All about Drip irrigation system for your home garden – types of irrigation systems, benefits, alternates and why it the best home gardening idea
Passionate about gardening? Yes? Then you must keep reading. Discover how you can have more time to enjoy gardening. For many of us, including me, gardening is a favourite hobby. It’s a relaxing “me time” to refresh and recharge yourself. And that’s not all – a home garden is a fabulous addition to any home decor style. It uplifts the beauty of your home like nothing else.
Now, you know, gardening is almost like exercising. Yes, it keeps you fit and stress-free, but it also comes with several responsibilities – like daily watering. Just like our body needs meals every day, plants too need water every day, especially in summer days. And, sometimes, due to our busy schedule, we fail to take care of our garden. Let’s be frank here. Once or twice in a season, we all tend to skip watering for consecutive 2 to 3 days. Missing a single watering session can put our plant friends in grave danger. It may result in the death of the plants.
So, to avoid this, I have a great solution – to adopt a drip irrigation system. When water follows through all the garden drip irrigation points, it leads to more plant growth. A garden with drip irrigation saves your time, makes plants happier and turns gardening into a truly stress-free hobby. Are you excited to see more – Let’s explore.
Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation is one of the fantastic ways to provide continuous water for plants. Primarily, the drip system is a network of pipes, valves or tubes. The network waters the plants at their roots or the soil. Of course, the drip irrigation network must be well-designed and properly installed.
Find your alternate options to drip irrigation below.
Here are the main types of drip irrigation for home gardens:
a. Manual feed
b. Gravity feed
c. Automatic feed
Read more on the types of drip irrigation below
Types of drip irrigation
Manual feed
This type of drip irrigation system is manually-operated. It is one of the most cost-effective methods. In manual drip irrigation, you have to operate the irrigation procedure on your own, and there is no need for any technical equipment. It is as simple as opening and shutting a tap. Manual drip irrigation is suitable for dry and arid climates, where there is a shortage of water.
Gravity feed
Gravity irrigation is one of the cheapest and easiest methods for watering the plants. It does not require any technical tools or power supply. Gravity irrigation can be done by keeping the water-filled tanks, containers, bottles or reservoirs above the ground level. Else, gravity irrigation kits and systems are also available.
Automatic feed
To save time, you can also choose to adopt an automatic irrigation system. Here, you just have to install the technical tools set. Once fixed, it will automatically switch on the pump according to the moisture level of the soil. Furthermore, after delivering the correct amount of water, it will automatically switch off the pump. The system works like an automatic water pump, only with a reverse flow.
Alternates to drip irrigation
Soaker hose
A soaker hose brings water directly to the plants at a constant flow. It is a pipe with tiny holes that release water at a low flow pressure. The type is one of the best methods to irrigate plants or lawn without wasting water.
Sprinklers
Sprinklers are an ideal option if the levelling in your garden is not consistent. By spraying water at constant levels, they provide sufficient water to every corner. Also, you can use fixed or portable Sprinklers as per your requirements.
Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation delivers the water slowly and deeply into the soil through a system of emitters, pipes etc. It is a hassle-free method to keep your plants fresh and alive. Lastly, drip irrigation is an ideal solution to save water.
| Irrigation system | Benefits | Challlenges |
|---|---|---|
| Drip | a. Easy to install and operate b. Decreases pests and weeds c. Ecologically sound d. No labour costs | a. Direct sun rays may harm the tubes. b. It requires more maintenance. |
| Soaker hose | a. No Wastage of water b. Not much evaporation c. Easy to install | a. Not suitable for gardens on rockeries or slopes b. Short lifespan |
| Sprinkler | a. Highly suitable for lawn b. Easy to operate c. Sprinklers are perfect for all types of soil | a. Continue usage of power supply. b. The nozzles can get clogged due to unclean the water |
Why install drip irrigation?
The primary reason for installing drip irrigation is your comfort of gardening. Yes, a drip irrigation system will help you and your garden in many ways. First, it will save time – You need not stand in your garden for hours watering them. Second, with drip irrigation, you can grow your plants the way you want. And that’s not all; there are more benefits.
Benefits of drip irrigation
Water-saving
One of the significant benefits of drip irrigation is there is no wastage of water. It delivers water to the roots of plants in the right amount. You won’t have to worry about water runoff or evaporation.
Efficient, timely watering
Drip irrigation will supply water for plants when they require it. When watered accurately, the plants’ growth will boost. Also, drip irrigation can help to reduce the pests, weeds and harmful fungal growth. Hence, your plants will multiply without any problems.
Hassle-free gardening
You can adjust the drip irrigation system as per changing needs of plants. A well-maintained drip irrigation system will save you time. You don’t have to go to each plant and water them.
So, now it’s time to make your home gardening stress-free and blissful. With daily watering sessions out of your schedule, you can spend time quality time with your garden plants, the way you want to. For me, the best time to spend in the garden is morning time. It keeps my mind fresh and fills me with positive vibes throughout the day. How about you?