near any rancho... far from any people who would have a reason to plant it a hundred years ago in the desert so remote, back then!

Also, if this was the 'bad' variety of tamarisk... then wouldn't it have gone crazy rooting and regrowing at Nuevo Mazatlan instead of just growing taller from the original planting?

[Edited on 6-10-2008 by David K]

mtgoat666 - 6-9-2008 at 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Price
Excuse the interuption of the kindergarten - he said - no ge said - crap - I asked a question pertaining to the original post - is everyone so caught up in this petty drama that no one can answer ? or maybe nobody knows - if so just say so - to just disreguard everything but your pee - off match is just - RUDE :fire:

in your last post, you made a statement, and did not ask a question.

David K - 6-9-2008 at 05:41 PM

I quoted his question in my reply... it was just up the thread a bit past the junk! :light:

mtgoat666 - 6-9-2008 at 05:44 PM

DK, in your world that probably reads like a question :lol:

David K - 6-9-2008 at 05:46 PM

Yup, if his dogs are eating the poly tube... I am sure he said so hoping for a solution! I gave a couple... :yes:

Bajame - 6-9-2008 at 08:25 PM

Hey David, Those shade trees you were talking about are so messy! Other campers and myself through our tents out because those trees driped a sticky sap all over them that was impossible to clean off. They collect the dew and then it rains down on anything under them.

Mexitron - 6-9-2008 at 08:31 PM

DK--the Salt Cedar you are talking about I believe is Tamarisk aphylla which generally isn't as invasive as its cousin the smaller Tamarisk ramoisissima (a noxious plant over-running ecosystems from Baja into Texas!). However both , as well as the rest of the 50 or so species, are native to Eurasia. They were planted in Baja the same way figs and grapes were planted in the early missions down there--people brought them in.

David K - 6-9-2008 at 10:01 PM

Steve, how do they propagate... seeds to the wind or wildlife?

Bajame: Only in the hot/ humid months do the trees grab moisture out of the air and if windy or shaken, will sprinkel down on you... mixed with the salt. That was the only time I got wet under them.

This is a wonderful, natural insecticide... You won't have a bug problem under the tamarisk trees!

oladulce - 6-10-2008 at 12:05 AM

Nice red seafoam in Paula's video.

I don't read Nomad much anymore. At least the"Baja Home" section used to be sacred.

The tolerance of others in here is heartwarming, just plain heartwarming.

ELINVESTIG8R - 6-10-2008 at 05:03 AM

[Edited on 6-10-2008 by ELINVESTI8]

Mexitron - 6-10-2008 at 05:05 AM

David--on the reproduction of Tamarisk aphylla:

http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/tamaph/all.ht...

"Athel tamarisk flowers and produces many seeds, but most of the seeds
are sterile [9,34]. Its main method of propagation is vegetative. It
sprouts from the root crown or forms adventitous roots from submerged,
broken or buried stems [9,18]."

It would appear the early inhabitants of Baja perhaps brought cuttings with them.

On the ecology of the genera:

http://www.nps.gov/plants/ALIEN/fact/tama1.htm

David K - 6-10-2008 at 08:33 AM

Great links Steve...

Here is one line that the Baja Nomads should read regarding any harm caused by Luis planting the Nuevo Mazatlan forest in the late 60's-early 70's:

"Unlike the deciduous Tamarix spp., which have become serious weed
species in the Southwest, Athel tamrisk seldom escapes cultivation
and, therefore, rarely becomes a problem"

PINE (?) IDENTIFICATION PLEASE

rob - 6-10-2008 at 03:08 PM

Rancho la Aguja is known for two huge "salt pines" (the locals call them "pino salado") - the discussion here has brought this issue to a head: what exactly are they?

They are tall 60+ feet, have lots of tiny seeds at various times, but I have never seen a sapling. They appear to propagate by sending runners underground, and if a main trunk falls, shoots immediately appear about of the trunk remnant and begin to form trees.

