The Ultimate Guide to Installing a Garden Drip Irrigation System

Americans collectively use about 9 billion gallons of water a day to keep their lawns and gardens green. But, this number doesn't have to be so high if you avoid overwatering. 

So, how do you keep your beautiful landscape green without wasting water and performing tedious work making sure your plants aren't thirsty? A drip irrigation system could be the answer.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about installing one in your garden. 

Organizing Your Garden

Before setting up your drip line irrigation you need to consider grouping plants that need similar water supplies. 

You will need different size tubing to control the amount of water for each type of plant This is similar to arranging plants for proper sunlight exposure, so you may already have your plants in the right place. 

Properly landscaping your garden will also prevent runoff water that can degrade soil nutrients and pollute large bodies of water.

Making a Plan

The most important part of a drip irrigation system is the initial planning. If you don't plan where to place the hoses then you will end up wasting water and have a tangled mess.

You can visualize how your system will run, but you will also need to take measurements to ensure you have enough space, hoses, and access to a water source. 

Next, layout your system before making any punctures or staking in the ground. Also, consider where sections will connect by avoiding walkways and placing tubes along the sides of your yard. 

Understanding Your Supplies

Once you have your drip irrigation hose laid out on your lawn you can start to assemble your system. 

Drip irrigation supplies usually include 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch tubing, a hole punch, a timer, a backflow preventer, a filter, hose clamps, stakes and caps, hose connectors, a pressure regulator, a shut-off valve, and hose plugs. 

Your system may include more drip irrigation parts than listed or you might need to buy some things like an automated timer separately. However, the parts listed above are the basics necessities to start your irrigation. 

Putting the Pieces Together

When setting up your parts, begin with the faucet by installing the shut-off valve first. This will ensure that you can leave the water source on all the time.

The timer will release the water according to your programming. This means you can water your grass and plants during the best times of the day

Next, connect the 1/2 inch tubing to the faucet and begin to lay your drip irrigation hose throughout your garden. Puncture the hose to extend to sections of your garden and connect the 1/4 inch tubing.

Use end caps to close off the 1/2 inch main tubing. The plugs are used if you need to stop the flow of a punctured hose. Then use the clamps and stakes to secure the hose to the ground or planter beds. 

Buying a Drip Irrigation System

Now that you know how a drip irrigation system works and how to set one up you can now buy one without making any mistakes. 

Check out our irrigation kits to ensure you have everything you need to get started.