September42022

Drip irrigation with your own hands for cottages without costs: do it yourself

Drip irrigation with your own hands for a cottage without costs: do it yourself easily and simply

Today, the most popular irrigation option in the suburban area is drip irrigation. Water gets directly under the roots of plants, so such a system allows you to save on the consumption of water resources, facilitate the labor-intensive watering process and increase yields. This irrigation option can be purchased with a ready-made kit or made yourself. Drip irrigation with your own hands for cottages without costs: DIY a system from improvised materials.

Drip irrigation system for plants is one of the most popular

What is drip irrigation: a feature of the irrigation system

Drip irrigation is a system of regular and uniform provision of moisture to the root system of plants, which helps to moisten the soil directly under the planting. Such irrigation allows you to significantly save water. The soil is not excessively waterlogged and does not swamp between the rows, as it happens with other water supply options. This contributes to the active supply of oxygen to the root system, which has a beneficial effect on plant growth, thereby increasing productivity.

Thanks to the drip irrigation system, water gets directly under the roots of the plant

Drip irrigation system reduces the complexity of caring for green crops. And with an automated process, you can leave the site unattended for several days without worrying that the plants will remain without water.

The equipment can be very diverse. But any system includes trunk pipelines for the supply and distribution of water and branch branches that supply water directly to the root system of each green space. The system is connected to a centralized water supply, a storage tank (gravity version) or to a pumping station. It can be equipped with automation, sometimes its control is carried out manually. Depending on these criteria, system components are selected.

Components of the irrigation system and their characteristics

The main element of the system is the source of water supply. It can be represented by a water pipe, a well or a water measuring tank, which is installed at a height of at least 1.5 m. The next mandatory element is a filter for drip irrigation with your own hands, thanks to which the system will not be clogged with various small debris.

The device can be vortex, disk or mesh. The latter option is considered more popular, due to its low cost. The vortex filter is used for irrigation systems of large areas. The disk element is characterized by excellent performance and high cost, which is not justified at all for small suburban areas.

Metal or plastic pipes are used to transport water

If the source of water supply is a well or well, the system must be equipped with a pumping unit. The most appropriate option is considered to be a centrifugal type of device. The distribution network of drip irrigation with your own hands consists of pipelines and hoses. Metal or plastic pipes can be used for the main backbone network. Metal products are characterized by strength, reliability and durability. However, the material is corroded, which will result in damage to the system.

Polyethylene or polypropylene pipelines are a more acceptable option. The products are characterized by strength, smooth inner wall, which eliminates the possibility of deposits forming inside the system. Plastic pipes are able to withstand temperature fluctuations and the negative effects of aggressive substances.

Drip tapes for irrigation system with your own hands

For the organization of taps to each row, drip tapes in the form of a flat thin-walled tube are mainly used in the arrangement of the irrigation system with their own hands, which has special devices for water supply built inside. The tape is designed for pressure up to 1 bar. When it is increased, the product may break. The maximum length of the tape is 100 m.

Drip irrigation tape can be emitter or slit

You can buy a drip tape slit or emitter. In the first variant, a labyrinth is located along the entire length of the product, which distributes water evenly. At certain distances, holes are made in it for the release of water. This type of tape is prone to clogging, so it requires the installation of a good filter.

Flat droppers equipped with a labyrinth system are placed inside the emitter tape, thanks to which water is supplied to plants. Emitters can be located at different distances in the range of 10-35 cm, which is determined by the type of crops being watered. The lower this value, the higher the cost of the product. The emitter tape is more reliable than the slit tape, and this affects the cost of the product.

When choosing a tape, you should pay attention to its thickness, which affects the strength and durability of the product. The thinnest element will last no more than one season and is suitable exclusively for greenhouses.

Features of using drip tubes with external droppers

The drip tube is made of HDPE, is rigid and durable. It is available without holes and is designed for self-installation of external droppers. The wall thickness of the product is 0.9-1.2 mm. The material is resistant to UV rays. The drip tube is able to withstand pressure up to 6 bar.

Drip tubes are tough and durable, can withstand pressure up to 6 bar

External droppers are used when organizing drip irrigation at the dacha individually for each plant. To ensure the normal operation of the system, it is necessary to have a high pressure in the network. These devices can be connected through thin hoses or connected directly to a drip pipe.

