With an irrigation system you remain flexible, because when you are absent you do not have to worry about a watering replacement. There are solutions for large gardens as well as for greenhouses, raised beds and planters. Irrigation systems can be used inside and outside.

Drip irrigation is a time and resource-saving irrigation method

Table of Contents

Show all
  1. the essentials in brief
  2. Gardena irrigation system
  3. Alternatives to the market leader
  4. possible uses
  5. Large-scale irrigation
  6. Which pump?
  7. Plan your own irrigation system
  8. micro irrigation
  9. Irrigation system in winter
  10. Build your own irrigation system
  11. frequently asked Questions

    12. the essentials in brief

    • The frontrunner among the irrigation systems is the Gardena system, which was chosen as the test winner by Stiftung Warentest in 2022.
    • If you want to plan the automatic irrigation in the garden yourself, you should remember that the individual sprinklers must overlap.
    • Drip irrigation is worthwhile for beds and smaller areas.
    • Before winter, the hoses should be completely emptied and sensitive equipment should be stowed away in a frost-free place.

    Is the Gardena irrigation system worth it?

    Gardena's irrigation system (€32.95) was the test winner of Stiftung Warentest in 2022. Four systems were tested with which the garden can be watered automatically. The battery-powered devices can serve two circuits that run independently. The manufacturer, which provides a free planner for watering your own garden online, offers the customer a complete system for watering the garden. He can operate this both manually and automatically.

    hoses

    The system is based on garden hoses, which are ideal for continuous outdoor use because of their material. The hoses are UV-resistant and made from environmentally friendly material that is free of heavy metals and toxic plasticizers. The manufacturer promises that the hoses will withstand even high water pressure and keep their shape.

    The Power Grip profile is designed to ensure that the hoses can be combined with the brand's system parts. For greater comfort and improved space-saving, the brand has developed a spiral hose that is also suitable for small gardens, balconies and terraces. The hose contracts automatically after use and does not have to be wound up by hand.

    fasteners

    The hose connection systems are easy to use and can be plugged onto the hoses in just a few simple steps. They ensure that no water escapes from the connection points.

    Product overview:

    • tap connector: for indoor and outdoor taps, with or without thread
    • hose connector: for dividing, expanding or repairing hoses
    • water stop: automatic water stop

    sprinklers and showers

    Showers come in a wide variety of designs

    The product range is completed by a wide range of spray nozzles with powerful water jets and showers for gentle watering. Here, too, the manufacturer has thought of a high level of comfort. All products are equipped with an ergonomic handle and should also survive frosty temperatures unscathed.

    Gardena offers a range of sprinklers for evenly moistening large areas. However, Stiftung Warentest criticized the unnecessarily high loss of water. The system must be completely filled with water before it can build up enough pressure. After use, the hoses run completely empty.

    Advantages and disadvantages

    Gardena is one of the market leaders in the field of irrigation systems. The manufacturer enables customers to easily access information. All instructions are available online. However, the brand is often more expensive than the competition and the plug-in system makes the customer dependent on this manufacturer. If spare parts are required, the garden owner has to resort to Gardena products again.

    Alternatives to the market leader

    If you only have a small garden or need a simple solution for watering while on vacation, you will find a number of suppliers and manufacturers on the market. Inexpensive offers are available from Obi, Hornbach or Bauhaus. If you do not have to carry out large-scale planning and the focus is not on a professional irrigation system, you can get a good overview of the product range on Amazon.

    target group systems special feature
    Hunter companies and homeowners Lawn and root irrigation of trees Planning manual available online
    Lechuza hobby gardener pot watering various inserts for pots
    Emsa hobby gardener pot watering Irrigation of indoor and outdoor planters
    Royal curtainers Private and commercial gardeners Greenhouse, balcony and terrace, lawn wide range
    Blumat hobby gardener Drip irrigation and irrigation control Clay cone acts as a dead sensor
    Rainbird home gardeners and tradespeople Lawn irrigation, micro systems large spare parts store
    WaterDrops hobby gardener Complete set for bed irrigation solar powered

    Where can an irrigation system be used?

