Fort Collins, CO on Jun 27, 2011

Any tips for drip irrigation installation?

I am starting to work on a drip system for my veggies (finally). Just picked up an all-in-one kit at HD. I had done my homework and had my list of needs, but then realized these kits were actually cheaper. I hope to start installing this tomorrow, assuming the baby takes a good long nap.

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My new drip irrigation kit.

11 Comments

Dan's of Central Florida,... Clermont, FL

Hey Steve,
A neighbor of mine hooked one end of a drip hose to his AC drain pipe. Seems to keep things alive where the hose runs and recycles the water/condensation as well.

on Jun 28, 2011 · Like 1
Walter Reeves Decatur, GA

With my first system I put the drippers at the base of plants, a mistake since I couldn't actually see the water coming out and so didn't know when one was clogged.
I put them on short stakes afterward...but then found that chipmunks and squirrels would drink from and chew into the drippers.
Lessons learned.....

on Jun 28, 2011 · Like 3
SawHorse.net Atlanta, GA

I tried hooking mine up to a rainbarrel and did not get enough head pressure to push the water through the pipes so I just put it on a timer to run before the sun came out.
It only lasted one season since I kept hacking the pipes when I was trying to move plants around.

on Jun 28, 2011 · Like 0
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

Thanks all. DOCF, I don't have AC (although it hit 99 today and tonight is one of about 10 nights every year where I wish I did), but that's a great idea.
SawHorse, I also don't think I get enough rain to properly water my vegetables with a rain barrel, and it's technically illegal here anyway (don't get me started on my western water law rant again). ...»

Walter, thanks for the great tips. So did you find a compromise that lets you see the drip but doesn't give the squirrels a drinking fountain?

on Jun 29, 2011 · Like 0
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

Also, a project update. I didn't take any photos because it was almost dusk when I discovered this, but I of course have to take four other steps before I can even start my new project. I realized the spigot is too close to the ground to attach the automatic timer and other parts. I have to do some excavating before I start. I tried to start that tonight and found a massive ant colony underneath a large paver block that the previous owner must have put under the spigot to divert leaking water away from the foundation.

on Jun 29, 2011 · Like 0
Walter Reeves Decatur, GA

Steve - I ended up pulling mine out because, like Sawhorse, I kept dinging the tubing with my shovel. For any squirrel problem (like stolen tomatoes and apples) I practice live-trap and release. INstead of digging under the faucet, why not buy a short length of hose to reach from the faucet out a couple of feet so you can attach the timer/pressure reducer there? The product is called a faucet extender.

on Jun 29, 2011 · Like 1
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

Another brilliant suggestion, Walter. I didn't know there was such a thing. Of course, now I am also questioning the entire project. It's just for the veggie patch, and I would pull up the whole thing in the winter to avoid freezing the lines, but it sounds like you think the entire effort is not really worth it and I should maybe stick to hand-watering?

on Jun 29, 2011 · Like 0
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

OK, just put in my system tonight. I will post some photos tomorrow.

on Jun 29, 2011 · Like 0
Walter Reeves Decatur, GA

I ended up using soaker hoses on the vegetable rows. I can lay the hose beside the plants at the beginning of summer and I'm forced to pull the hoses out of the way when I till each spring. No dinging and no squirrels!

on Jun 30, 2011 · Like 0
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

So about a month after installing, I am really happy with my drip system. My veggies are doing great. Everything is flowering, and I've had my first yummy tomatoes, and the peppers and eggplants are just starting to come in. Thanks everyone for your help.

on Jul 26, 2011 · Like 0
Dan's of Central Florida,... Clermont, FL

Glad it's working good for you Steve!

on Jul 27, 2011 · Like 0

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