5 Incredible Bed Irrigation Solutions And The Worst
Delving into the slider will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the various bed irrigation methods and techniques. Whether you need to optimize water usage, cater to specific soil types, or address the unique needs of different plants, this resource will equip you with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions.Furthermore, the comparison table located at the bottom of the page offers a consolidated overview of the different bed irrigation options. This table enables a side-by-side evaluation of key features such as water efficiency, ease of installation, suitability for different plant types, and adaptability to varying environmental conditions.
By exploring both the accordion and the comparison table, you will be empowered to select the most suitable bed irrigation system for your specific circumstances. Whether you are a seasoned gardener, a professional landscaper, or simply an enthusiast looking to enhance your gardening practices, this comprehensive resource will guide you in making the best possible choice for your bed irrigation needs.
Different type of bed irrigation
Micro sprinklers
Micro zones contain low-volume sprayer or rotor sprinklers on stems, distribute water slowly and evenly. This makes them ideal for use in small areas or with water-sensitive plants.
They operate 20-25 cm above the surface and supply water and humidity for perennial and/or shrubs. Every sprinkler can be moved around on its 1 m long tail easily so the gardening and amendment is problem-free.
Micro sprinklers can be installed with half or full circle heads with different flow and coverage diameter depending on usage circumstances.
When they are used in vegetable plots, the sprinklers can be equipped with individual isolator valves to turn them off when the area is out of use.
Low density feed pipe among the sprinklers is always laid on the soil as their accessibility is important for maintenance purposes.
They operate 20-25 cm above the surface and supply water and humidity for perennial and/or shrubs. Every sprinkler can be moved around on its 1 m long tail easily so the gardening and amendment is problem-free.
Micro sprinklers can be installed with half or full circle heads with different flow and coverage diameter depending on usage circumstances.
When they are used in vegetable plots, the sprinklers can be equipped with individual isolator valves to turn them off when the area is out of use.
Low density feed pipe among the sprinklers is always laid on the soil as their accessibility is important for maintenance purposes.
Field stands
Field stands can be considered as giant "micro sprinklers" however they are assembled from lawn sprinklers and metal stems, keeping the popup sprinklers best properties on a cost-effective way.
The feed pipe runs along the bed and the sprinklers are positioned to provide even coverage. The heads can supply the water well-above the growing level of the plants.
This solution is ideal for irrigating grove-type or loose planting areas.
The feed pipe runs along the bed and the sprinklers are positioned to provide even coverage. The heads can supply the water well-above the growing level of the plants.
This solution is ideal for irrigating grove-type or loose planting areas.
Drip irrigation
Drip zone is the most effective watering type. Brown 16mm PE pipes are laid on the surface of beds, usually every 30 cm and run along the bed.
The emitters inserted in the pipes will supply an even amount of water for the plants. As long as the water drips right on the soil, there is no evaporation loss. Every drop will be soaked and used by the plants.
Dripline accessibility is important for maintenance purposes. Because the pipes are made from low density polypropylene, they can be damaged during a gardening activity by sharp tools. Don't worry, the damages can be repaired easily, even by you. But we recommend to cover dripline with mulch, bark or chippings only to provide easy access to them. Moreover, if they are covered with soil, then the plant roots start to grow towards the emitter holes and may block them.
The emitters inserted in the pipes will supply an even amount of water for the plants. As long as the water drips right on the soil, there is no evaporation loss. Every drop will be soaked and used by the plants.
Dripline accessibility is important for maintenance purposes. Because the pipes are made from low density polypropylene, they can be damaged during a gardening activity by sharp tools. Don't worry, the damages can be repaired easily, even by you. But we recommend to cover dripline with mulch, bark or chippings only to provide easy access to them. Moreover, if they are covered with soil, then the plant roots start to grow towards the emitter holes and may block them.
If you are planning to cover the dripline with soil, then you should consider laying a bit more expensive underground drip pipes. Ask your irrigation contractor to install underground ones.
Planters, pots and hanging baskets near this zone can be added to the system with adjustable bubblers.
Planters, pots and hanging baskets near this zone can be added to the system with adjustable bubblers.
Popup sprinklers
Popup sprinklers are popular choice for watering lawns and even beds especially when there's a chance for soft pipes to get chewed by animals (rats, foxes, squirrels or even your dog) regularly. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles for covering from small to large areas.
