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Irrigation
From the Virginia Extension Cooperative:
The home gardener has several options for applying water to plants
including a sprinkler can; a garden hose with a fan nozzle or spray
attachment; a portable lawn sprinkler; a perforated, plastic soaker
hose; a drip or trickle irrigation system; or a semi-automatic drip
system. Quality equipment will last for a number of years when
properly cared for. When making a decision as to which type of
watering equipment you will use, there are a number of things to
consider.
The purchase of a specific type of watering equipment depends upon
available water facilities, water supply, climate, and garden
practices. If there is no outdoor spigot near the garden, the expense
of having one installed may be greater than the benefits gained,
except in very drought-prone areas or in the case of a gardener who is
fully dependent on the season's produce. Where rainfall is adequate
except for a few periods in the summer, it is wise to keep watering
equipment simple. A rain barrel or a garden hose with a fan-type
sprinkler may suffice; a water breaker for small seedlings is useful.
In areas where there are extended periods of hot weather without
precipitation, the local water supply is likely to be short. Since
overhead sprinklers wastewater, a drip irrigation system may be in
order. Drip irrigation puts water right at the roots and doesn't wet
plant leaves, helping to control some diseases. Timers are available
that allow automatic watering with drip irrigation systems.
Several types of drip or trickle equipment are available. The soaker
hose is probably the easiest to use, as no installation is required.
It is a fibrous hose that allows water to slowly seep out all along
its length. It is simply laid at the base of the plants and moved
around the garden. There are also complete kits containing attachments
and PVC hose with holes to allow gradual water release. These are
intended for semi-permanent installation and usually last 2 to 5
years. With this type, a flow regulator usually has to be included
with the system so that the water can reach the end of the hose
without being sprayed out at full force. A special double-walled type
of irrigation hose has been developed which helps to maintain a more
even flow. Finally, there is the emitter-type system, best used for
small raised beds or container gardens, in which short tubes, or
emitters, come off a main water supply hose and go right to the roots
of the individual plants. This is generally the most expensive form of
irrigation and the most complex to set up, but it has advantages. The
weeds in the area are not watered and evaporation from the soil is
minimized. This type of system is best used in combination with a
coarse mulch or black plastic. Drip systems can have problems with
clogging from soil particles and/or mineral salts suspended in water
taken from springs or wells. New designs take this problem into
consideration; some include filters and self-flushing emitters. It is
wise to make a complete investigation and comparison before purchasing
a drip irrigation system.
Irrigation practices, when properly used, can:
- Aid in seed emergence.
- Reduce soil crusting.
- Improve germination and plant stand.
- Reduce wilting of transplants.
- Increase fruit size of tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons.
- Prevent premature ripening of peas, beans, and sweet corn.
- Maintain uniform growth.
- Improve the quality and yields of most crops.
For more information, log onto:
http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/ the Virginia Cooperative
Extension website. |
