Spec sheets and diagrams that describe how the Florafelt System can be incorporated into your project.
Florafelt Pocket Panels Spec Sheets
Sizing Guide
Root Wrappers
Mounting Methods
Irrigation Parts
Where to get irrigation parts.
Most of these parts (or similar) are available at your local pro landscape supplier, Lowes or Home Depot, or online through Google Search and Amazon.com.
Hose Splitter
Connect the hose splitter to your faucet. This allows you to have access to your water but also provides an ‘always on’ connection to your water timer. Be sure the faucet and splitter valve remain open to ensure consistent watering. Consider covering the valves using stretch wrap to prevent accidental shut off.
Digital Hose Timer
The timer uses 2 AA batteries. The Orbit Digital Hose Timer (shown) works best for this application since it allows for 1 minute run times, which reduce water waste. It also allows for 6 hour intervals so you can water 4 times a day, if necessary. We recommend each living wall have it’s own independant battery operated timer to insure reliable and easy-to-adjust watering cycles.
Plants Food Injector
The Dosatron DM11F is a water operated unit that adds a specific concentration of food to the system with each watering cycle. It uses water pressure to operate and is designed for low water flow. Venturi injectors can be used for large, high flow systems. Liquid food tanks can be made from 6 inch ABS tube for a thin profile that will be completely hidden among the plants.
Particle Filter
A mesh filter prevents clogs in drip lines. Inline stainless filters provide long service and can be easily flushed clean on a regular schedule. Make sure your particle filter is downstream from your food injector.
Pressure Regulator
The pressure regulator keeps the water pressure low to prevent hose connection blow-outs, and slows the watering rate. Slower watering allows plants to absorb the water, reducing waste. 30 PSI is common for most irrigation applications.
Tubing
3/4 inch irrigation tubing is inexpensive and easy to use. This common type of irrigation is standard for most landscape applications. Slip connectors are quick and easy to install. Garden hose with threaded connectors are extremely easy to use.
Button Drip Emitters
Button emitters come standard in ½ gallon per hour. Barbed connectors are easily punched into the ¾ inch irrigation tubing. Place one 1/2 gallon per hour button emitter at the very top of each pocket row. Make the drip visible for ease of inspection and replacement. If the top edge is sloped, pressure compensating emitters will maintain a consistent drip from top to bottom. Use irrigation emitters at the top row only. Water will wick down the entire wall. Longer and slower watering times allow for more complete water absorption and less waste.
Drain Tray
Extra water will drip from the bottom edge. You can simply let it drain into a planter or garden below, or you can use a small drip tray (2 x 2 inches) to direct the water to a sewer connection, or into a floor drain. Allow the water to drain completely by keep the bottom pocket clear of the bottom of the tray. Tuck the bottom flap into the tray to prevent drips.
Plant Food
We recommend using MaxSea 16:16:16 Seaweed Based Fertilizer. It is a gentle food that can be used for hydroponic feeding and is mostly made from organic nutrients. Organic nutrients are preferred because they encourage active microbiology in the soil and reduce the problem of salt build-up from chemical fertilizers.
Planting Your Vertical Garden
Before you plant do a complete cross-check
• Run the watering system on full to test the system.
• Check that the drip line is watering evenly across the top.
• Check that the drain is clear.
• Check that the drain hose is adequate for draining the water.
• Sometimes drip lines will become clogged if there are particles in the water.
• Check that the in-line filter particle cartridge is in place and clear of debris.
• The back layer of felt will get slightly moist when pressed.
• The bottom crease inside the pocket will also feel moist
• The front of the pockets will remain dry.
During Planting
• Soak the Root-Wrappers before wrapping the plants.
• Run the system on full while installing the plants.
Maintenance for Drain Away Systems
Daily:
– Observe the plants
– Notice if plants look wilted
– Or if they have faded leaves
– Or show rotting bases or browned leaves
– Also notice if they have new buds or have made new roots
Monthly:
– Add plant food to the Feeder (Maxsea)
– Notice plant health and adjust water timing if necessary
– Remove dead leaves
– Remove dead plants and replace
– Clear drain of any debris
Every 3 Months:
– Clean the filter
– Use ladder to visually check drip emitters
Every Year:
– Change the timer battery
– Change out the drip lines
Use your E-Calendar
– Add these events to your electronic calendar and use the repeated events feature with reminders.
– Copy and paste this info for each frequency listed.
Recirculating Systems
Maintenance for Recirculating Systems
The water tank should be checked weekly and topped off. Do not add water while the unit is on since water will continue to drip from the planter and cause overflow. Wait one hour after the pump cycle or when all water has drained from the felt planter. Tank draining and water replacement is recommended every 4 to 6 months to prevent salt buildup from fertilizers.
Daily:
– Observe the plants
– Notice if plants look wilted
– Or if they have faded leaves
– Or show rotting bases or browned leaves
– Also notice if they have new buds or have made new roots
Weekly:
– Top off water tank. Do not add water while pump is running.
– Add plant food to the tank (1/4 tsp Maxsea)
Monthly Tasks:
– Notice plant health and adjust water timing if necessary
– Remove dead leaves
– Remove dead plants and replace
Every 3 Months:
– Empty tanks and replace water
– Clean pump and check water flow
Tip: Use your E-Calendar
– Add these events to your electronic calendar and use the repeated events feature with reminders.
– Copy and paste this info for each frequency listed.