Josh explains the essentials of the two main types of ground-level irrigation: Dripline and soaker hose.
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Both driplines and soaker hoses are designed to water the roots and be covered with mulch, which is the best way to reduce evaporation, weeds and the risk of plant disease.
Dripline is made from poly pipe with regularly spaced drip holes along the length. Inside the pipe at each drip hole is a regulator that controls the amount of water passing through; you need to know the drip rate (say 4 litres per hour) so you can calculate the right length of time for the irrigation to be switched on to ensure your plants get the right amount of water.
The regulators are usually self-flushing so are less likely to block up, making it good for permanent installations. It’s worth getting some advice before installing so you get the right sort for what you want to grow, your water pressure and your soil type.
Soaker hose is made from porous rubber, which allows water to seep through. It’s easier to install but can block up so is generally regarded as a short- or medium-term solution to get a tree or garden bed established.
Josh shows how easy it is to install soaker hose – he simply wraps a coil around his lemon tree, attaches one end to a hose and switches it on. Cover with mulch to reduce evaporation.
USEFUL LINKS
https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/irrigation-made-easy/9434858
https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/smart-watering/11966152
https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/irrigation-maintenance-and-repairs/12882116
https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/watering-wisdom/12927282
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6 Comments
So helpful, thanks!
Josh, great ideas, but I'm wheelchair-bound and I use pots for my vegies, which are hit and miss, is there a method if I could poly pipe and put a sprayer, or could I get a dripper kit that works like a self cleaning system. Cheers.
Very helpful video, thank you.
Hi. Thankyou very much for your tips take care. Bye 🤣🤣🤣
Educational, thanks. My only concern is they are both made from petroleum product, so I assume over time, the plastic or rubber leaches into the ground which work into their way into edible leaves and fruit.
I enjoy all your videos Josh! I learn so much from them! 😊