Drip irrigation is an ideal method of watering your plants consistently

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Drip irrigation is an ideal method of watering your plants consistently, evenly and without effort. This technique has evolved over the years into one of the most important factors in modern farming methods. Also known as trickle irrigation, the system conserves the use of water by letting water drip very slowly directly onto the soil's surface or directly onto the root zone.

This greatly reduces wasting water through evaporation and runoff. By utilizing a network of pipes, valves, tubing, and emitters; it is not only flexible, but can be installed and regulated very easily by a home gardener. Raised beds, window boxes and hanging baskets can all be advantageously irrigated by using a drip irrigation system.

A typical system consists of the following elements, which are listed in order from the water source:

� Pressurized water source or pump.

� Water filter. This may not be necessary if using municipal water supply.

� Fertilization injection system (optional). This will add liquid nutrients directly into your drip system.

� Anti backflow preventer- prevents the water from flowing back into your home drinking water system. (May be required by local building code)

� 25 P S I pressure regulator.

� Main supply line and fittings- usually one-half inch polyethylene tubing.

� Valves and controls- these may be hand or electronically controlled; electronic controls have the advantage of a timing device.

� One quarter inch polyethylene tubing which are called laterals. These distribute the water from the half inch tubing to the plants.

� Emitters, these can be drippers, micro-spray heads, inline drippers or trickle rings

� Connectors, in line valves and manifolds. Manifolds distribute the water to the laterals.

� Clips or clamps to keep the tubing in place.
Kits are available from your garden center, on line or you can create your own system from purchased parts. Make a layout on paper to determine how much tubing is needed, which will allow you to determine the most efficient layout for your garden, and how many emitters� you will need. Most manufacturers provide a planning guide to walk you through this process.

All of this may sound complicated, but it is quite straight forward and easily done. The advantage of knowing your plants are being automatically watered by utilizing drip irrigation fitted with a timer is priceless.

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