Here are two shots - one of the tree, one of the leaves clse up. Your comments appreciated.

salt-pine.jpg - 32kB

Leaves of "pine"

rob - 6-10-2008 at 03:09 PM

salt-pine-leaves-closeup.jpg - 32kB

shari - 6-10-2008 at 04:47 PM

Ummm, I live in Asuncion and yes there are people available to water however we cannot afford to hire a gardener, maid or car washer for that matter....so I am very interested in a drip system, particularly for the bushes around the beach house. I spend wayyyyyy tooooooo mannnnny hours standing with a hose in my hand. But I think dogs will be a problem..our dogs dug up our water line and bit into it one day when they ran out of water for a few hours. There are lots of thirsty dogs in Asuncion that would dig up hose so I can't think of an alternative...any suggestions? Maybe I could try just a cheap system first...perhaps one where I could just replace the bitten bits..splice em together like...would soaker house work? Maybe the dogs would just lick it.
I thought of putting out an offer to someone who might like to come down here for a few days for the royal treatment in exchange for setting up a little watering system for us...we could try it and see how it worked...any takers????
Oh yeah, by the way Dianne, I see that Los Pinos in Vizcaino has planted salt pines all around their greenhouses...
I love our salt pines in San Roque as they are the only trees there that survive without water and provides the only shade. But everyone knows not to park their car under them or pitch a tent because they do rain nasty pitchy icky stuff down on whatever is under them...

David K - 6-10-2008 at 04:55 PM

Shari, I am happy to help any way that I can.

A drip system is very simple and inexpensive.

With the correct parts and equipment available, it will not clog and give you years of low water use, inexpensive service. What's even more important, plants grow better when watered with drip as their roots, not the leaves get all the water... and it comes at regular intervals, not sporadically from hand watering.

Perhaps a new thread on automatic drip watering for the Baja garden is called for?

shari - 6-10-2008 at 05:49 PM

What I need is not advice...we need some live body...preferably a tecate drinker (but will tolerate Corona fans) to bring the stuff down and help us set it up...work together so we do it and have fun doing it...otherwise it just gets put on our very long "TO DO" list. There must be some nomad who in interested in a little project in exchange for accomodations, fishing,whatever.

David K - 6-10-2008 at 06:08 PM

Well, the parts are the most important... quality, professional grade parts. Then installed correctly, of course.

This is real easy Shari and fun... like Tinker Toys!

Here is the info needed to put together a parts list:

Water source: hose bib, PVC pipe (size), or ? from a city water system or a pila... How much pressure (PSI)?... If a pila, the elevation difference (feet)from the bottom of the tank to the garden.

Operation: 110v available (inside or outside)? Otherwise, battery powered controller and valve(s).

Plantings: Shrubs, trees, ground cover, planter, garden? How far from the valve location. How many... or if a planter, ground cover or vegetable garden, how long and wide is the planting area?

That's the basics... next is the type of system to use.

David K - 6-11-2008 at 08:38 AM

Shari (or others), shall I continue or do you really don't have any interest in how to set one up... You know I would help do this if you weren't 500 miles away! Maybe Bajaboy can bring it down to you... I can meet him at the irrigation store up here in San Diego County?

Taco de Baja - 6-11-2008 at 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rob
Rancho la Aguja is known for two huge "salt pines" (the locals call them "pino salado") - the discussion here has brought this issue to a head: what exactly are they?

Looks like one of the Tamarisk sp. to me.
Depite being called "salt pine" or salt cedar, they are neither pines nor cedars.

shari - 6-11-2008 at 12:57 PM

David, remember the bushes surrounding the beach house? This could use an irrigation system, the hose outlet is in the back corner and there is 110 power...pressure depends, usually good when the water is on but it varies. I don't know if pvc or hose works better. We probably need around 75'. I know you would come down if you could...the idea about trading is one that appeals to us for various reasons...finances is one, help setting up is another, and fun doing it with others is another. We want to try it and if it works out we can turn our mexican waterers onto it so they don't have to stand there with a hose all day, they have better things to do too.

