Informational
Library
Welcome to our listing of helpful information and technical specifications
for landscaping. You will find downloadable specifications and related subjects
listed below. The downloads are in Adobe Acrobat® format, or PDF. You
will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the files, which you can get for free
here.
Use the Index to the left for faster navigation through the list.
The Urban Farmer Store: Company Overview
File Size = 21K
A summary of services offered by The Urban Farmer Store. Read this to quickly find out who we are and what we do!
Irrigation and Automation Options
File Size = 553K
Confused about whether to use drip or sprinklers? Do you need a clock and
valves, or just a hose bib (faucet) timer?
Use this page as a guide to help decide what features you need in your systems.
Backflow Prevention
File Size = 336K
When the flow of water is reversed from an irrigation system back into the potable system a potentially hazardous
backflow condition is created. This 4-page file explains how to design and install systems that will avoid this problem by correctly using antisiphon valves, atmospheric vacuum breakers (AVB's), reduced pressure principle assemblies (RP's), and
pressure vacuum breakers (PVB's). If you plan on installing irrigation valves underground, or on watering uphill, it is especially important that you understand these principles.
The Urban Farmer Store's recommended coastal dry-season monthly watering schedule
File Size = 172K
This schedule creates the soil/water environment ideal for maintaining healthy plants while eliminating waste and pollution from
runoff. This schedule uses 30- 50% less water than by just turning the irrigation controller on-in-spring and off-in-winter!
It addresses high water using plants (lawn, annuals) and moderate water using plants (trees/shrubs, groundcover, perennials)in both sandy and clay soils.
This schedule approximates what an ET controller does, but without real-time weather adjustment.. This table is based on daily average reference evapotranspiration data
from CIMIS Zone 1 & with common precipitation rates of various irrigtation system types (includes: Rotors, Hunter MP Rotators, Sprinklers, subsurface emitterline, drip emitterline,and microsprays) in very good condition.
Each plant type, soil type, and watering device should be zoned separatley (on its own valve). For best
results monitor any watering program with a soil probe. Developed by Tom Stewart of The Urban Farmer Store, Richmond.
Valve
Troubleshooting
File Size = 98K
Problems with your valves? Can't get your system up and running?
Use this helpful outline to diagnose common valve issues.
Valve
Wiring Troubleshooting
File Size = 130K
A brief explanation of how to check your valve wiring with a Volt-Ohm Meter.
If your valves operate manually, but won't turn on with the clock, try this
solution.
Electric
Globe Valve Animations
Superior Model 950 Globe Valve - File Size = 57K
Superior Model 850 Low-Flow Globe Valve - File Size = 69K
Superior Model 3200 Low-Flow Globe Valve (Normal Closed) - File Size = 62K
Superior Model 3300 Low-Flow Globe Valve (Normal Open) - File Size = 70K
Ever wonder how your automatic valves function? These simple animations will show you the insider's view of a valve in action. Courtesy of Superior Controls.
( Requires Macromedia
Flash Plugin )
Getting
Started: Irrigation Design Essentials
File Size = 98K
Whether you are planning on using drip or sprinkler irrigation, this handy
page will help you design a functional system for your garden.
Sprinkler to Drip
Conversion
File Size = 65K
If you have an existing sprinkler system that you would like to change to
drip, this page will help you plan for the redesign of your system. You can
find information on the Rainbird® Retrofit Kit® here.
Understanding
Emitterline
File Size = 130K
What is "emitterline" anyway? How does it work? What kinds are available?
Find answers to these questions here.
Sub-surface
Drip Irrigation for Your Lawn
File Size = 520K
A quick overview of sub-surface irrigation.
Automatic
Watering Systems for Container Plants
File Size = 260K
Easy instructions for installing a drip irrigation system on your deck or
patio to water your container plants.
Rain Sensors for Automatic Irrigation Systems
File Size = 105K
Overview of rain sensors, including installation, options, and what's available. Featuring Hunter rain sensors.
Drip
Irrigation Tape - Great For Row Crops
File Size = 35K
Learn if this low-cost, short-term approach is appropriate for your row crops or agricultural application. Includes fittings and prices.
