How to Make a Sprinkler System with Garden Hose?

The ideal is to build your drip irrigation system in a loop to obtain even pressure on the whole. To do this, start on one side of the garden and return to the other, securing it to the base with a branch tee.

To know :

The quantity of water distributed to each plant is indicated on the packaging of the drippers and sprinklers. It corresponds to a dispensed amount of water per hour.

For example, the recommended settings for IRISO:

• Woody plants (Yucca, Ficus…): from 2 to 4 depending on the size.
• Herbaceous plants (Hibiscus, Kentia…): from 3 to 6 depending on the size.
• Vegetables (Tomato, Courgettes,…): from 1 to 6 depending on the size.
• Outdoor plants (Rosebush, Hydrangea…): from 2 to 7 depending on the size.
• Planters (Geranium, Petunia…): from 1 to 6 depending on the size.
• Citrus fruits: from 2 to 6 depending on the size.
• Shrubs: from 5 to 9 depending on the size

Warning :

Avoid placing a sprinkler and drippers on the same pipe (on the same track): the pressure will not be sufficient to water correctly.

It is, therefore, better to try to group plants with the same watering need on the same path.

The elements to make your drip irrigation

A polyethylene pipe (Ø 20mm): it will serve as the backbone of your installation.

A polyethylene pipe (Ø 1/4): this pipe (micro-pipe) will be useful for reaching out-of-center plants. You can place drippers or a sprinkler at their ends.

A perforated pipe: these pipes are perforated at regular intervals and allow, for example, to water a hedge without having to install drippers.

A porous hose: it generally delivers 4 liters per meter and hour of watering. It is convenient for the vegetable garden, for example, where the vegetables are closely spaced and the arrangement of which changes from one season to another.

• In-line drippers (flow rate: 2 l / h or 4 l / h): they are installed in series or at the ends.
• Adjustable drippers: these drippers are adjusted by turning a dial. They are planted directly on the pipe & Oslash; 20.
• Sprinklers (flow rate: 40 l / h): useful for watering beds. There are several kinds (semi-circle, full circle).
• Simple drippers (flow rate: 2 l / h or 4 l / h): they are installed directly on the main pipe or at the end of a micro-pipe.
• 1/4 fittings: these fittings are plugged into the main pipe (Ø 20) to start a micro pipe.
• End of line plugs: to close one end. In principle, they allow the circuit to be purged at the start of winter.

The stages of manufacturing drip irrigation?

1. Unroll the pipes in the sun for an hour or two. They will be more flexible and more comfortable to work with.
2. Arrange the 20 mm PVC pipe from which you will make the derivations in 1/4 micro-pipe or micro-porous.
3. If your installation is not in a loop, install a plug at the end of the PVC pipe to stop the water.
4. Secure it to the ground with simple wires stuck in the earth.
5. Connect this PVC pipe to the faucet through a pressure reducer. It will regulate the pressure in the pipes.
6. Drill the main pipe with a punch (usually supplied with the drippers) or with a twist at the location of the drippers. The hole should face the ground.
7. Fit the drippers. You will probably have to force it a little.
8. Cut this pipe at the location of the branches.
9. Build the derivations.

No need to want to position the taster or the micro-porous hose of the drip irrigation directly against the plant. Positioning at 5 or 10 cm is more than enough.

Install a timer for drip irrigation

It is possible to install a drip irrigation timer that plugs directly into the supply valve. Most of the watering will be carried out at the appointed time by your automatic installation. It is, therefore, better to provide night watering. The evaporation is less intense and the watering more efficient.

Some tips for easy assembly

Easily connect pipes to fittings

Preferably install your drip irrigation system in the late afternoon after unrolling the hoses in full sun all day. The plastic will be softer and, therefore, easier to install.

Fit the fittings, drippers, sprinklers, and bypass tees using a drop of paraffin oil (lock oil).

Pass under a high alley

Take a rod a little longer than the width of your driveway and attach the lance of your garden hose to it. Use two wires or plastic collars.

Set on the most vigorous spray and gently push the rod under the slabs in your driveway. The pressure of the water will dig a hole that will allow you to pass your irrigation system.

Water deeply

Sensitive plants should be watered deeply to promote their root development. They will be less susceptible to drought. To do this, drive a PVC pipe into the ground and insert a dripper into it.

Your drip irrigation system at the start of winter

Remember to retract the pressure reducer before the first frost. It contains water and would only appreciate the gel moderately.

Crossing a lawn with a drip irrigation

To cross a lawn, cut a slice of grass a few inches wide with a spade. Remove this strip of sod and dig a trench 10 to 15 cm deep to bury the pipes.

Put the clods back in place and water abundantly to promote recovery.

Conclusion

Now you know how to make drip irrigation, take action to save on your water bill or your cistern water, and conserve water resources. The ideal is to connect your automatic drip irrigation to your water tank. Your water reserve may be damaged because the system is economical, and your vegetable garden will benefit from rainwater.