Drip Irrigation Cut-Off Valve

IMG_2174, a photo by Pike-uliar Gardenings on Flickr.

So I must admit, my drip irrigation installation project has been a bit...ummm..over-enthusiastic and poorly planned. I keep learning as I go, and just jamming stuff together. I have come a long way from last year when I was obsessed about measuring everything. When I was placing the 1/4 inch lines I was just eyeballing all the dimensions. As a result there is a lot of irregularity. Oh well.

One thing I learned is that it is reasonably easy to set up every bed with its own cut-off valve. I have separate 1/2 inch tube running into each bed and the cut-off valve is right up on top and easy to use. Had one of those classic moments when I first turned it on, called Bambi to come watch and nothing happened. I stood waiting for a few momemts before I realized the cut-off valve was in the Off position...whoops!

The valve shown above is a little harder (But not too bad) too install than another one carried by Irrigation Direct. The other one costs a bit more and is also much easier to take apart according to their site.

Drip Irrigation Dripping

MVI_2152 a video by Pike-uliar Gardenings on Flickr.

yup. It actually works. This stretch of tubing is not quite installed but one thing I already notice is that when it is elevated, it still drips. When soaker hose is elevated like that, the water kind of runs along it and drips it off at a lower point or when it contacts dirt. This used to result in a fair number of dry spots. So far, the drip irrigation system is pretty cool.

Irrigation Time!

IMG_2148, a photo by Pike-uliar Gardenings on Flickr.

Here's the project for the weekend: installing drip line irrigation. I got this from Irrigation Direct after evolving over the years from sprinklers to soaker hoses. I got so frustrated with soaker hoses because they were watering inconsistently, watering the wrong places, getting clogged up, etc etc.

So far, it is pretty easy to install. I am using a box cutter to cut the line and then you can just attach all the tube and fittings by hand. It is well designed for easy assembly. You can order a variety of kits that come with all the things you might need but don't know about yet. Here's my HOT tip for what you need: you will need one T coupling and one elbow coupling for each of your beds...and possibly one cut off valve for each as well. So when ordering see what the kit comes with and add some extra depending on your number of beds. This will allow you to place 1/2 inch mainline tubing in each bed and then your 1/4 inch drip lines can hook up with the mainline.

One cool thing about Irrigation Direct is that they have "how to" videos for all of their equipment. That is essential!

Drip and Soak; Bellevue, WA Irrigation Guide

During a quick detour to the Bellevue, WA Botanical Garden I found several helpful gardening guides. The irrigation guide was my favorite: http://www.bellevuewa.gov/pdf/Utilities/Drip_and_Soak.pdf . Where was this when I needed it 3 years ago?