For some of us the wet season is almost over and for others it hasn’t begun. Yet for most of us it feels like planting time. Whether it planting out out the fruits of our seedling pots or starting from scratch, the question is, how are we going to keep our spring gardens watered when the weather isn’t playing along. Drip irrigation using harvested rainwater is a wonderful way to keep your garden growing. Gravity is your friend when watering using a tank. The higher your tank is above your irrigation system the greater the pressure. A slight slope in the ground will also help the water move.
As the name says, drip irrigation allows water to slowly drip onto the roots of plants either from the surface or from the soil beneath. This can save water by reducing evaporation and runoff. Have a look at these DIY drip irrigation projects and be inspired to try this in your garden.
Rainwater Drip Irrigation System
This DIY instructable by Tree Frog is quick and easy can easily be altered and expanded to suit the needs of your garden. It lies on the surface so you can install it even after you’ve planted your garden.
Automated Drip Irrigation
This automated system described by Erik Knutzen will do the work while you’re busy with other things. It is designed to work with a standard tap and so might not work well with a rainwater tank.
Bottle Drip Irrigation
Back to the used cooldrink bottles for this setup by Henk. Not only is an efficient way to water your plants, it’s reduces the amount of ground you need to weed. Don’t forget to wash your bottle thoroughly though. Henk also recommends adding a little liquid fertilizer from time to time.
As with a lot of things in life, irrigation works better with the slow and steady approach. These are just a few ways to be more water efficient and to reuse as well as recycle. Most of the supplies you need for these projects and be found at a good hardware store
If you’re looking for more uses for plastic cooldrink bottles have a look at our seedling pot article and our DIY bird feeders.
For more ways to be water efficient have a look at harvesting rainwater and prepaid water meters.
