Especially during the hot summer months, vegetable plants are very thirsty. In order for tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and co. to develop tasty and large fruits, they need a lot of water. With an automatic watering system, you ensure that the plants are cared for - even when you are away.
Drip irrigation saves time, labor and water
Drip irrigation without external connections
You can set up a very simple form of automatic watering with the help of a large rain barrel (at least 1500 liters capacity) and one or more garden hoses. You do not need an external power or water connection here, as the system makes use of gravity. However, the high tank system only works with sufficiently large water containers, since smaller ones cannot build up enough pressure for automatic irrigation. And that's how it works:
- Place the rain barrel on a pedestal that is 50 to 100 centimeters high.
- Lay the hoses out in the garden bed so that the vegetable plants are watered individually.
- Correct the situation if necessary.
- Feel free to connect several hoses together.
- For example, several branches can run off a main hose.
- Connect the main hose to the rain barrel.
- Seal the ends of the garden hoses with a plug.
- Use a hammer and nail to perforate the hoses where necessary.
Then make sure that the rain barrel is always refilled.
Automatic irrigation with external connections
However, the disadvantage of the system described is that there must always be enough water in the rain barrel. You can avoid this problem by connecting the garden hoses directly to a tap instead of to a barrel or other water reservoir, which then has to be open all the time. This form of watering only makes sense if you are standing right next to it and can turn the tap on and off again. However, the reservoir can be easily filled via another hose via a water tap. If the water pressure is not sufficient, a submersible pump - which works with electricity, solar power or batteries - will quickly remedy the situation.
tips
Vegetable plants should never be sprinkled with water, but always watered from below. If the leaves get wet, fungal diseases can spread and endanger the harvest.