It is high time to retire your good-old watering can. Your garden needs a modern irrigation system to grow green and happy. And you need a break, too!
Watering is arguably the main task of any gardener. If you choose to use a watering can or a hose, it can be tiresome and time-consuming. So, forget about these labor-intensive and outdated watering techniques and get yourself a better garden watering system. Let’s take a look at your options!
Different Types of Watering Systems
Every garden is unique, just like the person who planted it. Therefore, what works for your neighbors might not work for you. You need to find an irrigation system that meets your needs and fits your budget. Try to balance price and efficiency, though. It is crucial not to waste the water; we want our entire planet to be green, not just your garden!
There are many different watering systems on the market today. So, it should not be difficult to find an ideal match for your garden. For example, low-budget gardeners should opt for the humble sprinkler. They are cheap, flexible, and easy to use.
For a few extra bucks, you can get in-ground sprinklers and make watering easy-breezy. With an addition of a timer, this system is self-sufficient and allows you to sit down, relax, and sip your lemonade while it does all the hard work for you. The only downside to this option is that the sprinklers are more-less fixed. Changing their position would require expensive, time-consuming rearrangement, so think twice before choosing where to install them.
If you decide to stick to low-cost options, you can use a soaker hose. It is a simple system (i.e. hose with holes in it). However, when positioned strategically, it does not only keep your plants hydrated but saves water as well. Namely, being so close to the ground, a soaker hose drips water directly into the soil and minimizes evaporation.
A drip irrigation system is quite similar to a soaker hose, except that it is more of a permanent solution. As far as price is considered, it is positioned between the cheap soaker hose and a somewhat expensive in-ground sprinkler system.
If you want your garden to be 100% eco-friendly, you should water it with a rain barrel. These barrels serve to collect rainwater, which makes them both budget-friendly and ecologically sound. Of course, you’ll need to pair the barrels with some other watering method. Please try not to revert to the watering can. It is better off as a vintage garden decoration.
Last, but not least is an innovative Garden Grid watering system that combines all the watering techniques we have mentioned so far. It connects to your garden hose and allows you to adjust the water flow to your liking (drip, soak, or spray). Its grid shape enables you to grow more veggies or flowers in less space and ensures all plants receive enough water to thrive.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Watering System for Your Garden
Start by crossing out all hand-watering techniques – who has time for those these days? Next, determine the type of soil in your garden. The makeup of soil dictates its capacity to hold and absorb water. For example, sand absorbs far less water than clay soil and thus calls for a completely different watering system and technique.
You should also consider the size of your garden. Noone installs in-ground sprinklers in a 4×4 raised garden when they can use the noted water can to water it in a matter of minutes. On the other hand, large gardens call for big guns. The least you can do is find a long soaker hose and spread it across.
Types of plants matter, too. You cannot water a flower garden with the same irrigation system used to water your lawn. Consider the position, size, and watering needs of each of your plants and try to adjust the watering system accordingly. A spray system might induce fungal infection in some plants or be blocked by large trees and overgrown plants. You need to make sure water can reach all parts of your garden- not soak one section and leave the other section completely dry.
The final crucial factor you need to consider when choosing your watering system is water. First of all, think about the location and availability of your water source. Water pressure plays an important role, too. If it is low, you can cross out all the sprinkler systems, and opt for a drip system instead.
The quality of water is a major concern, too. Tap water often contains chlorine and can damage your plants’ leaves if sprayed on them. Hence, it would be wise to stick to a drip watering system if tap water is your only option. On the other hand, if your water contains water-borne pathogens or some chemicals, it can ruin your plants from underneath. In this case, you’ll need to invest in a filtration system or use rainwater as an alternative.
Do not let the information overwhelm you. Let it soak in, and then plan your watering strategy. You’ll know what’s best for your garden!