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Drip irrigation delivers water to the base of plants, preferably under mulch, instead of spraying / pouring water on the leaves where it will evaporate. Another benefit, is that you can water many plants with one timer; this is a huge time savings. There are kits available at home improvement stores; or you can buy just the tubing and fittings that you need. Actually, even if you buy a kit, you will probably need to pick up some more parts as each application is unique. Individual pieces and kits are available on line or at your local Lowe's or Home Depot. Plan carefully to reduce the amount of waste and cost of your installation. Take into account the differing watering needs of various plants; you may need to have control over different zones. There are valves available for 1/2" and 1/4" tubes. You can also use a manifold with valves at the spigot on the house. |
Here is a view of a row of tomatoe plants in containers with the 1/4" drip irrigation tubes running up to them. The emitter is placed at the base of the plant & then the pine straw / mulch is placed to slow evaporation. |
Drip irrigation to pepper plants before covering with pine straw. Shown are 3 emitters at the end of 1/4" tubing & one emitter connected directly to the 1/2" tubing (upper left corner). |
Close up picture of emitter attached directly to 1/2" tube. |
Close up picture of emitter on the end of a 1/4" tube. |
Close up picture of valve on 1/2" main feed tube. This one is used to temporarily remove a seldom used zone from the system. |
Drip irrigation fittings, and one 1/4" valve. The upper two T's are for splitting the 1/2" line into 2 runs. On the right are 2 solutions for terminating 1/2" line. The small fittings on the lower left are for 1/4" tubes - valve, T, inline connector, emitter, right angle, and goof plug. |
Terminations for 1/2" Tubing. The top shows the use of the figure 8 shown in the picture above (right side). The tube is pushed through one opening then bent back & pushed through the other opening - this crimps the tube and shuts off the flow of water. The bottom fitting is a compression fitting with a screw on cap. To winterize your system, either uncrimp or remove the screw top to drain water out of your system; then recap / recrimp. |
Emitters come with various flow ratings in gph (gallons per hour). This allows you to better meet the watering needs of your plants. |
This is the tool I use to puncture holes in the half inch tubing to connect the 1/4" tubing or install an emitter directly to the 1/2 tube. It takes quite a bit of pressure to make a good hole & I am not happy with this. I am looking for a better tool & am open to suggestions. |
Need some more info? Email me at: mortar@mortarandpetals.com |