Irrigation Installation for Your Suburban Garden

A well-designed irrigation system can save you time and water while ensuring your garden thrives. Here's a guide to installing a basic system for a small suburban property.

Assess your needs: Consider the water requirements of different plants, soil type, and sunlight exposure.
Choose the right system:

Water source: A dedicated outdoor tap is ideal.
Timer: Controls the on/off schedule of your system.
Mainline: PVC pipe to distribute water throughout the system.
Sublines: Smaller pipes that connect to the mainline and deliver water to specific areas.
Emitters/Sprinklers: Depending on your chosen system.
Fittings: Elbows, tees, and connectors to assemble the system.
Tools: Shovel, tape measure, pipe cutter, wrench.

Dig trenches: Carefully dig trenches for the mainline and sublines, ensuring proper slope for drainage.
Install the mainline: Connect the mainline to the water source and lay it in the trenches.
Install sublines: Connect sublines to the mainline using appropriate fittings.
Install emitters/sprinklers: Attach emitters or sprinklers to the sublines according to your plan.
Connect the timer: Install the timer between the water source and the mainline.
Test the system: Run the system to check for leaks and adjust as needed.

Regularly check for leaks: Repair any leaks promptly to prevent water waste.
Clean filters: Remove debris from filters to ensure proper water flow.
Adjust watering schedules: Adjust watering times based on weather conditions and plant needs.
Winterize the system: If you live in a climate with freezing temperatures, drain the system to prevent damage.