Irrigation Technology in the Garden

Irrigation Technology in the Garden

We divide it into several types according to the needs of plants in the garden and also according to the needs of the gardener. Some gardens and gardeners prefer a watering can that fits comfortably in hand and a barrel for rainwater. Others enjoy working with an ingenious assembly of hoses and sprinklers. Every garden is different and has different needs. They differ according to the types of plants grown. A garden facing the sunny side has different irrigation requirements than a damp, shady garden. There are many types of irrigation systems on the market. The selection is therefore large and will satisfy every gardener. Before choosing irrigation technology, it is good to consider what will be the water source for irrigation. The water source for irrigation can be, for example, a stream flowing past the garden, a well from which you draw water, a water tap on the house wall with cold water supply, a barrel with a tap into which rainwater is collected, etc. Rainwater is ideal for all plants. Most plant species also tolerate treated tap water. Water is an irreplaceable natural resource, it must be treated ecologically and carefully. Water in nature originates from the sources of rivers and streams. It is stored in lakes, ponds, and artificial reservoirs. It also consists of rainfall and melted snow cover.

Historically, irrigation itself has always been conducted very ingeniously. Often these are preserved architectural gems. As agriculture and the cultivation of more interesting and demanding crops developed, the development of irrigation systems also progressed. The oldest irrigation systems are known from ancient Peru and Bolivia. The more advanced the culture, the more ingenious the irrigation systems. Agriculture formed and still forms an important component of livelihood. Irrigation experienced its greatest boom in development over the past hundred years. The cultivation of crops is also being introduced in third world countries as a measure against hunger and poverty. Irrigation should always be sensitive to the environment. High irrigation doses can cause soil erosion, landslides of the top layer of fertile topsoil, and soil salinization. Whatever scientific studies may say, plants will always need regular irrigation, and if it is not available naturally, it needs to be helped.

In many countries, irrigation systems that are 100 years old are still used and function perfectly. From a technological perspective, we divide irrigation into flood irrigation, furrow irrigation, basin irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and localized irrigation. In our gardens, sprinkler irrigation is the most commonly used.

Sprinkler Irrigation

First, water needs to be transported to the plants. We can lead water from the water source using a garden hose. Depending on the distance, and thus the weight and length of the hose, we can use a wheeled garden hose reel. This reel also ensures that the garden hose is always tidy and won't lie around the house where it could be accidentally damaged. If we have a water source nearby and a smaller garden, we can use, for example, a coiled garden hose, which is suitable due to its storability. Another method is water supply through permanently installed underground water distribution systems.

Sprinkler irrigation is natural for all plants. It's based on irrigation by raindrops. The development of sprinklers has advanced the water flow and droplet size to finer and smaller than in previous years. Finer and smaller droplets are far more efficient and don't damage the plant surface or the soil around it. You can also strategically place sprinklers in your garden near plants that need irrigation. There's no need to spray water over the entire area. For manual watering, it's important to choose the right hose nozzle. Spray guns usually have several positions and jet patterns. You can also adjust the water pressure on them. For distant watering, but also for watering directly on or around the plant. Misting is also suitable for plants, especially for spraying in greenhouses. Gentle watering is appropriate for flowering plants. You can use strong jets, for example, when cleaning garden paths. If you can't choose and like multiple nozzles that you'll use in the garden, install a quick connector at the end of the hose, which will allow you easy and, as the name suggests, quick snap-on attachment of various types of nozzles from precision guns to gentle shower sprays.

How to Choose the Right Garden Hose

Garden hoses are manufactured from various materials depending on their intended use. For plant spraying, a lightweight, thin, flexible PVC hose is produced. For garden irrigation, hoses are made from rubber, nylon, PVC, and also the most suitable type - PVC reinforced with polyester fiber, which affects its tensile strength and durability. It also increases the hose's lifespan. This type of hose withstands internal water pressure. It's also important to choose the hose diameter and accessories so that both diameters match and the individual components fit together properly. It's always advisable to purchase a complete irrigation system from one manufacturer, ensuring that the individual components will match in both size and type. This eliminates concerns about whether the threads will fit together or not. A garden hose is repairable, but it requires proper care. In autumn, before storing the hose for the next season, drain any excess water from it and store it in a dry, shaded location. It's best to hang it on a dedicated holder. This prevents the hose from cracking. Excessive sun exposure or cold can damage and deform the garden hose. Therefore, don't leave it exposed in the sun, as this may lead to premature cracking. If your hose cracks or develops an unwanted hole, it can be repaired. Repair it by cutting the hose evenly into 2 parts and removing the damaged section. Connect these cut ends together with a coupling.

You can also make watering easier by providing plants with an irrigation basin. Such a rim of soil or mulch around the plant stem helps retain water more easily. Use sprinklers primarily for watering lawns. When used on flowering beds or vegetables, excess moisture can cause fungal diseases. Water plants in the evening or early morning. Never water plants during midday or on hot days when the sun is strongest. If you have a very irregular garden and are worried about damaging the edges of beds or overhanging plants by dragging the garden hose, place wooden or decorative stakes at the bed edges to prevent dragging the hose over plants.

Micro-spray

Another widespread type of irrigation in our gardens is micro-spray, also known as drip irrigation.

Drip irrigation, also known as point watering, is mainly used for larger or exotic plants. You can also use it when growing trees or in greenhouses with solitary plants. The system of this watering method (micro-spray) works by having an irrigation system (pipe, hose) leading to each plant, equipped with an opening near the respective plant. This opening is covered with a cap. Drip irrigation is therefore the delivery of moisture to plants in regular drops. If you have, for example, one solitary shrub in your garden that you would like to provide with drip irrigation, try burying a closed clay pot next to it, and through this you can let water gradually seep into the soil. This method of irrigation is not suitable if you have small pets that could fall into the pot with water or otherwise hurt themselves.

Garden Showering

Not only plants and lawns can enjoy regular watering. With the approaching warm days and time spent at the cottage, you are surely considering an outdoor garden shower. It is a simple and practical construction. Above the shower, you can hang a barrel for rainwater or a solar heater. To bring water to the shower, use an existing garden hose, which you simply connect via a quick connector and place on the hose holder. This simple shower will refresh you after a full day's work in the garden and replace showering even in places where it is not easy to bring water.

Author: Hana Michalíková