Lay Out: Position soaker hoses throughout the garden near each plant within 6 to 12 inches of the base. On slopes, run across the slope, not up and down. In perennial beds, keep hoses about 18 inches (sandy soils) to 24 inches (clay soil) apart. For annual plants space the runs closer, 12-18 inches apart, to make sure water reaches their shallow roots. Stake the hose into place with stakes wherever it needs it to secure the hose's position.

Watering Schedule: Start out by running your soaker hose for about 40 minutes once a week, or 20 minutes twice a week for sandy soils and annual plants and gardens that have shallower roots. The goal is to wet the soil in the plant’s root zone. You can tell if the plant is getting enough water by digging a hole with a trowel to see if the root zone is wet (wait a while after watering before you check, so the water has time to soak in). Leaves may droop a little on hot days but if they stay droopy after the hottest part of the day, they’re probably too dry. Drooping can also be a sign of over watering but again, check the soil first! Once you’ve got the timing figured out, attach and set a timer to the system. This will make it possible for the watering system to work even when you are on vacation.

Trees: Try to water the soil areas directly beneath the foliage and shaded by the tree. Do not water beyond the drip-line and do not water closer than 3 feet to the trunk base on established trees.

Hanging planters, pots and window boxes: Large, hard to move barrels, pots and window boxes will do better with a slow running soaker hose.  Water regularly as the dry season goes on. Hanging plants may require watering more frequently as the wind and sun dry them out. During exceptionally hot weather (80's or 90's) hanging baskets may need watering daily, or even twice daily if the basket has limited soil area. Small 1/4" soaker hose in a loop works great for these small areas. By using a 1/4" in-line valve you can regulate the flow to your planter for maximum effectiveness. ALWAYS use a soaker hose regulator.

Bury the Hose: After testing the soaker hose to see that it waters the area well, you can cover it with 2 inches (or more) of mulch, such as wood chips, bark, leaves, or compost, or even decorative rocks. The mulch keeps water from evaporating and helps spread the water flow. It also helps protect the hose from the sun. 

Stakes: Use to secure soaker hose by pushing into the ground.

Maintenance: Once or twice a year, unscrew the end caps and flush out any accumulated sediment. Flushing it at the start of the year will help you check for leaks, and ensure that it’s not plugged. Make sure everyone working in the garden knows the soaker is there under the mulch, so they don’t accidentally damage it. Most cuts or nicks can be repaired with couplings. Soaker Hose is UV stabilized - won't freeze in the cold or crack in the sun. Installing a back flow preventer is highly recommended to stop dirty water backing up through the hose into your household drinking water supply. This is simply a matter of installing a one way valve between the water source or spigot and the first length of hose.

A filter is highly recommended (Use a 200 mesh filter). A calcium inhibitor filter is also recommended for areas with hard water. For use on a well system, a filter is a MUST so that particles that might clog the pores of the tubing will be filtered out. Well water typically has particles of sediment in suspension. Installing a back flow preventer is highly recommended to stop dirty water backing up through the hose into your household drinking water supply. This is simply a matter of installing a one way valve between the water source or spigot and the first length of hose.

Don't forget soaker hose is low flow, low pressure. Turn faucet on approximately 1/2 turn. If your hose "sprays" and doesn't weep, you have too much pressure.

Specs for Standard Soaker Hose: inside diameter .380, outside diameter .580, wall thickness .100.

Gallons per hour, per 100' is approx. 54 gallons per hour, depending on inlet pressure, water hardness.

Running lengths shorter than 40' will increase water flow, as lengths over 100' will decrease water flow.

Soaker hose pressure regulator is mandatory. Burst strength is 80 PSI. DO NOT use soaker hose with normal house pressure. Maximum run per MrSoakerhose Standard Soaker is 100' per length with a maximum of  600' per faucet at one time. Soaker should be used on flat surfaces not exceeding a 2' rise over 100'.  Made in the USA.