Replace sprinklers with drip irrigation?

remo74tg 5/25/2014, 2:31 pm

Hey, I installed some raised beds last spring and using the square foot gardening method. I used my sprinkler system that was already in place to water the vegetables last year and really didn't have any problems, just didn't get a lot of produce. I was wondering if I should spend the money and convert my sprinkler zone to drip irrigation as everyone recommends it or leave it the way it is with the sprinklers. I appreciate any feedback.

**camprn** 5/25/2014, 2:47 pm

Hey remo, welcome to the forum.

Since your current setup didn't work so well last year, unless you make changes it will probably give you the same result this year.

Add some good quality compost to your beds and water consistently and well throughout the season and you should get some better results.

**AtlantaMarie** 5/25/2014, 6:09 pm

Hi Remo. Welcome!

+1 on Camprn's comments.

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over & over and expecting different results. Some of us may be crazy, but we're not insane. Be Bold! Experiment!

Have fun & let us know what happens.

remo74tg 5/26/2014, 12:31 pm

I've added some new compost this season along with worm castings, just have to figure out the right water solution.

remo74tg 5/26/2014, 12:53 pm

Here is a quick video of my current setup,

**sanderson** 5/26/2014, 1:39 pm

Remo, It looks like you have 1/2 tubing along the fence, so you are all set to run 1/4" lines to and up into the boxes. From there, you can install the 1/4" drip lines. I have 2 lines across each square, dividing it into 3 equal sections. That makes planting 1, 4, 8, or 16 easy. One change I've been making is plugging the ends of length of 1/4" drip lines so I can easily move a line if needed. At the beginning, I made them into one large grid which made attending to a single square difficult.

remo74tg 5/26/2014, 2:06 pm

Thanks Sanderson, That sounds good. I've seen the manifolds at Home depot to convert the risers to drip,

Also, what's the optimal watering time?

**sanderson** 5/26/2014, 2:27 pm

Remo, I have to run but I will try to post photos of how simple my system is this evening. I try to KISS things.

remo74tg 5/28/2014, 10:00 pm

sanderson wrote:Remo, I have to run but I will try to post photos of how simple my system is this evening. I try to KISS things.

Thanks Sanderson, please post some pics when you get a chance.

**sanderson** 5/28/2014, 11:54 pm

Dang, I got side tracked and forgot. Embarassed

I will really try tomorrow.

mazzy 5/30/2014, 9:22 am

Good morning,

I took Sanderson's advice and just put in a drip system purchased from Drip Works http://www.dripworks.com/. It turned out really nice. Price was very fair and great service from their staff.

Mazzy

**sanderson** 5/30/2014, 1:44 pm

Remo, I just took these when I saw your topic again. Embarassed

I'm so sorry it's taken this long. To connect to a 1/2" line, you will need a special hole punch.

1/4" solid tubing connected with a 1/4" elbow to the 1/2" tubing that goes around the perimeter of the back yard:

Replace sprinklers with drip irrigation? Drip_s10

Quick coupler installed in the solid line (totally optional):

Replace sprinklers with drip irrigation? Drip_s11

Solid tubing going up and over the outside of the box:

Replace sprinklers with drip irrigation? Drip_s12

Two views of solid tubing connected to the drip lines inside 2 boxes:

Replace sprinklers with drip irrigation? Drip_s13

Replace sprinklers with drip irrigation? Drip_s14

remo74tg 5/30/2014, 10:32 pm

That is awesome, thanks a lot Sanderson. Weather permitting I'm gonna start to tomorrow.

FlutterBy 5/31/2014, 10:54 pm

I was thinking about this same thing. My husband got my boxes made and put in. I have 3 4x4 boxes with 2-3 foot between them.

I was trying to figure out how to use soaker hoses. Do I get a hose for each box or do I get a long one and let the water drip between the boxes?

Would I feed the hose back and forth through the four rows in each 4x4 box?

Suggestions, please!

Very Happy

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