Heat waves and No Rain. Try this solution.

As the heat wave intensifies, keeping your garden or flower patches hydrated can be a challenge. We have been experiencing weeks with little to no rain with extreme heat. Traditional watering methods may not be enough, especially when water restrictions are in place or you do not have access to a pump in a growing area. That’s where an IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) tote tank or a similar water tank and a portable car wash pump come in – a game-changing combination for efficient and pressurized watering.

Step 1: Prepare the IBC Tote Tank
Clean and sanitize the inside of IBC tote tank, then fill it with water. Make sure the tank is placed on a level surface and securely positioned. This should be done before filling the tank as it’s entirely too heavy to move once water is added. We typically don’t fill the tank over 100 gallons as the pollinator patch doesn’t require that much. You’ll have to assess your watering needs to determine the ideal size container. We went with the IBC tank since it’s size offered options in the future for more irrigation as well as the price. If you look online, IBC containers are generally available for purchase used. Ours was a food grade tank that just required about an hour to clean out and be ready for use. You can also purchase yours here.

Step 2: Connect the Portable Car Wash Pump
Attach the portable car wash pump to the IBC tote tank, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure a secure connection to prevent leaks around the pump. Depending on which 12v car wash kit you order, there will be a bit of assembly to hookup the hoses and the power. We use the 12v connection in the truck to power the pump which is convenient when we’re away from electric sources.

Step 3: Set Up the Sprayer or Drip System
Connect a sprayer or drip system to the pump outlet, allowing you to target the water flow precisely. The pump we ordered has a hose nozzle to direct the water flow to easily target the trees, flowers and other plants that need irrigation. Given that this is powered by a 12v car outlet, the flow rate of the water isn’t massive, but it’s a benefit to us so we don’t overwater or waste water.

Step 4: Pressurize and Water
Plug in the pump and ensure the feeder line is down in the container submersed in water. This solution allows you to water your garden or flowers efficiently, covering more area with less water. Before we used this setup, we were carting 5 gallon buckets of water to irrigate which was very labor intnesive and time inefficient.

Here we are using ours. The tank is on the back of the truck bed.

Tips and Benefits:

• Monitor water pressure to avoid damaging plants by directly spraying younger plants.
• Use a filter to prevent debris from clogging the pump (the pump we ordered has one on the feeder line).
• Water in the early morning or evening to minimize evaporation
• This system is ideal for large gardens, greenhouses, or commercial flower beds

By combining an IBC tote tank with a portable car wash pump, you’ll be better equipped to keep your garden or flowers thriving during the heat wave. This efficient and pressurized watering system ensures targeted hydration, reducing waste and conserving water. Beat the heat and keep your plants happy!

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