Welcome to Modern Agriculture!
by J. Keeler Johnson – June 18, 2026
Daniel Johnson
Watering an orchard is essential for establishing healthy fruit trees. Young apple and plum trees require consistent moisture to build strong root systems, yet delivering that water can be difficult when the orchard is far from a convenient source. After planting a new orchard on my farm, I sought a practical, low‑maintenance method to provide deep watering without installing irrigation lines or lugging countless small containers.
Small buckets could do the job in theory, but each tree is surrounded by a 6‑foot mesh wire fence to keep out the local deer population. Retrieving water through the fence would mean dismantling and re‑installing the wire each time—a time‑consuming and impractical solution.
To meet these needs, I purchased a 35‑gallon polyethylene leg tank with a hose adapter. Its capacity covers all my trees while remaining lightweight and easy to maneuver. When it’s time to water, I load the tank onto my red wagon, pull it with a lawnmower, and stop at each tree. The hose passes through the mesh fence, delivering 3 to 4 gallons per tree.
The tank’s semi‑transparent walls and a gauge marked in five‑gallon increments let me monitor the water level accurately.
Some may be wary of the tank’s modest flow rate. It’s not a pressure tank or pump; water moves solely by gravity. However, that gentle release is an advantage: it prevents a harsh jet from disturbing the soil or oversaturating the surface.
Gravity feed requires the hose end to remain below the tank, which is no problem because the tank sits in my trailer and I water at ground level. The orchard’s mild slope means I approach from the higher side, giving the tank a slight assist. I also keep a concrete block in the trailer; when the tank is almost empty, I prop the rear up to maintain flow toward the outlet.
Overall, the leg tank has simplified my watering routine: I drive around and turn the hose on and off. If you need to transport water across your farm, this mobile solution is worth considering.
New fruit trees typically need regular watering during their first growing season. Frequency depends on rainfall, soil type, and weather, but the goal is to keep the root zone consistently moist without waterlogging.
A portable water tank or wagon tank can be an effective alternative when irrigation lines aren’t available. These systems deliver water directly to each tree as needed.
Yes. Slow watering allows the soil to absorb moisture gradually, reduces runoff, and ensures water reaches the root zone where it’s most beneficial.
Requirements vary by species, climate, and soil, but young fruit trees benefit from deep watering that encourages roots to grow downward rather than staying near the surface.
Effective orchard watering doesn’t require expensive irrigation systems or complex equipment. For my small orchard, a portable leg tank has proven to be a simple, practical solution that delivers water precisely where it’s needed. Whether you’re planting a handful of trees or establishing a larger orchard, consistent, deep watering supports healthy root development and long‑term growth.
This article on orchard watering was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
J. Keeler Johnson is a writer, farmer, blogger and videographer passionate about tree pruning. He lives on a farm in northern Wisconsin, where he tends more than 100 apple trees and a 40‑foot pear tree that has yet to be pruned.
