Whats the easiest and lo w cost way to add an irrigation system
We live in Tucson and the temps are in the triple digets we have at least a. Half Acre that needs watering. I've been dragging 100 feet of those around the yard but its killing my back. Is there an inexpensive way to irrigate my plantings?
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Easy, no, low cost yes. Come this fall start digging! While it is still hot, get a splitter for your spigot and invest in some soaker hoses, maybe those will get you through the hot months. Between now and then, figure out where you need water and how many stations you will need. Have a few consults with irrigation specialists if need be. Then when the time comes you can be ready to go. Here are some sites to get you started!
http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/Irrigation_System_Design_and_Installation.aspx
https://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/DIY-Sprinkler-System-Installation-s/5713.htm
https://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/DIY-Sprinkler-System-Installation-s/5713.htm#div=start
Maybe this article will give you some ideas Nic - https://www.engineeringforchange.org/news/ten-low-tech-ways-to-irrigate-crops/ The techniques all seem pretty budget friendly and doable
Another option is the above-ground irrigation systems, such as DIG. You can do drip or spray. I did it a couple of yrs a ago and it wasn't too expensive. A lot of parts though.
PVC pipe - You'll have to connect and seal the pipe and add spickets but it works great. We did this on our 1/2 acre when we farmed watermelons. Works Great!
never been homless
I am wondering what exactly have you planted, and what are you trying to grow that requires this much regular watering?
In Tucson, with the year-round hot dry sun, any watering or drip system materials (rubber and plastic hoses, lines, etc.) on the ground surface will be at risk of disintegrating, drying out, burning through, or melting, simply due to the heat.
The below-the-ground irrigation option is to dig and to install an underground sprinkler system. This is not inexpensive. The other hurdle besides cost will likely be the labour to get the job done. This is definitely not a diy project. Muscle and equipment will be needed to penetrate down into the rock-hard packed dry desert soil.
Does your county charge pay-pr-usage on your water bill? Although there are no water usage restrictions yet in your area that I am aware of, there may very well be in the near future, if the weather continues to change as California has experienced. Athough Arizona is large state, and it has very few natural sources of drinking water.
I urge you to investigate xeriscaping options for your property instead.