The drip irrigation game
Now that the days are sunnier and the weeks are drier, folks are starting to consider their irrigation needs. I installed my drip system last year about this time (okay, it was more like right before I planted tomatoes in May, but I could’ve saved myself a lot of effort hand watering if I’d done it earlier). The experience was more fun than I thought it would be, it’s kind of like playing with Legos!
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The first step, if you haven’t done it already, is to draw a diagram of your garden area with measurements. Be sure to indicate where the water sources are. Next, figure out what you are going to plant and where it will live. A really good idea if you are intercropping or incorporating perennials into the plan, is to put plants with like water-use and fertilizing needs together.
After those important steps, you can decide on what kinds of supplies you need! Check out the Irrigation section of the catalog, each piece has really a good description about what it does, how it connects to the system, etc. When deciding on Poly Tubing verses T-Tape versus Soaker Hose and the accompanying parts, it depends on what you are watering. Beds with crops that are planted close together, like greens and carrots, like either the T-Tape or the Soaker hose. Beds with more space between plants, like Tomatoes or Peppers, do well with Poly Tubing and emitters.
Remember that drip irrigation is a good investment in the long run, and it takes some trial and error to create a system that works for your needs. Believe it or not, after figuring it all out and piecing it all together, the satisfaction of your accomplishment will be sweet!
Tags: carrots, drip irrigation, garden area, greens, intercropping, measurement, parts, peppers, perennials, poly tubing, soaker hose, t-tape, tomatoes, water sources
March 28th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I am planting several groves of bamboo at my parents house in raised beds (I grow it commercially as nursery stock). I want to use soaker hoses to irrigate, any issues with the cold temps cracking the hoses? Your advice is appreciated.
Sean
March 28th, 2008 at 11:59 am
So, Soaker hose is made from recycled rubber which wouldn’t crack in freezing temperatures unless there is water left in the line. If its cold enough for water to freeze it’s a good idea to remove any plastic fittings that may house water so they aren’t damaged, and to make sure the line itself is drained well. There’s no need to worry if it isn’t cold enough for water to freeze.
April 9th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
[...] up on Amber’s earlier post, Spring is the time to get your drip irrigation systems in working order, or install any drip [...]