Irrigation systems

The irrigation systems for beginners

The easiest way to water your plants is the classic option: garden hose and sprayer or a watering can. This option has its advantages: You only water when you really need to and can dose the amount of water used very precisely. However, you will always have wet leaves afterwards (more on this below) and watering cans in particular can sometimes go "splash" and instead of a nice rain shower, a gush of water can come and dig a deep hole in the ground. Nevertheless, this is the first choice for quick help on hot days. A similarly simple but less time-consuming option is the good old lawn sprinkler: it works on its own as long as water is flowing and reaches large areas. However, all the plants are wet afterwards and it takes a very long time to achieve a significant water content in the soil. Furthermore, it cannot be used with pinpoint accuracy. In addition, on hot days, a large proportion of the water evaporates into the air before it reaches the ground. However, this is also an advantage of the lawn sprinkler: it cools the area around the plants considerably, making life easier.

The somewhat more complex irrigation systems

Now we come to the somewhat more complex irrigation systems. These always require appropriate planning and installation in spring. However, if appropriate precautions are taken, they can then remain in/on the bed and "survive" the winter undamaged.

1. beaded hoses

A bead hose is a long hose with tiny holes in it through which water escapes in small drops, collects on the hose and - if it lies on or in the ground - goes directly into the soil. This method has several advantages: The water arrives where it is needed: in the soil, at the roots of the plants. It also saves a lot of water and can be used in cloudy weather as the plants remain dry. The disadvantage of this method, however, is that you have to irrigate for a very long time before a significant amount of water reaches the soil. The flow rate of a bead hose is not particularly high.

2. drip irrigation

Drip irrigation is a very effective method when it comes to watering plants that are in the same place every year. Holes are made in a thicker hose ("feeder" I'll call it now). The drip hose is inserted into these holes and brings the water to the drip attachment. The drip tips can be attached using ground anchors and - on most models - their thickness can be adjusted. The advantage is clear: the plant gets water exactly where it needs it. Thanks to the adjustable quantities, each plant receives exactly the amount of water it needs. This watering system can also be easily individualized and adapted to your own needs. The disadvantage, on the other hand, is that it cannot be used or cannot be used well for changing plantings. Once the holes are anchored in the "feeder", they stay there. If you want to change the drip irrigation, you have to reset them, which leads to holes in the hose - or to an empty wallet, as you have to buy a new feeder hose each time. However, for shrub beds, tree plantings or container plants that are the same every year, this is an efficient, cost-effective alternative as it saves a lot of water. The systems themselves are not overly expensive either.

3. drip tube

A drip tube works in a very similar way to a bead tube, it just has larger holes and slightly fewer holes. The main difficulty here is aligning the drip tube so that the water ends up in the ground rather than in the air.

4. spray mist systems

These are available in various designs. With circular foggers, corner foggers, fan foggers, expensive and cheap. The disadvantage is the same for all of them: the plants get wet and the spray mist means that significantly less water/time is circulated than with other classic systems such as garden hoses. On the other hand, spray foggers effectively lower the ambient temperature, which can be important on hot days.

5. Ollas

Another option, especially for vacations, are ollas: containers that are partially buried in the ground and filled with water. The water is drawn into the soil bit by bit, watering the plants. Advantage: The "maintenance service" doesn't have to worry so much about the garden when you're on vacation and you can go on vacation with a clear conscience. The disadvantage: You need a separate olla for each plant, which - even if you build it yourself - can quickly add up.

Supplements for irrigation systems

And now, to finish with the irrigation systems, the additions for professionals or those who think they are (like me):

1. irrigation computer: An irrigation computer does what you want to do yourself: it switches the water on at a defined time and the irrigation systems presented above for a programmed period of time. With a little tinkering, an irrigation computer takes care of all the watering.
   There are various models available. The photo shows a very simple one: two outputs - separately programmable - with specific time intervals: every 4, 8, 12, 24 h, 1-7 days. The start time can be specified, then watering takes place for a programmed time (1-60 minutes, if I have it right in my head). In addition, a rain sensor can be connected, which pauses both channels for a certain time (1-7 d). This is a rather simple model, but inexpensive (& 50€). There are even simpler models (without rain sensor) and more complex ones. If you really want to dig deep into your pockets, you can get an app-controlled version with rain, light and soil moisture measurement, live transmission and live control.

2. rain sensors: only useful in conjunction with an irrigation computer. Here, however, they effectively help to save water.

3. light meters: They provide information on how much light the plants receive. The higher the value, the more (sun)light and the higher the water requirement. The measurement can be linked to a computer or done manually to get a feeling of how much water is needed.

4. soil moisture sensor: in conjunction with an irrigation computer, this is the best method for watering as effectively as possible. The sensor measures how much water is in the soil. The computer only starts watering when there is a lack of water.
   Disadvantage: only expensive versions can do this. And last but not least: the issue of wet plants. Wet plants have both advantages and disadvantages. Many people are now aware of the disadvantages: Moisture makes it easier for diseases, especially fungi, to multiply and harm the plant. It is therefore important that the leaves dry out by the evening. The advantage, on the other hand, is that the plants are cooled and need to evaporate less. This can outweigh the disadvantage, especially during the hot midday period.