Guerilla grow watering

ApoPNW

ApoPNW

Active Member
I have 3 plants (from clone) on a river ranging in distance from the water. As it’s difficult to read where the moisture will land later in the year only 2 of the plants is in what I like to call the “golden zone” wicking just enough water from the river for a good chunk of the season. All the plants are looking pretty healthy for receiving no attention but as the water level drops in the river the plants don’t receive quite enough water. They only get a visit every couple weeks as they’re hard to access. The question is: how do I get top water while I’m not there? both for root moisture purposes and washing down the top fed nutrients as well. I’ve heard of a string wicking system, a garbage can lid with a hole cut in the middle, does anybody have experience with these or any other methods and do they work well?
 
sirtalis

sirtalis

Well-Known Member
Yes, I used to have a similar problem before weed was legal in my state.

Buy a 55 gallon drum, drill a hole in it, fasten a spigot to it.

Now add a water timer + tubing to this spigot and you essentially have a full blown watering system that you only need to fill every month. This works like a charm, trust me. I grew for multiple years with these drums being the sole reason for success. It helps to have super soil for next time, because all the plants need is water. Top dress will work fine if you make sure the nutrients get saturated.

The plant in my profile pic was grown 100% from a drum like this with only once a month visit. Try to elevate it a couple feet, because gravity is what is giving it pressure.

Only problem is with stealth, you cant bury it and a blue drum sticks out like a sore thumb. Maybe spray paint it or cover it in camo. Also check craigslist, I bought mine off some random guy selling these.

used-55-gal-water-drum-with-faucet-free-shipping-4.png
 
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GreenestBasterd

GreenestBasterd

Well-Known Member
Spray paint drum black, let dry.
Second coat brown and green mixed.
While still wet roll drum in broken leaves grass clipping, hay whatever is local to the spot. This works great with pots so worth a shot.

If there’s a lot of dead timber around you could nestle it amongst that or stack dead branches “naturally” to disguise.
 
ApoPNW

ApoPNW

Active Member
sirtalis said:
Yes, I used to have a similar problem before weed was legal in my state.

Buy a 55 gallon drum, drill a hole in it, fasten a spigot to it.

Now add a water timer + tubing to this spigot and you essentially have a full blown watering system that you only need to fill every month. This works like a charm, trust me. I grew for multiple years with these drums being the sole reason for success. It helps to have super soil for next time, because all the plants need is water. Top dress will work fine if you make sure the nutrients get saturated.

The plant in my profile pic was grown 100% from a drum like this with only once a month visit. Try to elevate it a couple feet, because gravity is what is giving it pressure.

Only problem is with stealth, you cant bury it and a blue drum sticks out like a sore thumb. Maybe spray paint it or cover it in camo. Also check craigslist, I bought mine off some random guy selling these.

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Sorry. I Forgot to mention, their location is only accessible by kayak so even if we could manage the stealth side of it we most definitely couldn’t get them out there discreetly. And we’d need 3. Thanks for the reply.
 
GreenestBasterd

GreenestBasterd

Well-Known Member
ApoPNW said:
Sorry. I Forgot to mention, their location is only accessible by kayak so even if we could manage the stealth side of it we most definitely couldn’t get them out there discreetly. And we’d need 3. Thanks for the reply.
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Lash the drums together raft style and tow down river to the spot with a buddy??
I’m thinking all Indiana Jones vibes

Man I wish I had an adventurous grow like that, sounds fun.

Good luck with it.
 
sirtalis

sirtalis

Well-Known Member
ApoPNW said:
Sorry. I Forgot to mention, their location is only accessible by kayak so even if we could manage the stealth side of it we most definitely couldn’t get them out there discreetly. And we’d need 3. Thanks for the reply.
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Ah it sounds like the 3 plants are not close to eachother.

The only other solution I can think of is using water absorbant crystals in the soil. Too late for this year.

Or if these plants are big enough and worth it, tow the drums by kayak at night. Each with their own timer. It really comes down to how much effort or money is worth it to save the plants.
 
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bam0813

bam0813

Well-Known Member
The op could throw the whole system in a backpack and launch,fill on site. no huck finn raft needed lol
 
injinji

injinji

Well-Known Member
Rain catchers are the way to go. I've got away from taking water out of rivers. Too many folks on the water.

For my smaller patches I use a storage tote with a small tarp as a deflector. Larger patches I use a heavy duty tarp for the storage, with a light tarp for a deflector. You have to use 4 strong trees to tie up the corners because water is heavy.

When you use a tote, it is a good idea to sink it 6 inches so animals don't turn it over if they are using it for drinking water.
 
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