WHAT IS DRIP IRRIGATION? 

       Drip irrigation applies water and nutrients directly to the root of the plant at a controlled rate.  By using drip irrigation effectively, you can:   

Drip can be in many different forms

Where Should I Begin and How Much Water Will I Use? Begin by figuring how many rows you have and the widths and lengths of the rows. One row of drip tape per one 4’ wide row is sufficient, except in sandy soil we suggest two rows of tape per 4’ row. Drip Tape uses approx. 1/2 gallon per minute per 100 Feet.

Drip Tape or In-Line Emitter Tubing (RAM)?   Drip Tape is the economical alternative and is very popular, however it will not last as long as in-line polyethelene tubing.  Annual crops are typically watered with drip tape and perennial crops are often watered with poly tubing. Emitters can be punched into Poly Tubing at your own desired spacing or you can purchase RAM. 

            RAM is an in-line emitter tubing which we highly recommend. RAM tubing and certain emitters are Pressure Compensating, which assures even watering throughout the area despite the degree of the slope.

How long will my kit last? The components of our Kits may be reused for many years and usually a lifetime when taken care of properly. The Drip Tape is the only component that will need to be replaced, depending on your usage, but you will find it inexpensive.  If it is buried for a permanent crop, like blueberries, you may not ever replace it. 

       Typically an 8 mil tape will last for 1-2 years and a 15 mil tape will last 2-5 years. The tape will not last long when moved around often and stored away. However, for seasonal crops this may be your only choice.

What if I am using Raised Beds or Planter Boxes? We have adapters that will allow you to adapt one of our kits to your needs. Please ask if you have any questions.      VEG. GARDEN KIT      WINDOW BOX KITS

What Spacing and Mil should I use? The mil describes the weight or thickness of the tape. The heavier the drip tape, the longer it will last. A thicker tape is also recommended for rocky or heavy soil. If your tape will be down all summer and fall before removing it, you may wish to use 8 mil and simply throw it away at the end of the year. If you are covering the tape with mulch or soil on a more permanant crop (flowers, berries) we suggest the 15 mil.

Soaker Hose versus Drip Irrigation. Soaker Hoses are notorious for putting all of the water in the 1st few feet of a row, leaving the end of a row dry. This inaccuracy makes a poor investment and causes an unhealthy garden, whereas Drip is very precise.

Can I use a gravity feed method with drip? Yes, this does work. Drip works more efficiently around 6 to 15 psi. This means that the height of the water needs to be between 14’ and 35’ above the crop to give the most uniform watering.