Irrigation Systems in the Home Garden

A garden with a well installed irrigation system will have noticeable benefits. Consistent soil moisture, less water run-off, and minimize stress on plants.

Seen in the Rows for the Hungry is our large tubing which is connected to our water source. Smaller drip tape connects to this large line and goes down each row of crop.

Here at our garden, we use a drip irrigation system. It guarantees that the plants are watered at the optimal place (at the base of the stem, avoiding the leaves) and is extremely water efficient when used correctly.

A basic drip irrigation system has a distribution system, feeder lines, and drip tape. Details and lost of pictures for installation can be found here https://extension.psu.edu/building-and-operating-a-home-garden-irrigation-system. At Rows for The Hungry we also use a flow meter to help regulate and signal for possible leaks. Drip tape can be used over several growing seasons is properly stored during the winter. Drip tubing is good alternative if a gardener wants to leave the irrigation system in the garden over the winter, as long as it is drained before winter so the water doesn’t freeze and crack the tubing. During the growing season, regularly check for leaks.

Rutgers University is offering interactive and helpful seminars on gardening throughout the summer. June 8, 2021 is a container gardening class and June 15, 2021 is a rain barrel class. Visit their website for more information. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/home-lawn-garden/

For additional details visit the Colorado State University Extension website or https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/drip-irrigation-home-gardens-4-702/ the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension website   https://extension.unh.edu/blog/irrigation-systems-garden