When it comes to plant health, water is arguably the most crucial element. The act of watering can get pretty inconvenient though, especially done by hand. Aside from the time it takes to water every single plant, sprinklers have to be moved around and hoses need to get dragged between gardens.
Thankfully, there are a number of irrigation techniques available today. Selecting the right one will make things far more convenient. Additionally, it ensures all the plants are watered properly and water waste is cut down considerably. Taking on automated watering systems have several benefits, such as:
- Customizable systems save water by watering plants only, instead of including paths and the like
- If you add a timer your garden will water itself
- Installation will be easy and done by professionals
- Installation will be one-time and takes away the need for manual labor
There is, of course, still something to be said for hand watering in some circumstances. Let’s explore the basic means of garden irrigation aside from the traditional means of watering by hand.
Irrigation Techniques
Drip It: Irrigation By the Drop
This technique sees water supplied to the roots of the plant through a hose. Water is delivered straight to the roots by the drop. Sometimes, this is also referred to as the trickle method.
There are many situations where drip irrigation is useful: areas where there is a lack of water, sandy soil, and the ability to water at night while people sleep. It is also cost-efficient and decreases weeds by soaking the plants instead of the ground.
Soak It: Specialty Hose Irrigation
Soaker hoses apply water right where you need it, and not where you don’t. With the help of a garden hose to cross paths and other unwatered areas, it will just take minutes for this helpful watering system to be installed. The soaker hose also conserves water by using less than regular garden hoses.
A good setup would be for the soaker hose to run beside the plants that need water. On the other hand, a normal hose can go across areas where moisture isn’t really needed.
Spray It: Sprinkler Irrigation
Water is sent through a system of sprinklers that deliver it evenly to the crops. Sprinklers spray water from several locations above the field, then the water is pumped through a system of small pipes and hoses and farmyard canals that guide it to where it is needed most.
If a crop needs more water, one sprinkler will send a stronger stream. If a certain area has had enough water, that sprinkler will move on to stay only in areas where more water is needed. Although there are several locations where water can be sprayed, it is always directed to the area where it is needed most at that time.
Conclusion
Gardening and landscaping can be incredibly therapeutic for many people. However, some people may find watering by hand tough, especially in particularly expansive spaces. Thankfully, there are many automated irrigation techniques available today such as sprinkler irrigation and soaker hoses.
Looking to get irrigation system installation? Reach out to Extreme Irrigation & Lawn today! We’re a locally-owned and operated business that offers sprinkler system installation and repair all over Tulsa, OK.