The Urban Farmer Store


In This Issue
Innovative BluLock Revolutionizes Irrigation Installation
Hunter Solar Sync: Simple, Smart & Economical
Pondmaster ProLine Biofilters
Don't Miss Rain Bird Drop in Day May 25
Making Every Drop Count Free May Classes
Marin Garden Tour: May 15, 2010
Wilkins Lead Free Products Meet California Requirements
Quick Links

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Greetings!

Where do you turn for expert advice?
 
Our goal is to keep you up to date on the latest products and trends that can grow your bottom line.  Every member of The Urban Farmer team attends manufacturer training seminars to stay up to date on the latest tips and techniques.  
 
Call on us anytime for technical support and fast delivery of your favorite irrigation and landscape products.
 
Thanks for being our customer!

Innovative BluLock Revolutionizes Irrigation Installation
Built for speed of installation and total efficiency

blulock from hydro rain Working in a sprinkler trench is tough enough- don't make it harder by using traditional pipe fitting methods that require hot, toxic glue, clamps, or frustrating barbed fittings. Now there's a better way: Blu-Lock.

Try Blu-Lock with our special offer!

Blu ­Lock is easier & more profitable
  • It installs faster than PVC piping
  • Easier to transport and layout
  • No slowing down to prime and glue fittings, just push and go.
  • Saves over $1.00 per head in parts and about 1/2 hour per 6 sprinkler zone in labor
  • Makes for easy retrofit to existing systems
  • More flexible and in rolls, fewer fittings with fewer problems with obstructions in trenches.
Blu-lock is Greener
  • No chemical released in installation, no chemicals on hands or clothes
  • HDPE (high density polyethylene) is preferable to PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride)
  • Does not contain nor is manufactured using the following toxins: Dioxin, ethylene dichloride, and vinyl chloride which have the potential for causing a number of health problems.
  • Blu-lock can be used for potable water systems.



Buy one roll of Blu-lock tubing and get one free

Buy one roll of 100' 1/2", 3/4" or 1" tubing and get a second roll free

Limit 2 free rolls per customer, while supplies last.  Must present downloadable coupon.  Offer expires June 30, 2010.

Download the coupon




Hunter Solar Sync:  Simple, Smart & Economical
Gathers on-site data to modify watering schedules dynamically 

solar sync

New from Hunter, the Solar Sync continually gathers on-site weather data (temperature, solar radiation, rainfall) and uses it to modify the watering schedules in popular Hunter controllers.

Use Solar Sync to bring "ET-based" control to new or existing systems.  The unit is especially effective at retrofitting to existing systems, so its an upgrade you can sell as part of your regular service visits. 

Upgrades any existing Pro-C or ICC controller, the Solar Sync works through the SmartPort and Seasonal Adjustment features on the controller.  Utilizing a unique solar/temperature sensor design, the sensor gathers on-site weather data, which is sent to a small module connected to the controller. 

The module adjusts the watering schedule everyday based upon changing weather conditions.  In addition, the Solar Sync sensor integrates Hunter's popular Rain-Click and Freeze-Clik sensors providing quick response in shutting down your irrigation system during rain and/or freezing conditions.

Set your Hunter controller Seasonal adjust at 100% and enter a peak summer watering schedule.  Then set current time, region, and controller type on the Solar Sync module. That's it!

The Solar Sync panel can be installed indoors or out.  

Learn more about this great product by clicking here.


Simplified set-up instructions for Solar Sync

Pondmaster ProLine Biofilters
for ornamental fountains, waterscapes, & natural, healthy habitats

A good fish pond filter maintains water clarity and water quality. Mechanical filtration removes particulate matter to keep water clear, and biological filtration converts toxic ammonia from fish wastes, keeping water quality high and fish healthy. Sealed, pressurized biofilters can be located anywhere, are more effective, less effort to clean, far less messy and the media lasts longer.

Pondmaster pressurized biofilters are compact, sealed units that can be plumbed anywhere into the line between the pump and the water feature, at almost any level, so they're easy to hide. These filters allow the flow to be reversed in a backwash cycle to clean out the trapped clumped debris.
 
