DIY: Watering plants with a drip hose and natural water
A drip hose waters your plants directly at the roots, and this will happen at set times by means of an irrigation controller. This irrigation system ensures that your plants are getting enough water even in extremely hot weather during the summer months. Opinions differ as to whether plants should be watered in the morning or at night. Both options have certain advantages. However, watering should not be done in the middle of the day.
Use natural water instead of tap water
Water your plants with natural water if you really want to give them a treat. This could be rainwater collected in a rainwater reservoir, for example, or water from a ditch or canal. Natural water is full of healthy minerals that are beneficial for your plants. You will save considerably on your water bills and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
Irrigation system with pump
A water pressure pump can be used to draw in water from an external water source, such as a well, up to a depth of eight metres. This pump generates high pressure so that your garden irrigation system is supplied with sufficient water. Because of the narrow suction hose, the device fits easily in small openings, for example, which is handy if you want to draw groundwater. As long as the water is not at too deep a level, this can be done with a self-priming pump.
Water pressure pump with a vessel
It is important for the water pressure pump to be fitted with a vessel. Water is stored in this vessel, and as long as the pump can draw water from it, it does not need to switch on.
The holes in a Rainbird XFD drip hose, for example, are spaced 33 cm apart, and 2.3 litres of water per hour passes through each hole. In this instance, a 100-metre drip hose needs about 700 litres of water per hour. The DAB Aquajet pressure valve can store 20 litres of water. As a result, the pump will switch on 35 times per hour to water your plants, while a pump without a pressure vessel will switch on and off every few seconds. This will result in higher energy costs and affect the lifespan of the pump. It is therefore a good idea to opt for a pump that is fitted with a pressure vessel.
Soaker hose or drip hose
Would you prefer to use a soaker hose or a drip hose? A weep hose ensures a very slow release of water along the full length of the hose. The pressure in this hose is not the same everywhere, so more water is released at the beginning than at the end. A drip hose, however, releases an equal amount of water everywhere. The drip hose is flexible but strong, with dripping holes spaced 33 cm apart.
In addition, you can opt for an underground or a surface drip hose. Surface ones are often used in overgrown gardens because underground installation can be difficult in this situation.
Installing a drip hose
Installing an automatic drip-irrigation system for your garden or container plants is something you can easily do yourself. Connect the hose to the pump using a hose coupling and place it any way you like. The hose can be cut to the desired length with a suitable pair of scissors and closed with a sealing cap. You can secure the hose in place with ground pegs, which are not needed if it is installed underground. Coupling pieces can be used to connect multiple hoses. In principle, once the drip-irrigation system has been installed, you can leave it alone and simply enjoy sitting in your garden.
Advice needed
If you need help in finding a suitable pump and/or a drip hose, please contact our customer service. Our team of experienced experts will always be there to help you.