There are several types of external droppers. Compensated ones are used for uniform irrigation with a very long drip tape, as well as in areas with a slope. They work exclusively from the pressure system. Less prone to contamination with small debris. Uncompensated devices are used with a small length of the drip pipe and on flat areas. This option is used for gravity systems from the tank. They can function at low network pressure. There are also dropper pegs that are used for spot watering. The product is installed in the root zone of the planting.

Useful advice! For drip irrigation of tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants and peppers, it is advisable to use drip tubes with external droppers.

The advantage of such pipes is that you can independently choose the installation step and adjust the volume of water output. The disadvantages include the high cost of the product (in comparison with drip tapes), the time-consuming and lengthy process of cleaning droppers.

Drip tubes are usually used for watering tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and other vegetables

How to choose the right timers for drip irrigation

When arranging drip irrigation, a timer should be set. It performs the following functions:

manages the irrigation system;
controls the operation of the pump motor;
starts and stops the water supply;
provides operation of several lines at the same time.

The timer runs on batteries. When you change them, all programs are saved on it. The device can be equipped with a water meter function. There are mechanical and electronic timers. The first option works on a spring, providing continuous watering for up to 24 hours. The adjustment of the mode is made manually. Any action cannot be programmed indefinitely. Such a device can be used for small areas where the irrigation process is constantly monitored by the owner.

An electronic timer allows you to program the process. The device has mechanical or software control. The first option is set for one week with a watering duration of no more than 2 hours. An innovative device is a program-controlled timer with 16 commands. It can be used to irrigate crops with different irrigation modes. The equipment is equipped with an air humidity sensor. Such an expensive option (in comparison with other devices) is recommended to be installed for watering large areas, as well as in greenhouses.

For watering greenhouses and large territories, it is better to purchase an electronic timer

If the system is connected to a centralized water pipe or pump, you should choose a device with a solenoid valve, and for irrigation from a barrel by gravity – with a ball valve.

How to make drip irrigation with your own hands from plastic pipes and hoses

When arranging a drip irrigation system from ready-made components, it is necessary to choose exclusively high-quality products so that it will last for many years and money will not be wasted. The irrigation scheme should be quite simple, having a minimum number of connectors. At the junctions of the elements, the pressure weakens, which contributes to the accumulation of small debris particles.

The installation of the system is preceded by the creation of the layout of all its constituent elements, and this, in turn, depends on the layout of the plot and the location of the beds. The diagram should indicate the source of water supply, the main pipe and outlet hoses so that the amount of necessary materials can be calculated. As a source of water supply for drip irrigation, it is better to use a plastic barrel. This material does not corrode, which will not only increase the service life of the product, but also eliminate the possibility of clogging the system with rust particles.

Polypropylene pipes for drip irrigation are more preferable

A main pipeline is connected to the water supply source, which can be made of metal or plastic. A more preferable option is the laying of polypropylene drip irrigation pipes with your own hands. The main branch is located perpendicular to the beds and has a larger diameter than the outlet pipelines. All elements of drip irrigation with their own hands from plastic pipes are connected by compression fittings. After the shut-off valve of the water supply source, a coarse filter is installed on the main line.

If drip tapes are used as discharge pipelines, then holes are drilled in the trunk for their fastening with the help of starting fittings. Hoses are placed as close as possible to the row with plants. A plug is installed at the end of each tape. Next, the system is checked for operability.

If an underground installation of the system is planned, it is necessary to dig a trench 30-70 cm deep under the pipelines. It is necessary to fill the bottom with a layer of rubble and lay the mounted system. Then it is tested, after which it is filled with soil. You can study the installation process in detail on the video of drip irrigation in the country.

Important! Drip irrigation pipelines laid underground are highly susceptible to clogging.

For the manufacture of drip irrigation, it is necessary to purchase high-quality components

Drip irrigation from plastic bottles: features of the irrigation option

Plastic bottles and cans can be used to make not only decorative elements for the improvement of the territory. Of these, a full-fledged drip irrigation system is organized in the suburban area, which allows for soil moistening for 3-4 days.