It also provides a manual agitator that quickly and effortlessly breaks up any clumping of the media, allowing for complete backwashing regardless of load, and in a fraction of the time that simply reversing water flow requires. Moreover, very little water is expended in comparison-relieving the need to dispose of tens or even hundreds of gallons of wastewater.
 
They are offered with or without Ultra Violet Light Clarifiers. The powerful lamps are housed in quartz tubes in the central core of the filter, where only the cleanest water passes, maximizing algae control efficiency while minimizing the need to clean it. The UV clarifier option is highly recommended for eliminating free-floating green planktonic algae that appears naturally in the sunny spring and summer when water temperatures reach 55 degrees (ƒ) or higher.
 
They share the following features which set them apart:
  • Unique, manually operated Agitator "unlocks" waste from media, saving time and water
  • 3-position Master Valve with Backwash, Rinse and Filter settings
  • Swivel Fittings to make connecting and removing tubing easier and tool-free 
  • Pressure Gauge to monitor internal operation of Filter 
  • Clear Master Valve to visually monitor water clarity during backwash/rinse operation 
  • Clear Agitator Handle to visually confirm UV bulb operation (on units so equipped) 
  • Integrated UV Clarifier with waterproof Transformer (on units so equipped) 
  • Optional field-installed Bottom Drain available

Don't Miss Rain Bird Drop in Day May 25
Check out the latest new innovations from Rain Bird

Rain BirdRichmond & San Francisco Urban Farmer Stores are proud to host Rain Bird Representatives on May 25.

You are invited to see Rain Bird's new ESP Smart Controller and ask questions about all wonderful Rain Bird things just in time for the season!

May 25th:  Richmond store 9-12, San Francisco 1-4

Making Every Drop Count Free May Classes at the Urban Farmer Store
Register now to build your water efficiency knowledge

Classes RegistrationJoin us for an introduction to water-saving sprinkler head retrofits and drip irrigation solutions.

Learn about system automation with valves, timers, rain sensors and the new smart self-adjusting controllers. This class will teach you how to plan your
own efficient irrigation system.

This new technology can help us conserve
more than half of the water we use in the landscape!

Dates: Mill Valley May 11, San Francisco May 15, Richmond May 16

Click here to view dates and reserve seats.

Download a printable PDF schedule to share with a friend.


Marin Garden Tour: May 15, 2010
Participate in this garden showcase, over 30 locations on the tour

You must register in advance to visit the gardens on the tour.

This self-guided tour, in its fourth year, will include a variety of Bay-friendly
gardens.

At each location a professional landscaper, designer or homeowner
will be available to provide info and respond to questions.

See examples of: rain gardens and cisterns, gray water systems, smart irrigation controllers, erosion control measures, habitat for wildlife, native no mow lawn, permeable walkways, edible organic gardens, pesticide-free landscapes, native, drought tolerant, fire resistant, deer resistant and creekside plants.

Registration Required ­ Reserve Your Place Today!

This self-guided Tour is $10 per person. (Free passes for students/low
income individuals on request.)

How To Register: Credit Card: To pay by credit card, call North Marin Water District at 415-897-4133. A $3.00 transaction fee (not a per ticket fee) will apply to credit card orders.  Registration includes a Garden Guide that details features of each garden and provides driving instructions.

Download General Tour Flyer & Information



Wilkins Lead Free Products Meet California Requirements
It's easy to comply when you choose Wilkins

The California "No Lead" Law (Section 116875 of the CA Health & Safety Code commonly known as AB1953), requires lead-free products for specific applications beginning in 2010.

If you will be using a backflow in a potable drinking water application, you need a lead-free unit.   Wilkins has updated their products to meet these requirements.  We have the appropriate products on hand to meet your needs.  

Our Store Locations:

San Francisco:
  2833 Vicente Street
   San Francisco, CA 94116
   Phone: (415) 661-2204
   Fax: (415) 661-7826

Marin:
   653 East Blithedale
   Mill Valley, CA 94941
   Phone: (415) 380-3840
   Fax: (415) 380-3848

Richmond:
   2121 San Joaquin Street
   Richmond, CA 94804
   Phone: (510) 524-1604
   Fax: (510) 524-9797