Steve B wrote:
I am wondering if it would be more economical to run a main line of
about 500 feet, using some sort of plastic pipe (cannot remember the
name of the current most common), and then run my hose branches from
that ? (The main line would have to lay on the ground, through the
woods). Whatever I use, I need to be able to drain the line during
winters, but I suppose I could get fittings for this equipped with a
drain screw or valve or something.

Investigate underground piping, and associated valves. There is one
that opens a valve in the ground below freezing level, and when the
water is turned off, drains the water in the stand pipe to keep it
from freezing. No need to totally drain the lines if you put them in
deep enough. Not sure of their name, but I have seen lots of them in
freezing country. They are red, and have a crooked handle top.


Frost proof "yard hydrants" work as you describe. There are also spprinkler
drain valve that open when the pressure drops after the water supply is turned
off to allow the properly installed pipes to drain before winter. They are
installed at the low spot (or spots) of each zone.