A drip irrigation system can offer a number of advantages for your garden over other types of watering systems. It can maximize the efficiency of your garden by using less water and reducing the amount of nutrients leaching from the soil. Here are three tips to help get you started if you’re thinking about adding a drip irrigation system.
Drip Irrigation Selection Tips
- Plan Ahead: As plants grow and begin producing fruit and vegetables their daily water requirements increase. Figure out the maximum amount of water you’ll need to run through the system for the plants that you intend to grow. You don’t want to install a system in the spring with the wrong size of drip irrigation tubing only to discover that it doesn’t provide enough water in July!
- Consider Your Water Source: If you plan to set your system up to draw water from a pond or stream, you may need to install a filter system for it. A proper filtration system is important because drip irrigation uses small outlets that can become easily clogged by debris.
- Take Gravity into Account: If your water is changing in elevation from its source to your garden, it will affect the water pressure in your lines or hoses. Every 2.3 feet in elevation change results in a one-pound change in water pressure. Pressure increases by one pound for a downhill change in elevation (meaning stronger hose or piping is needed) or decreases by one pound for an uphill change in elevation (meaning you need a pump that can handle more pressure).
If you’re ready to try a drip irrigation system and have any questions call Irrigation Outlet today at 803-461-0561.
