Sprinkler Pop Up Irrigation, Drip And Soaker Hoses

Sprinkler irrigation and soaker hose or tubing are some different options for your landscape gardens or lawn. There are a lot of different choices for you to make when deciding on when purchasing a product that will ensure the watering needs of your plants and lawn. Below is some very basic information on each of these systems.

Soaker hoses have changed over the last few years and there are a variety of different products out on market. There are new products coming today with other materials being used besides rubber. Porous and aluminum are a couple of the materials. Lets take a look at a simple outdoor solution when using a soaker hose.

• A hose comes in a number of different sizes and lengths. They can range from 1/4", to a 1/2", to 5/8" inch thickness. You can purchase 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet in length.



• The purpose of the soaker hose is to allow water to disperse directly in the ground. The tiny holes in the hose or drip system slowly release water directly throughout your gardens.



• The tubing can be run throughout an entire garden. Two hoses can be brought together by what is called a connector. There are Y and T connectors. The hose above has a Y connector and you can direct two other hoses off this connector.



• You can put soaker tubing on a bank or slope. Do not install it vertically as the water will flow down the embankment. Put the hoses horizontally! It is so critical in your landscape or lawn to make sure you are watering properly, and a sprinkler and these other options create a wonderful solution.



• When installing the hose, loosely wrap around a shrub or run it along side your plants. If you are doing a garden with a lot of different plants, I usually recommend the wrap around method as each plant will be watered evenly.



• The depth you put each hose should be about four to six inches deep. Don't install below the root systems. Your goal is have the water go directly into soaking the roots.



• Soaker hoses were not made for watering your lawn. You can use a small drip system or soaker hose for a small patch around one to three feet if you have a problem area. Sprinklers or irrigation systems work best for your lawn.





• There are many different types of timers available. These timers vary in pricing, but are important if you are on a tight schedule or tend to forget.



• The time of watering with a soaker hose will vary in different locations. The amount of water pressure will also determine how fast the holes are releasing moisture to the soil and plants. Check your local area for water pressure or restrictions. One thing to keep in mind if you are using well water. There are a lot more minerals in well water and the holes could eventually get clogged by the mineral deposits. This is very basic information on soaker hoses and drip systems.

There are different type of irrigation systems available to you. There are a couple of different options for you to think about when considering irrigation.

A pop-up or stand up sprinkler are two used by residential and commercial landscaping. The pop - up system is becoming more popular now a days.

There is also the spray head that is used mainly in landscape garden areas with shrubs and flowers. The sprinkler pop up or stand up is geared toward larger areas such as lawns.

Many companies are making products available for you and easy instructions on installing their products. All sprinklers or spray heads work in a circular pattern releasing water and force at different intervals.

The two types of sprinklers should not be put on the same irrigation system. Decide which one would work for you. If your main goal is watering your lawn, I would recommend the sprinkler head. As with the soaker hoses, a timer is a good investment.

Another option is to have an irrigation system installed by a professional. These systems are more expensive but if it can be figure it into your budget, I feel the system will pay for itself in a few years. Most installers will have or rent a ditch witch to dig a trench. Piping will be put in the trench and connected to your water system. In irrigation systems you will have a number of different zones installed. How many zones will depend on the total square feet you want to cover along with your water pressure capabilities.

The picture above shows you a trench dug out and piping installed in the ditch. In this particular picture a system was installed to feed off the lake behind the house.

Soaker and drip systems or an irrigation with sprinkler heads or spray heads provide you with some great options for watering your lawn and gardens.

It is important to make sure you have the proper watering systems as well as following a good watering schedule. This investment in your outdoors can maintain healthy plants and an attractive long lasting lawn.