May 2011

Little did I know when I began my yard and garden here in Texas, that I would learn more about in-ground and drip irrigation than I ever wanted to know.

But at the same time I learned the benefits of using in-ground and drip irrigation.  It’s efficient saving me money, reduces diseases in the garden by not watering their leaves and encouraging fungus, and it just plain makes sense.

Texas seems to be in a stage of perpetual drought, and we get little rainfall.   As a result, I have to rely on an irrigation system to reliably keep my plants watered.

If you are concerned ( as you probably well should be) about the quality of the water source for your garden, you can start with a fairly inexpensive filter at the start of the water line feeding your garden.  Even better, these are available with different levels of replaceable filters that can filter all the nasties out of your water.

While it does mean a little bit of plumbing work, it is not difficult.  Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can do it with just a little bit of planning.

I then ran a length of 1 inch PVC out to my garden as a master line.  I could have put a standard garden sprinkler valve on this line and controlled the garden from my timer in the garage. 

But then I found that most lawn timers seem to only have the ability to have multiple time programs, but only run all the timers on those programs. 

So what I have done bring up multiple outlets in my garden from the single main water line.  At each outlet I have a inexpensive timer, one for each zone, based on water requirements. 

This system works well, and has proven itself by being able to configure multiple zones with different levels of watering.

I tried using parts from the local big box store, but I found their stocks to be unreliable.  Whether it’s the season, or decisions from the home office, I found it very frustrating.

In the process, I discovered what I consider the best online source of irrigation  supplies.  Their customer service is 4 Star, prices are reasonable, and they are more than willing to give advice.

http:\\www.dripworks.com is the only supplier I use now.  I have never been disappointed.

And you know the best part?  They introduced me to a new type of couplet called a “Easy-lok” that allows easy assembly, removal, and reconfiguration of the system.  The “normal” one I usually find are a one time use, and quite frankly, are more difficult to install.

Give Dripworks a call for your free catalog.

Water is too important a resource to waste.  If you don’t already have a drip system in your garden, please consider installing one. 

Your plants and water bill will thank you.

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