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MINNESOTA WEATHER

Irrigation Tips Shared for Dry August

Irrigation Tips Shared for Dry August


By Scout Nelson

Heavy rains have swept across Minnesota, leaving fields soaked and limiting outdoor work. Following Wednesday’s storms, air quality alerts and hot, humid weather are expected to keep farmers out of the fields. A drier and cooler forecast next week will offer a chance to harvest garlic and plant final successions of carrots and broccoli.

This week’s vegetable update includes time-saving tips in a new “farm hacks” section. While irrigation may not seem urgent after months of rain, dry spells often return in August. Here are a few simple solutions for common irrigation issues:

If water pressure drops by the time it reaches the field, consider using a wider hose or pipe. Instead of garden hoses, growers can try “lay flat” hoses—durable blue vinyl hoses in 1.5” or 2” diameter available in 100’ to 250’ lengths. These perform better over long distances and can handle foot and light vehicle traffic.

Another key tip is using the right size pressure regulator. For around ¼ acre of drip tape—about 22 rows, 100 feet each—a 10 PSI pressure regulator works well. Too much or too little pressure can affect system performance, break fittings, or push tape loose.

This rainy week is a good time to review postharvest handling practices. A table on the MDA’s postharvest webpage shows which crops typically need washing, cooling methods, and best storage conditions.

For hands-on learning, a field day focused on postharvest handling—including washing, sorting, and packing vegetables—will be held in St. Paul on Thursday, August 7. Growers interested in improving efficiency and crop care are encouraged to attend.

These updates aim to help both new and experienced growers improve their farm practices, even during weather delays.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-dmytro-diedov

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Categories: Minnesota, Weather

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