You may have heard of drip irrigation being used in agricultural settings, but did you know that you it can also be used for your own home garden? Greater efficiency, better control, and less water waste are just a few reasons these terrific irrigation systems are moving off the farm and onto residential properties.
What Is It?
Using modified hoses, drip irrigation systems maintain optimum moisture while decreasing the volume of misdirected water sprayed in your garden. Water is released with a low-flow rate over a long period of time, which means your plants get evenly watered, keeping them from being soaked or drying out. If you are working with a large garden, there are also a number of options for dividing your irrigation system into zones and customizing water pressure and output by area.
Why Do You Want It?
Precise
A major advantage of a drip irrigation system over traditional spray hoses or sprinklers is that water goes precisely where you want it—when you want it. Can your sprinkler be set to a timer? Sure. Can it guarantee that water only sprays on the spots you want? Absolutely not. Drip irrigation offers precision, meaning a better end result. Whether you are growing flowers or food, or simply want to keep your lawn in good shape, you can maintain the balance of moisture just as you like.
Less Water Waste
With drip irrigation you know that no water will end up on your pavement, in your trees, or puddling in that little pothole in your driveway. As a result of its precision, drip irrigation systems also use less water. In fact, they utilize about 30 to 50 percent less water than other methods, consequently saving you money on your utility bill.
Healthier Plants
Some plants require delicate watering to thrive, as excessive water and moisture on the leaves can breed diseases and cause fungus to spread. Drip systems keep plants healthy by delivering water directly to the soil around the plant. They can also be useful for potted plants that need continuous moisture.
Saves Time
As much as you love your garden, it can take a lot of time to maintain. The beauty of the drip system is that it reduces the amount of time you spend watering and the amount of time you spend weeding. Since the drip system can be set to a timer, you can set it and forget it without worrying about over-watering and having to consistently check your sprinkler’s water output. Likewise, since water is not accidentally misdirected away from your plants, there are fewer areas suited to support those pesky weeds. The result? A healthier garden and a happier you.