Installation and operating manual for the Dig Model 9001D and Dig Model
9001DB hose thread watering timer.
Includes:
1) Parts Identification
2) Battery Installation
3) Controller Installation
4) Irrigation Programming
5) Maintenance
6) Warranty
Getting
Started: Irrigation Design Essentials
File Size = 98K
Whether you are planning on using drip or sprinkler irrigation, this handy
page will help you design a functional system for your garden.
Sprinkler System Design
File Size = 54K
More detailed than 'Design Essentials', this will help you choose the sprinkler heads and PVC pipe that are right for your job.
Sprinkler
to Drip Conversion
File Size = 65K
If you have an existing sprinkler system that you would like to change to
drip, this page will help you plan for the redesign of your system. You can
find information on the Rainbird®
Retrofit Kit® here.
Sprinklers
and Rotors
File Size = 65K
This is a placeholder file until we get a new, better description of sprinklers
and rotors.
Pipe
Sizing Chart
File Size = 65K
Use this handy chart to decide on the proper size and type of pipe for your
irrigatiion system.
Pressure Loss Charts
Schedule 40 PVC Pressure Loss
Chart
File Size = 33K
Schedule 80 PVC Pressure Loss
Chart
File Size = 33K
Use these charts to help determine the correct pipe size
for the flow of your sprinkler system.
Rain
Sensors for Automatic Irrigation Systems
File Size = 105K
Overview of rain sensors, including installation, options, and what's available.
Featuring Hunter rain sensors.
Guide
to Water Features
File Size = 921K
A complete guide to water feature design and specifying. Also lists over 125
products for your pond or fountain. Prices have increased since this guide was published several years ago. Call the store for current product pricing and availability.
It's
Easy to Build a Garden Pond
File Size = 98K
Want to know how small a garden pond can be? Here is a quick example complete
with part costs!
How to Build an Overflow Fountain
File Size = 150K
A detailed look at a very popular style of fountain. Provides a parts list and pricing information, as well as a 'cut-away' view of the fountain.
Essential Pond
Formulas
File Size = 33K
All your pond building calculations on one reference sheet.
Firestone PondGard Lining System Installation Guide
File Size = 954K
A detailed look at pond construction using flexible rubber pond liner.
Outdoor
Lighting Basics
File Size = 1.7 MB
Learn about low voltage outdoor lighting lamps, transformers, cable, and
fixtures. This 4-page full color guide show the latest products available at
The Urban Farmer Store.
Live links on page 4 to manufacturer's websites
embedded within the PDF file require Adobe Acrobat Reader Versions 5.X or
later.
Specifying
Guide for Low-Voltage Outdoor Lighting
File Size = 308K
Curious about outdoor lighting? Find answers to your questions in this
basic guide to 12 volt lighting systems. Includes current pricing and
information on our most popular brands of lighting and transformers.
Solar Can Make Sense in Today's Landscapes
File Size = 100 k
Read this short article for some of our thoughts on solar powered low-voltage lighting sysytems.
LEDs for new 12v lighting systems, retrofits and solar
File Size = 100 k
Light emitting diodes are the most efficient light source available today.They use 1/10th the electricity of halogen and can last 10 times as long. This short article explains how they work and shows the colors of LED light.
Lay
Lighting Wire with Irrigation Pipe and Save!
In Spanish
File Size = 163K
Get the most out of your hard work by installing your lighting wire with
your irrigation pipe. Saves time and money!
Troubleshooting
Your Low-Voltage Lighting with a Volt-Amp Meter
File Size = 130K
Using a volt-amp meter will assist you in properly installing and repairing your low-voltage lighting system.
Do it yourself natural patina green for brass and copper
File Size = 16K
In marine climates it is often pleasing to force a natural green patina on solid raw copper or brass outdoor lighting fixtures and landscape hardware. It weathers the new shine and makes the metal blend beautifully with the environment. When carefully followed this recipe with step-by-step instructions will provide a lovely, durable, and permanent finish.
The Urban Farmer Store® is a registered trademark of The Urban Farmer Store, Inc. All content in this website is copyright ©2008 by The Urban Farmer Store, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners and may be registered.