    With the right irrigation system and the right setting, the whole garden can be watered automatically

    There are many uses for a sprinkler system. There are complete solutions for watering large lawns in the garden or micro versions with which you can automatically water your plants on the balcony and terrace or in the greenhouse. This way you can go on holiday without worrying about your plants drying up.

    Irrigation systems are so versatile:

    • dig: automatic irrigation system without water connection with tank
    • garden house: underground or above ground via a drip hose
    • indoors: non-electric clay drip systems or powered systems with a pump
    • outdoors: Irrigation of trees, bamboo or hedges via hose systems
    • Smart flower pot: double-walled vessel with battery-operated watering system, sensor data can be read via app

    Automatic irrigation systems for large areas

    Basically, automated systems work with a pressure reducer that is connected to a water tap. Many systems include a filter to keep them from becoming clogged with debris from rainwater. The device can be configured as desired and expanded. The main hose can be connected to manifolds using connectors. They then spray the plants.

    With the help of irrigation computers, the water flow can also be automated. These work with solar energy or are battery operated. This controls when and how long the water should flow. A sensor measures the level of moisture in the soil. The measured values are the decisive factor for the pouring time. The plants are only watered when they really need water.

    Good to know:

    • adjustable amount of water
    • underground installation possible
    • Mixing devices for additional fertilization can be integrated
    • Recommended for large lawns and gardens

    The irrigation system can be laid underground or hidden

    Which pump is suitable?

    All pumps work with a negative pressure, whereby the water is sucked in. There are various methods of creating this negative pressure. Pumps are classified according to how they work or where they are located. Therefore, there are numerous names for the same models.

    digression

    Old water supply with handle or piston pumps

    These models are vestiges of the past and are now used as decorations in many gardens. They have pistons and valves. As soon as the piston pulls up, a vacuum is created and the valve opens. The water can flow through until the piston descends again and the valve is closed by the pressure increase. These pumps are operated manually by a lever. Since the system fills with air, this must first flow out through pumping movements. When the pipes are vented, the water is sucked in.

    centrifugal pump

    In these models, small impellers ensure the pressure build-up. When these rotate, a negative pressure is created and the water is sucked in. The performance of such pumps depends on the number of impellers. This can also influence the maximum delivery height. Centrifugal pumps have to be submerged in water to work. If there is too much air in the lines, the pump will start with great difficulty. Therefore, the pumps must be vented before use.

    jet pump

    This variant is based on the centrifugal pump, but avoids the disadvantage of venting. The pump itself ensures adequate venting. Such models are also called self-priming. Jet pumps are also known as jet pumps. Since they are being used more and more frequently to water lawns, flower beds and borders, the term garden pump has become established for numerous engine-driven or electricity-dependent jet pumps. These suck the water from a reservoir.

    Plan your own irrigation system

    If you would like to integrate an automatic irrigation system into your garden, you can plan this online. Many manufacturers offer a free planning tool that makes your preparations easier. This first step is of great importance for the system to function properly later on.

    Available amount of water

    Again and again it happens that too many sprinklers are integrated into the irrigation circuit. The water pressure is often insufficient, meaning that the system is underutilized. Using special measuring devices, you can calculate the dynamic water pressure that exists in the pipes. You can then determine the number of sprinklers.

    create sketch

    For better planning, you should draw your garden to scale. On the plan you can determine the exact position of the sprinklers. Not every centimeter counts. With this method, however, you prevent a 20 centimeter wide strip of lawn from drying out later.

    Sprinklers must overlap

    Basically, the further away you are from the nozzle, the less precipitation there is per square meter. Less water therefore falls on the ground at the outer edge of the irrigation area than in the immediate vicinity. To compensate for this, you should set up the sprinklers in a triangle or square formation. Even watering is achieved by mutually spraying the water.

    Irrigation on a small scale

    Micro-irrigation is the efficient watering of flower pots and polyrattan planters, hedges and beds. With this method, only a small area of soil is watered. Normally, watering is done directly on the plant by drip or spray irrigation.

    Benefits of Micro Irrigation:

    • water saving
    • targeted and optimized casting
    • ideal for watering while on vacation

    herb pot

    Herbs can be evenly moisturized with a simple watering system. The Emsa Aqua Plus irrigation system makes use of the wick principle. Water is automatically sucked out of a reservoir via a special fleece and fed into the plant substrate in the flower pot.

