Garden and Lawn Irrigation
with
Amanda Switzer
Learn how, without a professional irrigation system, you can keep your garden, lawn, and entire property properly watered and looking great.
Transcript: Garden and Lawn Irrigation
Hi, I'm Amanda Switzer for About.com Home.Intoduction to Irrigation
No matter what you plant, there will be a time when it needs water. In a perfect world we all would have intricate underground irrigation systems that would automatically detect when the lawn needs water or when the flower pots are drying out. But back in our world we need to be aware of when and how our landscape gets its water.Irrigation Options
There is the old fashioned way of getting out the hose everyday and watering your property by hand, but many of us do not have that kind of time. There are many options now that make it easier to water your landscape if you do not have a professionally installed irrigation system.Irrigation With a Soaker Hose
Soaker hoses on timers are a wonderful way to give your garden, trees and shrubs moisture throughout the warm months of the year. Most hardware stores sell battery operated timers that can be screwed onto the hose bib. Here is where you attach the hose. I like to attach a regular hose so I can direct the water right to the source. Once the soaker hose is where I need it I will lay out the soaker in a pattern that will cover all the area I need watered. I will set the timer accordingly to the time of year and how often and long I want the area watered.Irrigation With Water Crystals
Another option is to add water crystal, or gels, that help keep the soil hydrated for extended periods of time. The crystals will absorb 4-500 times its weight and when mixed into the soil, will attract the developing roots and keep the moist. These crystals could be mixed into the soil or sparsely laid on the top.Irrigation With Tripod Sprinklers
Setting up tripod sprinklers in large areas will help cover vast gardens and lawn areas. You can also put these on timers or simple move the hose as each area is adequately covered.Irrigation With Irrigation Bags
If you are having a drought or are going to be gone for periods of time, then you might consider buying tree irrigation bags. These bags can hold up many gallons of water and are efficient in delivering the water right to the roots with little evaporation loss.DIY Irrigation System
If you are very industrious you can create your own underground irrigation system. If you do this you should get a instructional booklet and do it right because you do not want to dig up your property for nothing.In the heat of the summer plants need water and having an expensive irrigation system is not the only solution. Plants need water to survive like everything else on this plant.
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