Learn about the best homemade drip irrigation systems

If you enjoy gardening or have a small orchard at home, you'll know how important it is to water well, without overwatering or underwatering. This is where homemade drip irrigation systems become a great ally.

They're easy to set up, inexpensive, and above all, very efficient when it comes to saving water. They also allow you to keep your plants well hydrated even when you're not home.

What is drip irrigation and how does it work?

Drip irrigation is a system that delivers water drop by drop directly to the base of plants. This allows for much more efficient use of water and prevents waste.

Basic principles of drip irrigation

The idea is simple: apply just the right amount of water exactly where it's needed. This promotes root development and reduces evaporation.

Benefits compared to other irrigation systems

• Less water consumption.
• Prevents waterlogging and diseases caused by excess moisture.
• Water more precisely and evenly.

Advantages of making a homemade drip irrigation system

Setting up your own system has many advantages, although remember that you can get a ready-to-use drip irrigation system like those from Brikum , if you are not ready to make a homemade drip irrigation system yourself.

• It's economical: you can make it with recycled materials.
• It's simple: you don't have to be a handyman.
• It's efficient: your plants are watered without you having to keep an eye on them every day.
• It's customizable: you adapt it to your needs and type of garden.

Materials needed for a homemade irrigation system

You don't need a lot of equipment to make homemade drip irrigation systems. With just a few materials, you can set up a perfectly functioning system:

Reusable elements

• Plastic bottles (one liter or one and a half liters)
• Used straws, syringes, or droppers
• Hoses or thin plastic tubes
• Insulating tape or cable ties

Basic tools for setting up homemade drip irrigation systems

• Scissors or cutter
• Needle or pin to make holes
• Drill if you are going to use thicker pipes

Types of homemade drip irrigation systems that you can set up yourself

There are several ways to make homemade drip irrigation systems depending on the space and materials available:

System with inverted bottles

You fill a bottle with water, make small holes in the cap, and hold it upside down near the plant. The water slowly comes out.

Gravity system with perforated hose

You connect a bottle or elevated reservoir to a thin, perforated hose, which distributes water to several plants at once—another form of homemade drip irrigation system.

Homemade droppers by reusing syringes or straws

Homemade drippers can be adapted from old syringes or straws for your homemade drip irrigation systems, controlling the water flow quite precisely.

Step by step: how to install a homemade drip irrigation system

1. Study the area you'll be irrigating : Consider how many plants you have, their location, and the type of soil. This will help you plan the water route for your homemade drip irrigation systems.
2. System layout : Place the bottles, tubes, or drippers near each plant, trying to keep them as close to the stem as possible.
3. Assembly and connection : Join the tubes or hoses, secure the bottles, and check that the holes release water consistently.
4. Checking and testing : Before leaving it running, test it. Make sure the water flows well and reaches all the plants.

Tips to keep your irrigation system in good condition

• Check from time to time that the holes are not clogged.
• Clean bottles and tubes if you see algae or sediment.
• In summer, fill up your tanks more frequently.
• Adjust the holes if you see too much or too little water coming out.

Common mistakes when installing a home irrigation system and how to avoid them

• Making holes too big: the water runs out quickly.
• Do not raise the tank: without gravity, water does not flow well.
• Place the system away from the plant: water does not reach the roots.
• Use weak materials: they can break or deform.

Add-ons and enhancements to automate the system

If you want to take your homemade drip irrigation system a step further, you can make it work automatically:

Homemade timers

There are very simple kits with timers that control irrigation without you having to worry.

Recycled water tanks

You can use rainwater or reuse cooking water (cold and unsalted) for watering.

Drip irrigation is an efficient technique that delivers water directly to plant roots, optimizing water consumption and improving the health and appearance of your garden.

Although it's possible to create homemade drip irrigation systems, opting for pre-made, ready-to-use solutions offers advantages, especially in that you can be assured of their effectiveness and, since they're already ready, all you have to do is install them.

Other drip irrigation options

• Optimized design : Commercial systems are expertly designed to ensure even water distribution, adapting to a variety of plant types and needs.
  
• Ease of installation : These kits typically include detailed instructions and all necessary components, allowing for quick and hassle-free installation, even for those with no prior experience.
  
• Durability and warranty : Products from well-known brands are usually made with high-quality materials and offer warranties that support their long-term performance.

Featured drip irrigation products

Below are some recommended products:

• Gardena 1407-20 Automatic Planter Irrigation System : This system allows you to automatically water up to 6 meters of planter. It features 13 preset programs that make it easy to customize irrigation to your plants' specific needs.
• Gardena Flex Irrigation Programmer 1890-20 : ideal for balconies, terraces or patios, this automatic programmer connects directly to the tap and allows you to adjust watering periods in cycles of seconds, being especially useful for drip irrigation systems.
• Gardena 13231-26 Regulating Valve : This tool is essential for customizing the amount of water your plants receive, helping to save water and ensuring each species receives adequate irrigation.
• Gardena DSG 1771-20 5900/4 Stainless Steel Automatic Submersible Pump : With an automatic function, this pump turns on and off based on water demand, preventing losses and optimizing drip irrigation. Its stainless steel body guarantees a long service life.

Conclusion

Ultimately, homemade drip irrigation systems are a practical, economical, and sustainable solution for keeping your plants well cared for.

With very little effort and materials you have at home, you can set up a system that works and adapts to your needs. Ideal for those who want to take care of their garden and outdoors , save water and save time.

Investing in prefabricated drip irrigation systems is also a smart decision for those seeking efficiency, ease of use, and optimal results in plant care. It all depends on how handy you are and how much time you want to dedicate to your drip irrigation systems.

Brikum 's range of products offers solutions tailored to a variety of needs, ensuring adequate and sustainable irrigation.