Based on numerous reviews, drip irrigation from plastic bottles is advisable to produce from containers with a volume of up to 2.5 liters. Water saturation with soil depends on the type of soil, this determines the number of holes in the container, thanks to which sufficient moisture will be provided, which will eliminate the possibility of overflow or under-watering. For example, sandy soils absorb moisture well. In this case, 1-2 holes in the bottle will be enough, and for heavy soils, more of them should be provided. With bottles with a capacity of 1 liter, drip watering of cucumbers and tomatoes is provided for 4-5 days, 3 liters – 10 days, 6 liters – for 14-15 days.

Drip irrigation with the help of plastic containers is advisable to organize in small areas. For vast territories, it will take too much effort and time to re-fill the container with water.

Useful advice! The plastic system can be used for fertilizing and fertilizing various crops.

The principle of irrigation of plants with plastic bottles

The main advantages of creating drip irrigation from plastic containers:

significant water savings;
minimum financial costs for the organization of the system;
individual approach to each green space;
easy installation, operation and maintenance;
targeted intake of moisture and fertilizing.

Irrigation system in the country: a variety of options for irrigation of plants

The choice of pipe material for irrigation and irrigation. The key points of installing the system with your own hands.

Among the disadvantages of the system , the following positions can be distinguished:

frequent clogging of the system due to the inability to install a filter;
unaesthetic appearance of the plot;
constant replenishment of the water supply manually;
in the sultry days of hot summer, the plastic system may not be able to cope with the full water supply of plants.

With the help of plastic bottles, you can make a full-fledged irrigation system

Useful advice! You can create a filter for each bottle by using nylon tights.

Ways to organize drip irrigation from plastic bottles with your own hands

There are several ways to create drip irrigation from plastic containers. The system can carry out surface and subsurface irrigation.

Underground homemade drip watering of roots with plastic bottles can be performed in several ways. The most popular is the option of digging containers between adjacent bushes to a depth of 10-15 cm bottom down. Along the entire bottle, before it begins to narrow to the neck, it should be made by means of a gypsy needle or an awl hole, retreating 3 cm from the bottom of the container. The number of holes on average is 10-12 pcs. for a container of 2 liters. A container wrapped with a thin cloth is dug into a pre-prepared hole, filled with water and closed with a lid.

As the container is emptied, which occurs under the pressure of the earth, it can deform. To avoid this, a pressure equalization hole should be pierced in the lid, and it is also necessary to replenish water supplies in a timely manner.

The most popular option for irrigation from a plastic bottle is digging containers between plants

Another similar option is the location of the container with the lid down. For this method, it is necessary to cut off the bottom of the bottle and screw the lid on the neck. Holes are made throughout the entire area of the container, not reaching the top by 2-3 cm. The bottle, previously wrapped with gauze, is placed in the hole and filled with water. To prevent debris from falling into the water, the container is covered with a previously cut bottom from above.

Intra-soil drip irrigation with your own hands for the cottage can be organized with the help of special oblong-shaped nozzles with holes. They can be bought in specialized stores for summer residents and gardeners. The nozzle is screwed onto the neck of the container instead of the lid. In this case, bottles with a capacity of up to 2.5 liters should be used, since there are no such devices for containers of 5-6 liters. The bottle with the neck down is inserted into the ground to the depth of the nozzle. The bottom of the container can not be cut off. After emptying the container, the tip is unscrewed, it is filled with water, and the manipulation is repeated.

Basal and surface drip watering with your own hands from bottles

With the help of plastic containers, it is possible to carry out basal drip watering of the garden by directing water drops directly under the root of each plant. For this method, it is better to choose a capacity of 1.5 liters. A hole is made in the central part of the lid by means of a nail. Next, cut the bottom of the bottle at an angle of 30-40 degrees. The container itself will be located at the same slope relative to the ground. The container is secured with several sticks and tape as close as possible to the bush, tilting the neck in such a way as to ensure that water gets directly under the rhizome.

Another option, which is often used in a greenhouse, involves watering the plant at some distance. To do this, take a small container and an ordinary ballpoint pen rod, previously cleaned of paste residues with gasoline or solvent. One end of it is tightly closed with a toothpick or a match. The other is inserted into the opening of the bottle. It is better to seal the joint with plasticine.

Drip irrigation from plastic bottles can be basal and superficial

Holes must be made in the rod, the number and size of which will depend on the required humidification intensity. It is directed under the root of the plant, depending on which the bottle is dug into the ground to the desired depth. The container is filled with water and closed with a lid.