    The Fresh Herbs Trio herb pot works according to this principle. A special planter serves as a water supply, which can be filled through a special opening. A small flower will move out of the opening with the water level once the reservoir is full. The pot has space for three standard plastic pots.

    indoor plants and flowers

    Lechuza has developed an irrigation system for potted plants, which is used for watering indoor plants and for outdoor planters. If you want to place the rattan planters on the terrace or balcony, you can unscrew a ground screw. This opening has an overflow so that excess rainwater can run off downwards and a water supply is still maintained at all times.

    Glasshouse

    There are various ways to automatically supply water to planters or vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers in the greenhouse. The Tropf-Blumat system manages without electronics. It regulates itself and opens the drippers as soon as the substrate becomes too dry. The system can be expanded and branched out as required using additional elements. It can be operated via a high tank or connected directly to the water tap with an appropriate pressure reducer. This type of watering is also suitable for potted plants on the balcony.

    Drip irrigation is often used in greenhouses

    hedge

    The manufacturer Regenmeister offers a complete solution for watering hedges for around 70 euros. A water line is laid above ground along the trunks and provided with a dosing piece about every two meters. Nozzles are attached to these parts, which can water the hedge along the water line at a distance of 1.8 meters on each side. If a spray point is no longer needed or should be left out, it can be sealed with small plugs.

    raised bed

    Beds can be watered with spray or drip systems. With spray irrigation, the plants are supplied with water from above via a boom. A garden hose is connected to the rod. The water pressure can be regulated manually via valves. The drip irrigation works via clay cones that serve as sensors. If the substrate dries out, the suction power of the soil increases. This opens the passage of the clay cone so that the water can flow through.

    Drip irrigation supplies plants with water exactly when they need it. This counteracts water wastage.

    Balcony box and hanging basket

    There are also special watering solutions for flower boxes (€16.99) and traffic lights. There are numerous models such as the Geli flower box Aqua-Flor Plus, which are equipped with an intermediate floor. Underneath is the water reservoir, which is filled via a filler neck. The intermediate floor contains several suction cones that are filled with soil when the pots are planted. As soon as the substrate dries up, the water is sucked out of the reservoir. A water level indicator tells you when you have to refill your balcony boxes (€109.00) with water.

    How can I winterize my irrigation system?

    Even if you have completely drained the system, there may still be residual water in the pipes. If this freezes, material damage can usually not be ruled out. In order to better protect the systems from the effects of frost, the pipes are made of flexible polyethylene. This material can also break if water freezes in small gaps.

    Store hoses

    Drain pipes and pumps and thoroughly clean debris from equipment. Store sensitive equipment in secure boxes and keep them in a frost-free room. Hose trolleys and reels as well as wall-mounted hose boxes should also be removed and stored in a frost-free place.

    Blow out automatic irrigation systems

    If you have installed a system permanently in the ground, all residual water should be removed. Remove the valves at the lowest point to allow the water to drain out. You can use a compressor to force air into the open lines so that residual water is also removed from the lines. In this way, nozzles, distribution hoses and sprinklers are blown free.

    Seal open pipes

    To prevent moisture, small animals, insects or worms from entering the open hoses, you should seal the openings with plastic bags and rubber bands.

    Build your own irrigation system

    You can build a DIY irrigation system with just a few materials and a manageable amount of time. By building your own and using recycled materials, you not only save costs but also protect the environment.

    youtube

    Automatic watering from the rain barrel

    Use a rain barrel with a volume between 1,000 and 1,500 liters that has a connection for a garden hose. Plug the hose into the connector and seal the hose opening with a plug.

    Poke small holes in the material where you want the water to drip out. Route the hose to the base of the plants. If there is too little pressure, you have to put the water tank on a higher level.A small platform at a height of between 50 and 100 centimeters is ideal.

    tips

    Prefer self-built irrigation systems, because this makes you independent of manufacturers. Most brands' products are not compatible with each other.

    Build your own watering system from a bottle

    You need a clay cone, which is offered by Blumat or Aquasolo, for example, and costs between 15 and 20 euros in a pack of four, and a PET bottle. The porous irrigation cone is screwed onto the water-filled bottle and placed upside down in the substrate.

