Drip irrigation
is an alternative to time-consuming hand watering.
Drip irrigation systems are utilized in drought-prone regions and by homeowners interested in saving money on irrigation costs. Systems are typically installed via home garden spigots, the same kind used to send water through garden hoses. Automatic controllers are attached to stop and start irrigation remotely. Not all gardens and plants are suited for low-volume drip irrigation systems. Terrain features can also present installation challenges. Some growing areas may not benefit from drip irrigation systems. Does this Spark an idea?
Installing On Rough Terrain
Drip irrigation systems are designed for flat surfaces. Drip systems are low-pressure, leaking systems that will not effectively force irrigation water uphill. By setting up your drip irrigation system on level ground or downhill from your water source the water has a better chance to evenly irrigate your flowerbeds and gardens. Walk around your garden and irrigation area to assess the terrain's slopes, inclines and angles prior to designing and installing your drip system.
Setting Up In Large And Small Gardens
Measure the distance between your water source and your plants before purchasing and installing drip irrigation systems. Most drip-lines will not effectively transport water for distances greater than 200 feet. Increased distance decreases water pressure and efficient watering. Also consider the range of various emitters and sprinkler heads. Piping is often "snaked" around different planting areas to increase the amount of area receiving irrigation. These pipes should be placed 12 feet from one another.
Install To Maximize Watering
Drip irrigation systems work well in ornamental gardens containing flower beds and specimen plants, but they also work well in vegetable gardens. Consider setting up and designing your irrigation system in tandem with your planting scheme and place plants and flowers with similar irrigation needs in the same beds and plots. Set up drip irrigation systems in such a way that emitters are angled toward the plant's base and saturate the root system. Above-ground micro-spray heads should also direct their moisture toward the plant's base. Lawns, turf and large expanses require overhead watering in amounts that drip irrigation systems are unable to provide.
Install For Your Gardening Needs
Sandy loam is the optimum soil type for this kind of steady, leaking water system. Sandy soil can be amended with compost. Mulch can also be placed around the base of plants to retain water. Compacted fine soils such as clay and silt are the least compatible for efficient drip irrigation. These soils should be amended with organic matter prior to setting up and employing drip irrigation systems.
The Right Drip System
The most basic form of drip irrigation is the soaker hose. Its porous holes allow water to leak slowly into soil. Other, more substantial tubes are perforated and micro-spray emitters are attached to the holes. Emitters can be angled in a variety of directions to best suit the growing conditions and crop needs. Micro-spray heads are similar to traditional sprinkler heads only they are smaller and provide a light mist over crops. The lightweight tubes are incapable of withstanding soil pressure so digging them underground is not an option.
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