There is a multitude of options available for bed irrigation, each tailored to suit different conditions and requirements. By exploring the slider below and referring to the comprehensive comparison table at the bottom, you can gain valuable insights into the diverse range of bed irrigation choices.
Delving into the slider will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the various bed irrigation methods and techniques. Whether you need to optimize water usage, cater to specific soil types, or address the unique needs of different plants, this resource will equip you with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions.
Furthermore, the comparison table located at the bottom of the page offers a consolidated overview of the different bed irrigation options. This table enables a side-by-side evaluation of key features such as water efficiency, ease of installation, suitability for different plant types, and adaptability to varying environmental conditions.
By exploring both the slider and the comparison table, you will be empowered to select the most suitable bed irrigation system for your specific circumstances. Whether you are a seasoned gardener, a professional landscaper, or simply an enthusiast looking to enhance your gardening practices, this comprehensive resource will guide you in making the best possible choice for your bed irrigation needs.
Different type of bed irrigation
Micro sprinklers
Micro zones contain low-volume sprayer or rotor sprinklers on stems, distribute water slowly and evenly. This makes them ideal for use in small areas or with water-sensitive plants.
They operate 20-25 cm above the surface and supply water and humidity for perennial and/or shrubs. Every sprinkler can be moved around on its 1 m long tail easily so the gardening and amendment is problem-free.
Micro sprinklers can be installed with half or full circle heads with different flow and coverage diameter depending on usage circumstances.
When they are used in vegetable plots, the sprinklers can be equipped with individual isolator valves to turn them off when the area is out of use.
Low density feed pipe among the sprinklers is always laid on the soil as their accessibility is important for maintenance purposes.
Field stands
Field stands can be considered as giant “micro sprinklers” however they are assembled from lawn sprinklers and metal stems, keeping the popup sprinklers best properties on a cost-effective way.
The feed pipe runs along the bed and the sprinklers are positioned to provide even coverage. The heads can supply the water well-above the growing level of the plants.
This solution is ideal for irrigating grove-type or loose planting areas.
Dripline
Drip zone is the most effective watering type. Brown 16mm PE pipes are laid on the surface of beds, usually every 30 cm and run along the bed.
The emitters inserted in the pipes will supply an even amount of water for the plants. As long as the water drips right on the soil, there is no evaporation loss. Every drop will be soaked and used by the plants.
Dripline accessibility is important for maintenance purposes. These pipes can be covered by mulch or chippings, but covering with soil is not recommended unless underground drip has been laid.
Planters, pots and hanging baskets near this zone can be added to the system with adjustable bubblers.
Popup sprinklers
Popup sprinklers are popular choice for watering lawns and even beds. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles for covering from small to large areas.
Usually when popups are used as bed irrigation then the heads are placed at least 0.5-0.8m distance from the bed edge. Their head is turned towards the plants (however this is not what you can see on the picture). For providing the best overspraying coverage the 30 cm tall heads are widely used.
Another benefit of popup sprinklers is that they are less likely to be damaged or disrupted than other types of sprinkler systems. Since the sprinkler heads are hidden underground when not in use, they are less likely to be damaged by lawn mowers or other outdoor equipment.
Bubblers
For solitaires, hanging baskets, and smaller pots, a dedicated zone is not necessary unless dealing with a considerable quantity. Instead, we suggest connecting them to nearby bed zones using 6mm flexible pipes paired with adjustable bubblers. This method ensures efficient water distribution without the need for a separate irrigation zone.
In the case of large planters housing identical species, such as a planter row, drip rings or bubblers may be installed individually for each plant. This can be considered as a dedicated zone.
Soaker hose
Commonly used drip solution in diy systems because it can be purchased widely and installed directly on tap connections.
Unfortunately these pipes become vulnerable especially when they spent 2-3 years outside exposed to different weather conditions and UV-radiation. When the pipe got damaged then there’s no chance to repair them. The fittings inserted in the pipe just making larger cracks on it.
They are cost-effective if you want to supply water just for establishing the plants. Just cancel the zone when the suitable plants are strong enough to survive the drought periods.
You can compare main properties of the different bed solutions in the table below.
Micro sprinklers
Field stands
Dripline
Popup sprinklers
Bubblers
Soaker hose
Case
Perennial beds, shrub beds
Flower beds, mixed beds
Any beds
Wider beds (above 2m)
Beds with large solitaire plants
Temporary cases
Emitters
4 cm micro sprinklers on 30 cm plastic stems
10 cm popup heads on 100 cm metal stems
Emitters inserted into 16mm pipe
30 cm popup heads sunk in the earth
10 cm adjustable bubblers inserted in 20mm pipe
Black soaker hose
Visibility
One 20mm black soft feed along the long axis of the bed on the surface, micro sprinklers every 1.5-3 m
One 25mm black hard feed along the long axis of the bed on the surface, field stands every 2-7 m
16mm brown pipes on every 30-40cm on the surface
Invisible, except at operation
One 20mm black feed among and around the large plants on the surface
16mm black pipes on every 30-40cm on the surface
Vulnerability risk
Cutting, kicking, stomping
Accidental knocking of heads
Cutting
Only by earthworks
Cutting, kicking, stomping
Cutting, stomping
Covering with mulch, bark, chippings
Yes, except sprinklers
Yes, except sprinklers
Yes
Not necessary
Yes
Yes
Covering with soil or compost
Try to avoid
Hard pipe can be covered
Not allowed
At installation
Try to avoid
Not allowed
Cost factor (5 is highest)
3
2
4
5
1
4
Water efficiency factor (5 is best)
2-3
2-3
5
3
4
4
Coverage factor (5 is most even)
2
3-4
5
4
4
3
Air gap required by Water Act1999
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Operating pressure
1-2 bar
2.5-4 bar
0.5-4 bar
2.5-4 bar
0.5-2 bar
0.5-3 bar
Repairability factor (5 is impossible to repair)
1-2
1-2
1-3
4
2
5
The realm of bed irrigation presents various solutions and considerations, making it advisable to entrust the choice of the optimal system to the installer who can tailor it to your specific needs.
The Gardener’s Rain always use the best quality irrigation parts and equipments from market-leader companies.