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Denver, CO

I am wondering which is a better choice for cooling down a plant. I have always used a soaker hose in the past set on a timmer, to keep leaves from wilting when hot. However, misting seems to be very popular as well. What is the advantages of each and disadvantages?

Thanks!

5/28/2007 9:22:02 AM

Eugene,OR

Misting. It will help keep your vine tips from frying on really hot days, which is something a soaker hose can't do.

5/28/2007 12:30:18 PM

Phoenix, AZ

Are you drawing from a municipal source? If so, you have to be wary of sodium in the water. This is bad for plants when doing overhead watering.

5/28/2007 3:50:34 PM

San Diego

most municipal water for misting is fine unless you live in some crazy place called arizona lol :) Sorry Ben couldn't resist. I have used municipal water in san diego with zero problems for 7 years. But Ben has a point, everyones water is different, so check out what is in it.

5/28/2007 7:57:24 PM

[email protected]

I've heard of well & pond water being a problem too. Depends where you live. Themunicipal water in NYC is some of the best in the world. Our's is pretty good too.

5/28/2007 10:14:33 PM

Colo.Spgs.CO. Pikes Peak Chapter @ [email protected]

I feel overhead misting ages the leaves more rapidly, which is why it is critical to to develop the underground root system of the plant so you do not have to use the overhead system unless it is very hot. I use an overhead system on a timer, but only when it is needed on the very hot dry low humidity days we get here in Colorado. I still think it rapidly ages my leaves, but if I do not use it my leaves would be dead, so it is a catch 22 what do you do. I guess cross your fingers for the perfect season. Overhead misters are good in the fall when we get a freeze though, crank it on and save your plants till the sun comes up, at that point who cares about leaf damage. Happy Growing........

5/29/2007 3:37:22 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Im thinking if you have both, you have versatility.....Actually all three work well, misters, rain sprinklers, and soaker hoses.......

5/29/2007 10:27:59 AM

San Diego

the leaves might get a little less pretty looking with overhead misting, but it doesn't hurt the plant. Many guys I know don't like to mist because it does affect the leaves, but I always say, we aren't growing salad, we are growing big pumpkins. I'd rather have a big pumpkin off of a plant that isn't as pretty than a small pumpkin off of a perfect looking plant.

I have had many different plants, some big rooters, others having small fine roots. I see no correlation to heat tolerance. My 950 boyton had the smallest root system ever and was on of my most tolerant plants. My 1180 had a huge root system and I got burnt on all new growth consistantly with high heat. Go figure:)

5/29/2007 6:38:07 PM