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Drip irrigation systems: Everything you need to know

By Grow Your Own magazine
23rd July 2024

Looking for a way to keep your plants happy and healthy, and well-watered? Sean Lade, from Easy Garden Irrigation, shares his advice on drip irrigation systems

In partnership with Easy Garden Irrigation

What is drip irrigation?

Drip irrigation is a highly efficient method of watering plants, delivering water directly to the roots through a network of valves, pipes, tubing and emitters. Unlike traditional watering methods, drip irrigation minimises water waste by targeting specific areas, reducing evaporation and preventing runoff. This system allows for precise control over the amount of water each plant receives, ensuring optimal growth and health.

What are the benefits of using drip irrigation?

Drip irrigation offers numerous benefits for gardeners:

Water Efficiency: By delivering water directly to the root zone, drip irrigation significantly reduces water waste compared to overhead sprinklers and hand watering.

Healthier plants: Consistent and precise watering helps maintain healthy soil moisture levels, promoting stronger root systems and healthier plants.

Reduced weed growth: Watering only the desired plants reduces the amount of water available to weeds, helping to keep them under control.

Cost savings: Lower water usage can lead to reduced water bills, making drip irrigation an economical choice in the long run.

Exemption from hosepipe bans: In the UK, drip irrigation systems are exempt from hosepipe bans, ensuring your garden remains watered even during periods of water restrictions.

Flexibility: Drip irrigation systems can be easily adjusted and expanded to accommodate changes in garden layout and plant types.

How to install a drip irrigation system for maximum benefits

A drip irrigation system is the most efficient type of automatic watering system. Place drip emitters where you want to deliver water. Drip emitters release water slowly, so you can be precise with the amount of water released and it will prevent runoff. For even more efficiency, mulch over the soil to shade it and prevent the water from evaporating.

Invest in a water timer to schedule when your irrigation system turns on and off. The best time to water is either early morning or late evening. A common upgrade is a rain sensor or moisture sensor to use with the water timer, especially if you plan to go away for an extended period.

Install a pressure reducer to prevent unexpected problems while away. Irrigation systems are designed to work best at low water pressure. High spikes of water pressure can blow off joints and cause a flood in the garden.

Keep it simple. Think about the essentials. We want to think about watering the plant pots while we’re away. Do we need to water the lawn? It can survive a week or two without water. It’s great to build a system that can water it all, but if you’re going away soon, just stick to the essentials; you can always upgrade the system later.

Good drainage is essential. Using an automatic irrigation system means you have a regular supply of water for your plants. Good drainage ensures that you don’t overwater, especially if you’ve forgotten a rain sensor.

Making the switch to drip irrigation

Switching to a drip irrigation system can transform your gardening experience, making it more efficient and less time-consuming. Here’s how to get started:

Plan your system: Determine the layout of your garden and identify the areas that need watering. Consider the types of plants and their specific water requirements.

Choose the right components: Select the appropriate tubing, emitters, and accessories based on your garden size and plant needs. For small gardens, simple emitter systems or soaker hoses might suffice. Larger gardens may require more complex setups with multiple zones.

Install according to the guidelines: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install your system. Make sure to test it thoroughly to ensure even water distribution.

Think about automation: Invest in a water timer and, if possible, additional sensors like rain or moisture sensors to automate your system, making it more efficient and hassle-free.

Maintain your system properly: Regularly check for clogs, leaks, and other issues to keep your system running smoothly.

Soaker hose vs drip line irrigation systems

A soaker hose (aka porous hose) system, popular in the 1980s and 90s, is still favoured by many gardeners for its slow, deep watering. However, it releases water unevenly, with higher pressure at the start and less at the end. Drip lines offer a superior alternative with consistent water distribution. We only recommend using a soaker hose for small systems. For any system that requires more than 25 metres, we suggest using a drip line instead.

For more advice

For more detailed guidance and product recommendations, visit the Easy Garden Irrigation website. Our comprehensive resources and expert advice will help you achieve a thriving garden with minimal effort. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, we have everything you need to make your gardening journey successful.