Your garden may well be your pride and joy but choosing the right garden irrigation system is just as important as picking what flowers and shrubs are planted within it. In fact, your irrigation system can make the difference between a garden that is successful and vibrant and one that looks dull and is struggling.
Here is a guide to choosing the right irrigation system for your garden.
RESEARCH THE WATERING NEEDS OF YOUR PLANTS
All plants have different needs where watering is concerned. Look up the plants you have chosen and research them well.
RESPECT YOUR CLIMATE
You cannot change the climate in your area of New Zealand and that is something you will have to accept. If your area doesn’t receive much rainfall but you have picked plants that enjoy some water, then you are going to need an irrigation system that takes this into account. Likewise, if you’re in a very hot area, any rainfall may evaporate quickly.
CONSIDER SHADE
If you have a part of your garden that is often in the shade, it is likely to need less water than an area that is in direct sunlight.
HILLY AREAS
If your garden is on an incline then the chances are it will be wetter at the bottom of that incline than at the top. Gravity will see to that! As such, check to see if that area of the garden holds water or becomes soggy after a heavy shower.
CHOICES OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM
There are several common irrigation systems to choose from. These are as follows:
- IN-GROUND SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
These are more expensive than other forms of garden irrigation systems and can require a lot of maintenance. Installing them can also be a bit of a burden as they are complicated and need to be accurately fitted. However, they are great if you don’t have much free time.
- SOAKER HOSE SYSTEM / SPRINKLER HOSE SYSTEM
These are more popular options when it comes to garden irrigation systems. Although they require more work from you, they are cost-effective and easy to install.
A soaker hose is a garden irrigation system that uses a hose made of a porous material that lets out water at regular intervals along its length. Soaker hoses come in different lengths, depending on the size of your garden. These are really easy to set up and require very little interference – you just need to change their position if necessary and turn them off when the plants are adequately watered.
A sprinkler hose system sprays water out of the hose and shoots it upwards. Again, this is easy to install and can be moved about as needed. It is excellent for reaching the leaves on taller plants and for covering a wider area.
DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
This is a garden irrigation system that is similar to a soaker hose in that it is highly flexible. If you have a garden that is an unusual shape, then this can be an ideal way of distributing water. Unlike a soaker hose, where the water leaks out at regular intervals, the drip irrigation system drips water out in the specific places you have placed it.
If you are looking to buy a garden irrigation system, then please get in touch. We will happily help you find the irrigation system to meet your needs.