Pescador - 6-11-2008 at 03:02 PM

Shari, if you don't get anybody sooner than Sept. please let me know and I would be happy to set it up for you. With David's knowledge, and my supervisor ability, and someone else on the shovel, we could whip that baby out in no time.
If the dogs are a serious problem then you may want to go buried PVC and then buried and protected heads to the plant area. If I had it to do over again, I would put PVC on the main lines and then take off from there with pulpos or octopus. It is really easy to replace 1/4 inch feeder tubes if they get chewed up. I don't think the dogs in my area chewed it for water but the taste of the plastic. When I changed tubing, part of the problem disappeared.

David K - 6-11-2008 at 03:04 PM

Okay Shari, sure... and once you get the basic system layed out... it is real easy to add more emitters on new plantings. From the back corner of the beach house (near the washing machine, right?)... a 1/2" poly hose (black in color) can run around the lot, with a side line from a tee in the hose going to plants next to the house.

Each plant would get 1-3 emitters (depending on the size of the plant). A tree would get 3-6 or more emitters... evenly spaced around the tree, near it's drip line (below the edge of the leaf canopy, on the ground).

The emitters should be turbulent flow and pressure compensating... like the Agrifim PC+ or Netafim WPC or equivalent. Use 2 GPH for most applications... 1 GPH on the smallest shrubs... 1/2 GPH only on pots.

For planter beds, vegetable gardens, ground cover, and even around trees use emitterline (dripperline)... a 1/2" hose (brown in color) with a 1/2 GPH emitter inside the hose, every 12 inches... It works like a soaker line, but provides even water flow throughout the recommended maximum run (about 300 feet)... Typical soaker hoses flow less water the further awy you get from the source, so plants don't grow evenly. Netafim Techline CV is what I use, but other companies, like Agrifim and Toro Ag and Rain Bird also have Pressure Compensating emitterline.

Be aware that the emitterline hose size and the plain poly hose size may not be the same and have their own fittings available. You may need to make an adapter up to go from the black poly hose to the brown emitterline.

There also is a 1/4" brown emitterline (1/2 GPH) emitter pre-installed in the tube, every 12"... this is fine for shorter runs (up to 30 feet) and can be attached to the 1/2" black poly with a 1/4" barb connector (coupling) inserted into a hole you punch into the poly hose. The end of the 1/4" soaker tube is closed off with a 1/4" tube plug, also called a 'goof plug'.

Avoid micro sprays, foggers, and running 1/4" tube to remote drip emitters to have the least amount of problems later.

Micro sprays clog and break easily, foggers are nice for misting hanging plants, but will clog as they require a tiny hole to make the fine mist. 1/4" tubes can get raked up by gardeners then cut... 1/2" hose with the emitters directly attched (or emitterline) is heavier and are less likely to wander away from what they are supposed to irrigate. Staking down the hose will insure it stays put, as well.

Now, any questions?... Just ask!

David K - 6-11-2008 at 03:10 PM

That's great Pescador... I see we posted about the same time! :lol:

Okay... yes PVC (sch. 40) can be used to go from the valve to where the plantings begin... then convert to poly or emitterline. However, the distances at the beach house are not so great... So, to protect from dogs or coyotes, BURY the lines and stake them down ever 5-10'.

The good emitters and emitterline (Techline CV) has check valves built in so dirty water will not siphon back into the lines after the system is turned off. Use an anti-siphon control valve at the start and be sure it is 1 ft. above ground level... have Juan make a box to put over the valve to keep the sun and dogs off of it.

shari - 6-11-2008 at 03:16 PM

Questions? It's all Greek to me David...sounds pretty complicated for my simple little brain. Thanks Pescador...nothin moves too fast in these parts....we'll see what happens.

David K - 6-11-2008 at 03:28 PM

I can post photos later...

Anyway Shari, it can't be all that complicated if the 'elite' Nomads are right in that I don't know anything I talk about here! :wow:

Seriously, I will make it all easy for you or anyone else interested... :tumble:

Taco de Baja - 6-11-2008 at 03:45 PM

The Coyotes used to take great joy in shredding the emitter hoses for the citrus trees my dad grew in Borrego Springs. They seemed to do it more for the fun of playing in the spraying water than needing a drink.

If you can bury the main lines, it might save you a lot of frustration.

