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FEATURE DIY IRRIGATION
Understanding the parts that build an irrigation system In times where water is considered to be a scarce and valuable commodity, we should take every measure we can to preserve it. However, this does not mean that you have to neglect your garden. Understand garden irrigation better through this practical guide. MICRO IRRIGATION
SPRAYERS
HOSEPIPES
Typically, a sprayer offers a larger volume of water than micro irrigation or dripping. This might be Using micro irrigation is a solution for areas where
necessary in parts of a garden which are more
Hosepipes typically come in various lengths
water is scarce. Micro irrigation allows for lower
densely grown or for plants which require more
and you are able to choose a length which will
pressure and flow than a traditional irrigation
water. There are various types of sprayers which
suit particular gardening needs. Hosepipes are
system. The low flow of water allows for nutrients
can be used for different purposes. Micro sprayers
available in different diameters, lengths – with or
to be better absorbed by the ground and there is
allow for a lower pressure and volume spray. These
without connectors.
no water runoff which wastes water. These systems
can be used as part of a micro irrigation system. The
are sometimes available in a starter kit that has all
micro sprayers are useful in gardens to provide a low
the products necessary to start a micro irrigation
volume of water and prevent any water wastage.
PIPE CONNECTORS
system at home. CONNECTOR AND SPRAYERS DRIPPERS
Connectors and sprayers can all be used to connect
Hose pipe connectors are used to connect the end
to a garden hose to spray the garden either by
of the hose to tap connectors. Hose connectors
Dripping is another form of micro irrigation that
hand or placing the sprayer in the garden. This is
are also used to extend or connect two pieces of
can be used as a more water conscious way of
a manual method of watering the garden and the
pipe together, or to divide a pipe in two opposite
irrigating a garden. A dripper system consists
user will have more control over which areas get
directions if you wish to lengthen the pipe.
of a pipe or hose that has holes made into it and
water and also the volume of water being used. TIMERS AND REGULATORS
placed on the surface of the ground to slowly release water into the ground as it is needed.
PIPE
Timers are devices which can be connected to
Drip pipe is available in a range of shapes and
There are three types of piping that are generally
an irrigation system to automatically set the
sizes depending on the specific requirements
used namely, galvanised piping (silver in
time for the garden’s irrigation system to begin
of the end user, even though the basic concept
appearance), copper piping (bronze in appearance)
as well as the duration required. This makes it
would remain the same. Another important
and PVC/plastic piping (usually blue or Black in
more convenient to always make sure your
advantage of drip irrigation is that it is corrosion
colour). If the main water source also supplies the
garden is hydrated. Various types of timers
resistant, allowing the use of chemicals, fertilisers
house, then it usually can be determined what pipe
are available and each offers different functions
and herbicides. Also, the irrigation system
type it is at the location in which it enters the home.
for example having a wireless timer that can
offers reliable performance that requires
If not, then it’s time to get hands dirty and dig down
be controlled on a smartphone, or a manual timer
very little or no maintenance.
to the pipe to see which type of pipe is in place.
that is connected to a garden tap.
AUGUST 2020 DIY & INDUSTRIAL TRADE NEWS
