Keeping your garden well watered is one of the keys to keeping it healthy, and there are many different irrigation that you could consider. These all come with various advantages and disadvantages, and sometimes it can be tricky knowing which one is the most suitable for your garden. Here is a quick guide to a few of the main types of garden irrigation systems to help you choose one for your garden, vegetable patch or allotment.
If you have a small garden, you could opt for the simplest of all irrigation methods; the watering can. This is the cheapest system because all you will need is a watering can, and you can then fill it with rainwater that you collect. It is not the most convenient option, but watering your plants by hand can be part of your daily routine as you check your garden. If you only have a very small space, this can often be all that you need. Watering cans are also useful for watering young delicate plants because you can vary the size of the watering can rose from extra fine to universal.
If you have a slightly larger garden, a watering can will probably not be suitable. In this case, you could opt for a garden hose. Hoses are simple to set up and use, and they can be very affordable. Bear in mind that you will need a tap to connect the hose to so take the location of the tap in to account when choosing the length of your hosepipe. However, again you will have to do most of the work yourself, which may not be that convenient.
Try to find a hose that comes with a range of different settings so that you can change the flow of water depending on the types of plants you are watering. Some good brands to look out for are Claber and Gardena but choose the best you can afford and you should get years of use from a good hose.
Spray watering using a sprinkler system has a number of benefits. For one, you can use this to cover a large area of lawn or foliage with very little effort. It is a good option for larger lawns and dense flower beds, and some systems can be very sophisticated. For example, some systems run under the ground and the sprinklers can be programmed to pop out when needed.
The problem with sprinklers is that they can sometimes be wasteful. If you want to avoid wasting water unnecessarily, it is often best to set them to turn on at night or in the early morning to reduce evaporation.
Pressure compensated drip irrigation is usually a more expensive option than other forms of irrigation, but it can be a very effective way to water your garden. These systems release the water slowly and directly into the soil, avoiding run off and ensuring that as little wastage as possible. Because the water flows below the foliage, it does not cause damage to the plants.
Systems may come with adjustable flows to measure the water that is released each hour, and they are often a good option for container plants, although they may not be as suitable for larger plants or very dense flower beds.
The potential disadvantages are that it can be more expensive, not only to buy but also to install. Additionally, sometimes this type of system can become blocked up, so it requires careful maintenance.
Choosing the right irrigation system for your garden is important if you want to keep it in great condition, so have a think about the above systems and decide which one is best for you. If you need some more help, head to your nearest garden centre and ask for their recommendations.