What Garden Irrigation System Should I Use For My Garden?
∙ min read
With the arrival of spring, many people look forward to getting plants in the ground for harvesting later in the summer. Whether you're new to gardening or simply want to update your irrigation system, you may be wondering what the best option is for you.
While there is no single right way to handle garden irrigation, you may find that one of the following systems works for your particular setup or outcome desires.
1. Watering Cans
If you're interested in a hands-on approach to your garden watering system, watering cans are the choice for you. While this option may not be a good one if you have a large lawn or garden or if you don't spend a lot of time checking on your plants, it is excellent for those who like to get down in the dirt and get a feel for how each plant is performing.
Choose a sprinkling can that is big enough to hold a significant amount of water but not so large that it's too heavy to carry or sloshes all over your clothes. It's also a good idea to choose a can with a spout that makes it easy to direct the water where you want it to go. Watering cans are also handy to irrigate your potted plants too.
2. Garden Hoses
Gardeners who still want to physically water their plants without automation often go for the garden hose. Again, this option is best for smaller gardens or those who get out to look at things at least daily. Choose a hose that is long enough to reach from your tap to your plants but not so long that you're constantly dealing with tangles and knots.
Remember that proper hose storage prolongs the life of this equipment so that you don't have to keep repurchasing. Wind up your hose at the end of each day and keep it out of direct sunlight for extended periods.
3. Portable Sprinklers
If you're a "set it and forget it" kind of gardener, you can add a portable sprinkler to your hose for your garden irrigation; this allows you to get greater coverage than a basic hose but still gives you control over how much you water and when. There are several types of sprinklers to choose from:
Be sure to choose a sprinkler based on the size of your garden. For example, a small space can benefit from a simple ring base sprinkler, while a larger area may require an oscillating sprinkler to get full water coverage. Don't forget to check the sprinkler head size too.
4. Soaker Hoses
Setting up a soaker hose system is ideal for those who want to water without having to physically do it themselves every day. This type of irrigation uses hoses that are either permeable or have tiny holes throughout where the water comes out and soaks directly into the soil. They are great to lay next to rows of vegetables or around water-hungry perennials in flower beds.
If you decide on a soaker hose for your garden watering system, using it with a water timer makes it even more efficient. You can choose when the watering will start and how long it will last, and you only have to set it once, and it's ready to go for the entire season.
5. Drip Irrigation
Similar to soaker hoses but even more efficient. A drip irrigation system uses tubes and nozzles to direct water to exactly where you need it; this reduces wasted water or excess evaporation, helping you decrease your overall water bill. By doing a precise watering of the plant's base, drip also keeps leaves from getting wet, which can otherwise result in mold and fungal diseases.
You can hire someone to set up a drip system, or you can do your own DIY drip irrigation, depending on your skill level. It does take planning to ensure that all of your plants are adequately hydrated, but it is something that most people could arrange over a weekend.
6. Pop-up Sprinklers
Chances are your lawn already utilizes an underground pop-up sprinkler system. If so, it is possible to water a garden this way. You may find it easier to tap into existing sprinkler pipes and simply water your plants each day. However, this irrigation method is not always ideal for gardens. Not only can it be wasteful because you cannot direct precisely where the water is going, but it can also damage the foliage of your plants.
No matter what you're planning on planting this year or the size of your garden, getting your garden irrigation system figured out is essential to your success. Either too much or too little water can be detrimental to the health of your plants and soil.
Visit Max Warehouse online to see our huge selection of garden irrigation products. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the system that will work best for your garden style and water source.
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