    To prevent negative pressure, you can poke a few holes in the bottom of the bottle. As soon as the substrate dries up, water is sucked out of the supply. A bottle with a capacity of two liters supplies a 40 cm pot with water for ten days.

    Bottles can be used to make creative watering systems

    Self-watering growing pot

    You need a PET bottle and a used kitchen towel for the self-construction variant. Cut the cloth into wide strips. Cut the bottle in two in the middle. Drill an eight to ten millimeter hole in the lid and thread a strip of kitchen towel through it.

    Secure the strip with a knot, making sure the cloth over the knot is about two inches long. Fill the belly of the bottle a few centimeters with water. Twist the cap on the bottle and tuck the top part upside down into the belly of the bottle. Now fill the bottle with seed soil and sow herbs.

    tips

    You can further modify the structure and put another bottle bottom over the culture vessel. Under this hood, an optimal microclimate for cultivation can develop.

    Build a sprinkler out of a PET bottle

    If you want to automatically water small areas in the garden, you can build your own sprinkler using a used PET bottle and a garden hose.

    You will also need:

    • hose connection
    • sealing ring
    • Screw ring of a quick coupling

    Using a sewing needle or nail, poke four rows of thin holes in one half of the PET bottle. Connect the garden hose to the hose connector and snap the bottle opening onto the connector. The sealing ring makes the connection watertight. To be on the safe side, you can fix the elements with adhesive tape. As soon as the bottle has filled with water, it sprays a water mist through the fine holes.

    frequently asked Questions

    How does the irrigation system work in Egypt?

    For thousands of years, the Egyptians have used the natural fluctuations in the water level of the Nile to irrigate their fields. The Aswan High Dam was built between 1899 and 1902 and was raised several times in the years that followed. It was considered the first dam wall that could dam a significant volume of water. It was used to regulate the tide, so that a constant flow of water could be guaranteed downstream.

    In 1937 the Jebel Aulia Dam was built on the White Nile. This held back water during high tide times in the Blue Nile. The Egyptians were able to compensate for individual low water periods of a year with the water volumes that were dammed up by the two dams. Sometimes there are extreme low tides in the country, which can last for several years. These periods could not be bridged with the water volumes. This led to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. At the same time, the canal systems were expanded.

    Functions of Aswan High Dam:

    • production of large amounts of electricity
    • Meeting agricultural water needs
    • daily water regulation for shipping

    What types of irrigation systems are there?

    There are different types of irrigation systems that are suitable for different purposes. If you want to supply water to a large lawn, the pressure on the hose plays a major role. This determines the amount of water that arrives on the surface. Irrigation from above can be useful in raised beds and greenhouses. Vegetable plants, on the other hand, should be watered at the base to prevent the leaves from getting wet. Young plants need constant soil moisture.

    Overview of irrigation systems:

    • pop-up sprinklers: sprinklers for lawn watering
    • overhead irrigation: Irrigation via a boom
    • drip irrigation: targeted watering at the base
    • spray irrigation: fine water mist

    How high does the water pressure have to be in order to use an irrigation system in the garden?

    A pressure of 0.5 bar is sufficient for the irrigation systems from Regenmeister. The amount of water available is crucial for the system to function properly. You can determine this yourself using a simple method:

    1. Turn the tap on fully and fill a 10 liter bucket
    2. meanwhile stop time in seconds
    3. Divide the value 36,000 by the result

    If you fill the bucket completely in 15 seconds, you have to divide the value 36,000 by 15 and you get the result 2,400. 2,400 liters of water are available to you per hour. You can then use this value to determine how many nozzles you can install. Manufacturers have special tables for this.

    How can I increase the pressure?

    It is possible to increase the pressure by means of pumps. You must take into account the maximum permissible pump internal pressure. This is added to the inlet pressure to determine the total pressure. If the total pressure is higher than the internal pressure of the pump, damage can occur. In the operating instructions for your pump you will find information on the maximum pressure, which is usually around six bar.

    Can I build an irrigation system myself?

    You can build a simple model from a PET bottle. Fill the bottle with water and thread a strip of kitchen towel through the bottle opening. The other end is buried in the substrate. When there is a shortage of water, the kitchen towel transports water from the bottle into the earth.

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