Dear representative of Trickl-Eez,

I'm preparing to plant 4 herb species in mid-Missouri. Here are the numbers:

1. Species A (500 plants) - perennial
2. Species B (825 plants) - perennial
3. Species C (630 plants) - perennial
4. Species D (840 plants) - annual

I have a small lake within 200 yds of the proposed beds & plan to use this lake/pond water for irrigating the crops. This could be either via a water tank/gravity feed approach (filled via a pump in the lake) or directly via a pumped line.

The land is on a slight slope (2-5 degrees) and the drop between the potential location of the gravity feed tank (?) & the lake is approx. 15-20' or more.

I don't have limitations on the size of the plots for the plantings (I have 12 acres of on which to work - but will be concentrating this growing in an area closest to the water supply). But I'm wondering if there is some optimal design/layout that I should consider & which is best matched to the needs of drip-irrigation & your company's products.

My questions:
1. Can you advise me on the recommended layout for each species so that the intended drip-irrigation system I use will be most cost-effective & productive? What I'm looking for is info. on how best to lay out the plantings so that I can accommodate the appropriate drip-irrigation system(s).

2. What drip-irrigation system would you recommend for my proposed water supply? Would a gravity feed system work or should I drop that idea & develop the direct pump approach? Should I used disconnectable pipes (to the main supply line) or should I use taps on a fully connected system?

I need to consider a relatively low budget drip-irrigation system.

3. What pump etc. system would you recommend for my anticipated needs?

4. I'm still wrestling with how to work out the anticipated water needs of the 4 species. They will be planted out in the open (4 or more beds). I suspect that the water needs will be a little less than that for tomatoes.

Thanks for considering my questions & I look forward to your professional inputs to help me solve my challenges.

Sincerely,
Leszek Vincent