CHAPTER XIV 

 WATER SUPPLY AND IRRIGATION 



An abundant supply of water at a reason- 

 able cost is necessary for the successful op- 

 eration of a commercial range of green- 

 houses. Figures compiled from the experi- 

 ence of several growers show that the con- 

 sumption of water by a vegetable crop in a 

 greenhouse during the bright, hot days of 

 June and July may be as high as 280 gallons 

 per day per 1000 square feet of crops. As 

 the watering is done over a period of not 

 more than three or four hours per day, it is 

 necessary to make arrangements to supply 

 the maximum amount needed during that 

 length of lime, rather than during the 24 

 hours of the day as is usually figured for 

 domestic purposes. 



When city water is available at a reason- 

 able price it is doubtful if it will pay the 

 small grower to go to the expense of pro- 

 viding a private supply. Sometimes, how- 

 ever, the conditions are such that a private 



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