Extension

Planting plants in containers is a great way to add color, texture and variety to a home’s outdoor space. However, watering all of the individual containers can be a chore.

A simple way to irrigate container plantings is with an inexpensive drip irrigation system. These systems are sold at home improvement stores, garden centers and nurseries. Kits are available that contain everything a gardener needs to install a drip irrigation system on the outdoor faucet, or you can buy the necessary components to customize your own. This type of watering system can make watering plants much easier and more efficient.

There are several advantages of using a drip irrigation system instead of the more traditional method of watering with a hose or sprinkler.

• Precise watering: A drip irrigation system will direct water directly to the base of each plant, ensuring the root system gets a big drink.
• Water efficiency: Drip irrigation uses less water than hand-watering or sprinklers. There’s minimal runoff and evaporation, which comes in handy in the hot Oklahoma summers.
• Consistent moisture levels: Containers dry out quickly. A drip system can be set up on a timer to provide regular, consistent watering.
• Healthier plants: The foliage stays dry with a drip irrigation system, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Consistent watering also promotes strong root systems.

Drip irrigation systems can be customized to meet specific needs. A programmable automatic control valve can be set to turn the water on and off as needed. Add a Y-valve to the faucet so a garden hose can be used simultaneously for other purposes. Once installed, the drip irrigation system basically runs itself. This can be a big time-saver for gardeners with busy schedules or when families are traveling.

Another great thing is that these systems can be added to and reconfigured as the container garden expands.