5 Drip Irrigation Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them!)

Drip Irrigation isn't really all that complex. There are just a few things that you need to consider before putting a drip irrigation system together, and once you've nailed that down, the rest is kind of like Legos for water. The trouble is, we sometimes try to take shortcuts and that can lead to problems down the line. Today we'll look at what those problems are and how you can avoid them.

DripWorks Demonstration Garden Update

DripWorks Demonstration Garden Before and After

Back in late January and early February, we published a 2-part blog about heirloom seeds and talked about what we planned to grown in our demonstration garden this year.  It is now June and the garden is both beautiful and productive. The very mild weather we've had this Spring has allowed us to plant veggies and harvest earlier than usual. The perennial beds that line the entrance to the DripWorks store are flowering profusely. Over the past month, our lunchroom has reaped the benefits (forgive the pun), supplied with an abundance of lettuces and radishes.

Drip Tubing and the History of Drip Irrigation

Drip Irrigation in Israel

Mainline tubing is a flexible polyethylene tubing used for carrying water throughout a drip system. It is designed to carry water from your spigot to your plants via emitters, sprayers, sprinklers, or driplines inserted along its length. We know that the origins of drip--or micro--irrigation, goes back to ancient times, but from where and when did the idea of modern drip irrigation come about?

May is California Water Awareness Month

Courtesy of Bob Galindo-GNU Free Documentation License

California, like many other states, is entering its fourth year of severe drought. In response, the state government has enacted new emergency water conservation regulations to safeguard California's remaining water supplies. There's only so much to go around so we need to stretch our precious water supply as much as possible. By presenting you with the flowing facts, this blog is intended raise awareness about how much our everyday activities cost relating to water use.

How Long Should I Water?

How much, how long, and when to water are some of the most challenging questions when it comes to the efficient use of a drip irrigation system. In order to establish the amount of water needed for a plant's optimum growth, there are three main factors to consider: soil type, climate, and the size of the plant or container. Over watering is contrary to the goals of a gardener or farmer employing drip irrigation. Too much water results in an oxygen depleted soil that suffocates the roots and eventually rots them.  A plant only can absorb and only needs a certain amount of water for optimum growth. Water too little and you risk the plant dying of thirst, or at best, retarding its growth. Either extreme can kill your plant in short order.

Governor Brown Demands 25% Water Reduction

As most of you know, with the snow pack at a record low in the Sierra Mountains, California Governor Jerry Brown has ordered a 25% statewide reduction in water usage. What you might not know, is drip irrigation can reduce water usage in your lawn and garden by 30-50%. If you want to do something to reduce your water usage, immediately, DripWorks can help.

This is not bluster. This is fact. 

By placing the water exactly where it is needed, drip irrigation reduces water usage to a fraction of conventional watering techniques. So put aside that watering wand and convert that water-guzzling sprinkler system to a drip irrigation system.  Start saving water, time, and money today. 

Don't know anything about drip irrigation? No problem. Our complete kits are the fastest, easiest way to convert your garden, field, or landscape to a water efficient drip irrigation. 

Still have questions? The DripWorks Call Center is open 6 am to 6 pm PST, Monday through Friday and 6 am to Noon on Saturday. Our friendly, knowledgeable representatives are ready to answer those questions and help you get started right away. Call 800.522.3747 or email us at support@dripworks.com. Save Water!

Companion Planting for the Vegetable Garden

Companion Planting in DripWorks Demonstration Garden

Though some may plant their gardens haphazardly (to each their own, I say) I like to create a plan and plant carefully for beneficial growth and insect control. With 40 years of vegetable gardening experience as my guide, here are a few things that I have learned along the way: