Demystifying a Drip Irrigation System — Seattle’s Favorite Garden Store Since 1924 – Swansons Nursery

End clamps

Finally, it is time to close your system! End clamps are the simplest way to close your system by bending a drip tubing back on itself. End plugs are a more efficient component, as they also function as a water release valve at the end of your system. You can also create a looped circuit by using a tee-shaped fitting at the beginning of your circuit.

SETTING UP A DRIP SYSTEM

First, have a plan before purchasing your components and starting your setup. Measuring your space and sketching out a circuit is a great place to start to ensure you have the right length of tubing and the correct fittings to get water where you need it to go.

Thinking about the water needs of different plants will help you choose your emitters. For example, a container of annuals in the shade will likely need less water than a container of annuals in full sun; a raised bed can be irrigated by building a grid of pre-punched ¼” drip tubing; a single pot of strawberries might only need a single emitter while one water-loving hydrangea might need a loop with two or three emitters to ensure its entire root ball is getting sufficient water. If you aren’t sure, ask a Swansons employee about the water needs of different plants!

Water will always follow the path of least resistance. Your system can become less efficient if your circuit:

● is too long

● has too many emitters

● uses emitters that drip at different rates

● runs uphill, or against gravity (e.g. up a structure to hanging baskets)

These issues can be counteracted by creating a loop, using a tee-shaped fitting at the beginning of your circuit. A closed loop allows for relatively even pressure throughout the system. However, while a looped circuit will help even out the drip rate of your emitters, having too many emitters or emitters that drip at differing rates may still require you to run water through your system for a longer period of time to ensure all your plants are getting the correct amount of water. You may also consider installing a second, separate circuit that runs at a different time from your first circuit.

Once you have installed your components, it is time to test your system. There are countless factors that will impact your water output, including wind, temperature, soil composition, gravity, and water pressure, so monitoring your system is critical to ensure correct watering. After running your drip system for a set period of time, check to see how much water each of your emitters has released. You can do this by digging into the soil around your plants to see how far the water has percolated down through the soil, or by placing a small reservoir (such as a cat food or tuna can) under your emitters to get a more precise measurement. Once you have tested your system, you can bury your drip tubing and fittings under mulch to protect them from foot traffic and UV radiation. However, keep your emitters (including drippers) unburied to minimize the risk of blockages.

While the spring and autumn seasons in the maritime Northwest are typically cool and rainy, you may need to continue using your drip system to ensure your plants are getting enough water–especially those that are still becoming established in your landscape.

You can leave your drip system outside year-round, but be sure to disconnect it from your water source and allow the water to drip or drain out to avoid damage from freezing temperatures. Storing components like anti-syphons, pressure regulators, and emitters in a cool, dry place during the winter can prolong the lives of these products. In spring, test your system again to make sure all components are working properly, replacing or repairing any damaged pieces as needed.

As of this writing, Swansons carries drip irrigation components from Raindrip and Tempo, which are compatible with one another. These brands are ideal for watering containers, raised beds, and smaller garden areas. Mixing components from other drip systems is not recommended, as component sizing between brands varies slightly (even when marked as the same size), leading to fitting problems.

Drip irrigation is a fantastic watering method that is precise and efficient. Once you have set up and tested your system, it also will save you time and energy in keeping your plants watered when your garden is not receiving sufficient rainfall or while you are away from home. While this post is meant to demystify the dozens of drip irrigation components and address the most common issues with setup, every garden is unique.

If you have questions about components, need assistance sketching out your circuit, or are unsure about the watering needs of different plants, email us or visit the store. Our team is here to support you!

Tagged: drip irrigation, watering tools, watering, watering plants, watering guides