Usually when popups are used as bed irrigation then the heads are placed at least 0.5-0.8m distance in front of the bed edge. Their head is turned towards the plants (however this is not what you can see on the picture). For providing the best overspraying coverage the 30 cm tall heads are widely used.
Another benefit of popup sprinklers is that they are less likely to be damaged or disrupted than other types of sprinkler systems. Since the sprinkler heads are hidden underground when not in use, they are less likely to be damaged by lawn mowers or other outdoor equipment.
Usually when popups are used as bed irrigation then the heads are placed at least 0.5-0.8m distance in front of the bed edge. Their head is turned towards the plants (however this is not what you can see on the picture). For providing the best overspraying coverage the 30 cm tall heads are widely used.
Another benefit of popup sprinklers is that they are less likely to be damaged or disrupted than other types of sprinkler systems. Since the sprinkler heads are hidden underground when not in use, they are less likely to be damaged by lawn mowers or other outdoor equipment.
Bubblers
For solitaires, hanging baskets, and smaller pots, a dedicated zone is not necessary unless dealing with a considerable quantity. Instead, we suggest connecting them to nearby bed zones using 6mm flexible pipes paired with adjustable bubblers. This method ensures efficient water distribution without the need for a separate irrigation zone.
In the case of large planters housing identical species, such as a planter row, drip rings or bubblers may be installed individually for each plant. This can be considered as a dedicated zone.
In the case of large planters housing identical species, such as a planter row, drip rings or bubblers may be installed individually for each plant. This can be considered as a dedicated zone.
Soaker hose
Commonly used drip solution in D-I-Y systems because it can be purchased widely for pennies and installed directly on tap connections.
Unfortunately these pipes become vulnerable especially when they spent 2-3 years outside exposed to different weather conditions and UV-radiation.
Unfortunately these pipes become vulnerable especially when they spent 2-3 years outside exposed to different weather conditions and UV-radiation.
When this pipe got damaged then there's no chance to repair them. The fittings inserted in the pipe just making larger cracks on it.
They are cost-effective if you want to supply water just for establishing the plants. Just cancel the zone when the suitable plants are strong enough to survive the drought periods.
They are cost-effective if you want to supply water just for establishing the plants. Just cancel the zone when the suitable plants are strong enough to survive the drought periods.
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Comparison chart for bed irrigation solutions
| Micro sprinklers | Field stands | Dripline | Popup sprinklers | Bubblers | Soaker hose | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case | Perennial beds, shrub beds | Flower beds, mixed beds | Any beds | Wider beds (above 2m) | Beds with large solitaire plants | Temporary cases |
| Emitters | 4 cm micro sprinklers on 30 cm plastic stems | 10 cm popup heads on 100 cm metal stems | Emitters inserted into 16mm pipe | 30 cm popup heads sunk in the earth | 10 cm adjustable bubblers inserted in 20mm pipe | Black soaker hose |
| Visibility | One 20mm black soft feed along the long axis of the bed on the surface, micro sprinklers every 1.5-3 m | One 25mm black hard feed along the long axis of the bed on the surface, field stands every 2-7 m | 16mm brown pipes on every 30-40cm on the surface | Invisible, except at operation | One 20mm black feed among and around the large plants on the surface | 16mm black pipes on every 30-40cm on the surface |
| Vulnerability risk | Cutting, kicking, stomping | Accidental knocking of heads | Cutting | Only by earthworks | Cutting, kicking, stomping | Cutting, stomping |
| Covering with mulch, bark, chippings | Yes, except sprinklers | Yes, except sprinklers | Yes | Not necessary | Yes | Yes |
| Covering with soil or compost | Try to avoid | Hard pipe can be covered | Not allowed | At installation | Try to avoid | Not allowed |
| Cost factor (5 is highest) | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| Water efficiency factor (5 is best) | 2-3 | 2-3 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Coverage factor (5 is most even) | 2 | 3-4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Air gap required by Water Act 1999 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating pressure | 1-2 bar | 2.5-4 bar | 0.5-4 bar | 2.5-4 bar | 0.5-2 bar | 0.5-3 bar |
| Repairability factor (5 is impossible to repair) | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1-3 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
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