Drip it don't drop it

The popularity of Drip Irrigation Systems has been rising in the past years. It is true that this method of irrigation is usually a bit more expensive than sprinklers and isn't as resistant on the long run, but on the other hand the water saving and the system's efficiency definitely make it worth it. So why not giving it a try?

First of all, this system waters plants and flowers more slowly and the water goes straight to the roots, so no water goes to waste.

Moreover, it requires to be activated with less frequency than sprinklers.
In most countries it's one day of irrigation every week during the winter, two days during spring and fall and three during the summer.

Did you get one yet?
If you did here are two basic suggestions to start and keep up a satisfying drip irrigation system.

1. In order to figure out how long to leave it running, you can measure how much water your emitter produces and according to that and your plant's needs, set the system's timer.
So take a spoon and measure how many seconds the system takes to fill it up.
14 seconds = 1 gph (gallon per hour)
7 seconds = 2 gph
4 seconds = 4 gph
If your system is of the first kind, producing 1gph, usually you should leave it running for about 90 minutes, if it's the second (2gph) for about 60 minutes and if the third (4gph) for about 30 minutes.
(If your plants require a higher-flow emitter you can get one that produces up to 20 gph and leave it for about 12 minutes each watering.)

2. In order to keep your drip irrigation system in good shape check its line periodically for breaks, or its emitters for clogs.
Make sure that each emitter releases the right amount of water.
Also you should flush the drip irrigation lines and filters about twice each year. You can do this by uncapping the end cap on the drip line and letting water flush through the line.

Good luck!