Roberto - 6-11-2008 at 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Anyway Shari, it can't be all that complicated if the 'elite' Nomads are right in that I don't know anything I talk about here! :wow:

Can't help yourself, can you David? And you have the nerve to say that others attack you.

Still, I will say that, for once, I agree with you. If you've been able to figure it out, it certainly CAN'T be that complicated.

Pescador - 6-11-2008 at 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Anyway Shari, it can't be all that complicated if the 'elite' Nomads are right in that I don't know anything I talk about here! :wow:

Is that fertilizer I smell or something else? :no:

Roberto - 6-11-2008 at 08:58 PM

Don't know, Pescador. But, whatever it is, it's emanating from you. :lol:

Sharksbaja - 6-11-2008 at 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Anyway Shari, it can't be all that complicated if the 'elite' Nomads are right in that I don't know anything I talk about here! :wow:

But David you ARE the most elite Nomad. Right?

I use flexable 1/2" extruded black pvc. It has UV inhibitors as well as an organic algaecide that keeps it free from critters. Dogs?? Davids right it's diameter is a tad smaller and requires fittings made for that size.

Google "Salco Drip" to see what my old man invented 40 yrs ago. His drippers were still in the hose after the flood stretched out and wrapped around an 100 ft of junk. I backflushed them and the hose and presto, in biz again. I swear by that hose, it's freaking tough!!

A quality installation requires a bit of knowledge and skill.

David K - 6-12-2008 at 06:59 AM

I met your dad... we talked... around '95. His products a very popular in Arizona... ADOT loves Salco! (I worked for Agrifim as their Tech. Services Manager). I will try and dig up my notes from those days!

By-the-way, no I am not an 'elite' Nomad (by elinvesti8's description)... The elite's try to run off Nomads they don't like because they don't fit some kind of mold. I am into sharing my Baja trips in hopes it spawns more love for the backcountry and history of Baja... to better preserve sites for the future. Because if the sites are unknown to good Baja people, then they are ignored, ruined, lost... as if having no value.

An elite is one who insults others for his own jollies or make his fellow elites laugh... again in the hopes he chases off Nomads.

[Edited on 6-12-2008 by David K]

Sharksbaja - 6-12-2008 at 02:59 PM

Ahhh, just pokin' fun David. You are still the biggest poster.

Hey that's great David. My dad was the engineer and worked for years on perfecting his self-flushing design. Sam Toby (The short guy) was the second owner. The first shop was in Santa Monica and then Hawthorne and I guess now, Fontana. My pop did all the mold making and fabricated all the machines to make and assemble them. At one point Toro was to buy the Co but alas my Dad retired here to Oregon.
Big buyers were the Saudis back in the 80's.
I lost much of my stock of irriation stuff in the flood. I saw a 1000' roll of spaghetti tubing 12' up a palm tree 1/4 mile downstream! :wow:

I have certainly done my fair share of installations. Some rather big projects that were pretty tricky because of long runs and down steep hillsides. Still I don't mind the mostly easy work and a good system really pays off.

The misters you talk about are a lot of fun imo. I ran some spaghetti tubing thru the branches over the spa and plugged it into an emitter on the main line with no guts. I just use a little aquarium valve to turn it off and on if necessary.. On hot days it's great for cooling off people in the spa. The other place we use them is in a tropical greenhouse and for mushroom cultivation to raise the humidity.

I can't stress how much water is saved by selecting the proper emitters and programming them correctly.

Great subject for Baja homeowners to learn about.

David K - 6-12-2008 at 04:57 PM

Yes indeed! I have installed a ton of drip irrigation... have since 1980 (when most didn't know what it was).

I stand corrected about your dad... It was Sam who I met and talked to... He represented that it was his company. I guess, if he was your dad's partner, that would still be true.... A short fellow... kinda looked like Uncle Fester... Very nice and devoted to the product, to be sure!

Mexitron - 6-12-2008 at 06:44 PM

David--I'll second the ease of use of the Netafim tubing, its great!

rob - 6-13-2008 at 03:12 PM

Sharksbaja - what is that organic algaecide you use? This year, we have had ongoing problems with the emitters plugging up from algae - how do you introduce it into the system?

Thanks