For a small area, you can make a suspension system. To do this, a support is built over the bushes, a metal rod or wire is stretched, to which bottles will be suspended. A number of small holes should be made in the bottom or lid of the container, depending on its location. The main advantage of this method is that the water to the plant will come warm due to the fact that it is heated under the influence of the sun.

The container is hung above the bed at a height of 30-50 cm from ground level. The location of the bottle should be chosen based on the optimal hit of drops under the plant, and not on its leaves.

Useful advice! It is not necessary to perform many holes at once. They can be added as needed to increase the flow of water.

If the irrigation area is small, then you can make a suspension system

Drip irrigation with your own hands for giving without costs: DIY from medical droppers

Another economical option is to install a drip irrigation system from medical droppers. It is rational to arrange it in areas with different-grade crops, watering of which should be carried out in different quantities. This procedure becomes possible due to the fact that the droppers are equipped with special regulating wheels that allow you to select the required intensity of fluid intake. The disadvantage of such a system is the rapid clogging of droppers, which requires periodic flushing.

To create a drip irrigation system with your own hands, you should prepare:

disposable medical droppers;
hoses for distribution of water over beds;
connecting and shut-off valves for droppers and hoses.

Useful advice! It is recommended to choose all components in a dark color, which will prevent water blooming in the system.

Irrigation of plants with medical droppers is a simple and economical option

Before installing such a device, a drip irrigation scheme should be displayed on a sheet of paper, which is performed based on the location of the beds where irrigation should be provided. Based on this, the surface wiring of the supply pipes is carried out on the site. To do this, you can use polyethylene or rubber products. The connection of all elements is carried out using tees. A plug must be installed at the end of each hose.

The system can be connected from a centralized water supply or from a storage tank located at a certain height. Also in this case, you can create automatic watering by setting a timer or controller at the beginning of the system. A hole is made in the distribution pipes opposite each plant, where the plastic end of the dropper is inserted. Tubes of elements are bred for each bush.

Useful advice! In order for the drip irrigation system from medical droppers to last as long as possible, a fine filter should be installed at its very beginning (after the water supply source).

Overview of ready-made drip irrigation systems, their characteristics

The Beetle drip irrigation system from a domestic manufacturer is one of the most popular among gardeners. It can be connected to a centralized water supply or to a storage tank. In the case of using the latter option, the kit includes a level tube, through which you can control the amount of water remaining in the barrel. Manufacturers produce drip irrigation systems “Beetle” for 60 plants and 30 plantings. Usually the device is equipped with a timer and a filter. You can additionally buy drip irrigation “Beetle”, designed for 20 plants.

The finished drip irrigation system “Beetle” is the most popular on the domestic market

Irrigation kits “Drop” are equipped with emitter tapes with a dropper pitch of 0.3 m. Due to the complex maze of channels inside the dropper, the probability of its clogging is eliminated. The system is designed for an area of 25 m2. It can be connected both to the water supply and to the storage tank. The controller is not included in the kit.

A more reliable analogue of the “Beetle” irrigation system is the “Water Meter” model, which is designed for drip irrigation of small greenhouses. The kit consists of a 12 m long hose, a controller, 40 droppers and connecting elements. The system is organized for irrigation exclusively from the tank, since the operating pressure in the network should not exceed 1 bar. The barrel is most often located at a height of 50 m .

The Belarusian drip irrigation system “Aquadusya” has several varieties suitable for watering an area of different sizes. It can be equipped with a controller or be without it, connected to a water supply or storage tank.

Drip irrigation “Harvest” -1 is also produced with long-length emitter tapes. The system can be additionally equipped with a filter and automation. Another budget option is the Tomato drip irrigation system with drip tubes, external droppers and a timer. The kit also includes special splitters that facilitate the installation of the system. The most expensive model includes a controller and a submersible pump.

Scheme of operation of the drip irrigation system “Aquadusya”

The watering system “Istok” includes a 25 m drip tube with a step between droppers of 30 cm. The device is equipped with a filter and fittings necessary for connection to the storage tank. Some models are equipped with a controller and a pump.

Today you can buy a drip irrigation system, which includes all possible elements. But such a solution requires significant financial costs. A more economical option is to create such a mechanism from ready-made components. In addition, you can make yourself a watering system for the cottage from improvised materials, such as plastic bottles and medical droppers. The choice depends on the nature of the territory, its area, the number and type of green spaces, personal preferences and financial capacity of the owner.