A few months ago I saw what to me was a new soaker hose system and it had been tempting me ever since late winter when I saw it on the shelves. Only problem was it was basically a very thin soaker hose and a 1/2″ distribution tube and they wanted $38 for it. I shook my head and told myself that only a moron would pay $38 for two hoses and some plastic pieces (Amazon for $36). Only thing was is that I went back and looked at it EVERY time we went to Menards, which is practically every weekend, and it looked like nobody was touching them.
A few days ago I saw a sign that had them down to $10. I did a double take and thought 75% price drop?!?! No way! I couldn’t pass it up and grabbed 4 of the 6 boxes that were still on the shelf. See…I’ve done this before and purchased only one of an item and then come to find out I can’t find them anymore. Like my Ultimato Tomatoe trellis system. Curse you Lowes for not stocking them anymore! When I got to the checkout they rang up as $8 each. I about fainted.
Tonight I just finished installing the first one and I can tell you it’s the best soaker system I’ve ever used. I was out in the garden pulling out my large soaker hose system and replacing it with these. I recommend anybody with a couple extra bucks hit their local Menards and snatch up a couple. You are looking for a purplish box labeled Orbit Vegetable Garden Soaker System (Part #67562). It may say “DripMaster” on it somewhere. It was originally outdoors in the garden section near the edging but I found them this time in the seasonal area near the hoses and hose accessories. [editors note 2009: part #67562 looks discontinued...try part #94863]
No seriously. Go now. If I didn’t already have 4 and only 3 vegetables beds I’d go back for the last two. Actually, if they still have them when I go back this weekend I’ll probably buy the rest. So if you live near Cold Springs/West Chicago nevermind…the system is horrible and a complete waste of money. What you need is a large bird bath..yeah that’s it!
T – thanks for the tip! I’m so going there to get 2 of them today!
Muuhhaaaa…I grabbed the last two boxes at the Menards near me. Still $8
T – I went to Menards today and that didnt have this at all. They had some other sprinkler/soaker hose system that was on sale for 19.99. I’m so bummed! I even pulled up your site on my treo and read the part number off to the dude but he said I was missing numbers or something.
Yeah..sorry. I just looked again and that’s not the part number…that’s a model number. If I find anymore I’ll buy them and offer them for resale here (at cost).
Great article. Remember, filtration is vital to a good drip system. Drip can solve many water shortage issues and many companies are pushing drip, especially subsurface drip with great success. Subsurface drip tape is used extensively for tomato, cotton and alfalfa production.