Don't give up on them!
Water is life. As such, it is a precious resource we all need to conserve and use with care. Although water is comparatively inexpensive in most places, it really is more precious than gold. Try going a day or even a few hours in your home or business without this life-giving fluid and you will understand why.
Today, water supply is less predictable than it used to be. It is becoming more expensive as erratic behavior of normal weather patterns becomes commonplace. Water is as crucial for crops and vegetation as it is for humans and animals. Without adequate watering, plants will wither and die. To ensure adequate supplies of this precious natural resource during times of drought, for ourselves and for future generations, it is crucial to do everything you can to conserve water. As an added benefit, reducing your water use will save you money, either in lower water bills from your local utility or reduced pumping costs if you have your own well.
When it comes to watering plants, drip irrigation offers many benefits. Besides saving water and money (including the cost to replace dead plants from this drought), a drip irrigation system will help prevent the growth and spread of fungus and disease. It can also guard against leaching of soil nutrients and erosion that traditional irrigation can cause.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DRIP IRRIGATION?
Water: Drip Irrigation is the most efficient method of watering today
Places a precise amount of water where you need it
Prevents overwatering
Results in less weeding
Conserves water
Saves money
Makes plants happy
Time: Installing a drip system will save you water and time.
Eliminates hours of hand-watering
Can be fully automated with a timer
Versatility: Use drip irrigation systems anywhere.
Gardens, greenhouses, and crops
Existing landscapes
DRIP IRRIGATION TODAY
The drip irrigation industry has come up with many products that meet every grower’s needs. These include drip irrigation kits, emitters and micro-sprayers as well as mini-sprinklers, emitter tubing and drip tape. There is also an entire realm of filters, water timers and pressure regulators as well as fertilizer injectors, tools and accessories available to help install and maintain a drip system.
SOIL TYPES
Soil type is another factor that will determine what type of emitters you will need. There are three main types of soil: clay, loam and sand.
Clay absorbs water slowly, causing it to spread on the surface and form a roughly inverted cone shape below ground.
Loam absorbs water at an even rate, forming an evenly wide pattern below ground
Sand absorbs water quickly in an almost straight-down pattern.
TIMERS/IRRIGATION CONTROLLERS
The use of a timer at the start of your irrigation system is a must. If you would like to set up a drip system to save yourself time so you can take off for the weekend or a vacation, a timer is key. If you’re not there to turn your system on or sometimes forget to turn it off (and run your water bill up), a drip irrigation timer is a must. A timer will give your plants the steady, consistent watering they need for optimum health and growth.
Battery Timers: These will fit the needs of most home garden situations. They are easy to install and program and are inexpensive. These timers are typically limited to one zone.
High-End Battery Timers: These are commercial-grade and more costly but can operate in multiple areas.
Electronic Timers: These offer several programs with specific start times and many extras that allow you to expand to more zones, with each one controlled by its valve.
Solar Timers: If you are tired of batteries, these environmentally friendly timers are easy to program. They are powered by ambient light, require no back-up power source and are perfect for home or secluded gardens.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Hope you enjoyed this blog and gained some knowledge about drip irrigation.
If you are interested in drip irrigation but don't feel like you have the time to devote to installing it, we are here to help. You can click here or call 337-739-1379 to get in touch with The Cajun Gardener to schedule a customized quote.
We also check, adjust and fix existing drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation systems.