Water Conservation in the Garden
By Leonard Cicerello UCCE Master Gardener
How can I conserve water in my garden? Dave L. Nipomo
An automatic watering system saves water, time, and worry. An efficiently drip system will provide a consistent and measured supply of water, relieving you from possibly forgetting to water, watering irregularly, or watering too little or too much.
Drip systems are as unique as your garden. They can water potted plants interspersed in the landscape or hanging in the patio. They can water plants of different sizes on the same line or patches of groundcover or trees.
The system starts with a sprinkler valve, which comes in several sizes. One inch and ¾” sizes are common for home gardens. Install the valve, then attach a pressure reducer and a filter. Then, connect the drip hose. Drip tubing also comes in different diameters; ¼” and ½” being the most practical for home gardens.
Sketch your garden plot and include every plant that needs water. Make note of the fittings that each pot, plant, tree, or groundcover will need. Insert drip fittings and connect to the drip tubing. Drip fittings come in different calibrations of gallons per hour. Choose according to the plants' needs. Emitters can be changed to further adjust water levels as needed.
Micro sprinklers vary in gallons per hour and spray distance. They can spray a quarter circle, a half circle, or may be adjustable. Micro sprinklers can be inserted into ½” drip tubing or installed at the end of ¼” tubing.
The sprinkler valve can be operated with an electric timer or a battery-operated timer. The ½” and ¾” valves can give you 10-15 gallons/minute at average water pressure of 55-60 pounds of pressure. Many emitters can be connected to one valve and can be programmed to run for a few minutes per station.
Mulching is another important factor in conserving water. A few inches of mulch around each plant will retain soil moisture and discourage weeds. Additionally, make a point of running your irrigation system in the morning to minimize evaporation. By running an efficient drip irrigation system in the mornings and mulching, you will be doing your part to help conserve water in the landscape.
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