A question for Carolyn (as in 'CarolynKeiper').... In your reply to CalinRomania's post/thread about garden position you said, and I quote, "Cal, Succulents don't need a lot of water, but how far is this from a structure of any kind? can you do a rain barrel filled by rainwater runoff into gutters to fill the barrel? or run a water line from the closest water line available on your parents property and set a frost hydrant?" I don't think I've ever run across that term, 'frost hydrant' before.. Could you help me in my ignorance or out of my ignorance somewhat by explaining what a 'frost hydrant' is?? Thanking you in advance for the enlightenment, Hank. (edited once to correct spelling) o/a 11:31EST, 16DEC13..
Hank, I wondered about that too and found a uTube video on installing one. It's a Frost Proof Hydrant that hooks up to your water line way below the frost line to keep water available for farm animals and humans if needed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q32FWiWf7rk
Texas don't have no "frost line"! However, when we lived in upstate NY there was 8" to 10" of frozen earth and all pipes were installed deeper than 10" to keep water running. Sometimes it worked . . . .
Our water pipes are al 14" below the surface of the earth which is just as well as we do get some very hard frosts here. It also means that husbands tend not to hit the pipes when they are digging the garden.
Hank, We have a water line installed out in the yard that is about 36 - 48" deep. That way there is never a chance of it being frozen during the winter. It has a handle that pulls up and it takes a few seconds for water to come out the spigot. When you are done with the water you push the handle back down and the water drains out of the spigot section. I have them in my greenhouses, too. I always have water available and not frozen hoses.
Thank you, Girls! I've learned about something of which I was previously ignorant.. I was aware of the fact that freezing weather penetrated the top soil and you should bury your plumbing deep enough not to freeze, but was completely ignorant of this marvelous gadget to help you cope with the ensuing problems of freezing weather.. Maybe 'cause I was born and raised in the 'deep-south'.. Hank
You are welcome, Hank. I don't fore see me ever not needing this handy type of spigot. I am thinking the South or far South is never in my future as a permanent address.
