Unlock your Garden’s Potential through the power of drip irrigation.
Finding time to water your garden consistently can be draining. We all have busy schedules and a day or two of forgetting to water our plants, especially in the intense heat of summer can be damaging. Drip irrigation is a huge game changer for not only saving time but maximizing water efficiency as well.
Let's dive into how we can set up your own system and troubleshoot any issues along the way.
What is Drip Irrigation?
Drip Irrigation is a method of watering your plants directly at the root through the use of drip lines. Water is delivered slowly, steadily, and precisely where it is needed through tubing. This precision helps to conserve water and minimize runoff—keeping the nutrients in the soil. Drip irrigation uses manual or digital timers in order to create a totally hands-off approach to watering your garden well.
Why Drip Irrigation?
- Time-saving: Drip irrigation eases the time strain of making time or remembering to water your garden. It is a seem less system that removes the stress of hydrating your plants well and consistently.
- Water Efficiency: By targeting the root zone, you are only using the exact amount of water necessary for your plants to thrive. Consider your water conservation efforts in effect!
- Plant Health: A plant’s stress is reduced when they are consistently watered with the correct amount. Drip irrigation also helps prevent diseases by keeping the foliage dry.
- Weed Reduction: This system targets your plants' roots and only your plants' roots. This means any weeds nearby will not be unnecessarily watered, saving you even more time through your reduced need to weed.
- Flexibility: Drip irrigation systems can be customized for any garden size or shape. Whether you have a small backyard garden or a large market garden, you can create a system that best serves you!
SEE MY LIST OF FAVORITE DRIP IRRIGATION PRODUCTS
Setting up your System & Fixing Leaks
Creating and maintaining an efficient drip irrigation system may come across as daunting at first, but we’ve got you covered.
Here’s how to get started:
- Planning: Map out your garden and decide on the layout of your drip lines. You can lay them where existing plants are if needed, or we would recommend you evenly space your drip lines and then plant after you know where the drip lines are.
- Installation: Lay out the tubing, connect emitters, and secure everything in place. For small to medium sized gardens I recommend the following part assembled in order:
- Frost free hydrant or faucet
- pressure reducer (optional depending on pressure)
- Filter
- Hose fitting to 1/2 tubing (main line run to the beds and long the top of each bed)
- Tubbing to drip line fitting with valve
- Drip tubing (seal each with folded staple trick)
- Maintenance: Regular checks for leaks or clogs are crucial. A simple walk-through can save gallons of water and keep your garden lush. Store stacked along the edge of the garden when not in use as rolling or folding will weaken the plastic and probably cause tangles. If properly stored and maintained, good quality drip tape should last for year!
TIP: At the start of the season run water through tubes with the ends open to flush out debris.
Leak Fixing Tips
- Spot it Early: Keep an eye out for any unusual wet spots in your garden. Weak plant growth may also be a sign of an irrigation issue.
- Check Connections: Often, leaks occur at the joints or connections. Usually tightening by hand is enough to stop the leak.
- Replace Damaged Parts: Cracks or holes in the tubing can be patched, but sometimes replacement is the best option. I would always recommend having a few splices and extra drop tubing/tape around.
You can have a thriving garden without having to physically water it yourself every day. Drip irrigation is consistent, convenient, and efficient; consider adding it to your garden this season!
For more information watch this step-by-step guide for setting up and maintaining your drip irrigation system.
For step-by-step guide on how to repair leaking drip lines check out our new reel on socials!
If you really want to do a deep dive, here is a video I did with Heifer USA a few years ago all about drip and overhead irrigation.