With an irrigation system you remain flexible because you don't have to worry about watering replacement when you're away. There are solutions for large gardens as well as for greenhouses, raised beds and planters. Irrigation systems can be used inside and outside.
Is the Gardena irrigation system worth it?
Gardena's irrigation system was the test winner of Stiftung Warentest in 2018. Four systems were tested that allow the garden to be watered automatically. The battery-operated devices can operate two circuits that run independently of each other. The manufacturer, which provides a free online irrigation planner for your own garden, offers the customer a complete system for garden irrigation. This can be operated both manually and automatically.
Hoses
The system is based on garden hoses, which are ideal for continuous outdoor use due to their material. The hoses are UV-resistant and made of environmentally friendly material that is free of heavy metals and toxic plasticizers. The manufacturer promises that the hoses can withstand even high water pressure and retain their shape.
The Power Grip profile is intended to ensure that the hoses can be combined with the brand's system parts. For greater comfort and improved space saving, the brand has developed a spiral hose that is also suitable for small gardens, balconies and terraces. The hose contracts automatically after use and does not need to be wound up by hand.
Fasteners
The hose connector systems are easy to use and can be plugged into the hoses in just a few steps. They ensure that no water escapes from the connection points.
Product overview:
- Tap connector: for indoor and outdoor taps, with or without thread
- Hose connector: for dividing, expanding or repairing hoses
- water stop: automatic water stop
Sprinklers and showers
Showers are available in very different designs
The product range is completed by a diverse range of spray nozzles with a sharp water jet and showers for gentle irrigation. Here too, the manufacturer has thought about a high level of comfort. All products are equipped with an ergonomic handle and are designed to withstand frosty temperatures without damage.
Gardena offers a range of sprinklers for even moistening of large areas. However, Stiftung Warentest criticized the unnecessarily high water loss. The system must be completely filled with water before it can build up enough pressure. After use, the hoses run completely empty.
Advantages and disadvantages
Gardena is one of the market leaders in the field of irrigation systems. The manufacturer allows customers to easily access information. All instructions are available online. However, the brand is often more expensive than the competition and the plug-in system makes the customer dependent on this manufacturer. If replacement parts are required, the garden owner must again resort to Gardena products.
Alternatives to the market leader
If you only have a small garden or need a simple solution for watering while on vacation, you will find a number of suppliers and manufacturers on the market. There are inexpensive offers at Obi, Hornbach or Bauhaus. If you don't need to do any large-scale planning and the focus is not on a professional irrigation system, you can get a good overview of the product range on Amazon.
| Target group | Systems | Special feature | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter | Companies and homeowners | Lawn and tree root watering | Planning manual available online |
| Lechuza | Hobby gardener | Pot watering | various inserts for pots |
| Emsa | Hobby gardener | Pot watering | Watering indoor and outdoor planters |
| Royal Curtainer | Private and commercial gardeners | Greenhouse, balcony and terrace, lawn | wide range |
| Blumat | Hobby gardener | Drip irrigation and irrigation control | Clay cone acts as a powerless sensor |
| Rainbird | Home gardeners and tradespeople | Lawn irrigation, micro systems | large spare parts warehouse |
| WaterDrops | Hobby gardener | Complete set for bed irrigation | solar powered |
Where can an irrigation system be used?
With the right irrigation system and setting, the entire garden can be watered automatically
The uses for a sprinkler system are varied. There are complete solutions for watering large lawns in the garden or micro versions with which you can automatically supply your plants on balconies, terraces or in the greenhouse with water. This way you can go on vacation without worrying about your plants drying out.
Irrigation systems are so versatile:
- Grab: automatic irrigation system without water connection with tank
- Garden house: underground or above ground via a drip hose
- Indoor: non-electric drip systems made of clay or powered systems with pump
- Outdoor: Watering trees, bamboo or hedges via hose systems
- Smart flower pot: double-walled vessel with battery-operated irrigation system, sensor data can be read via app
Automatic irrigation systems for large areas
Basically, automated systems work with a pressure reducer that is connected to a tap. Many systems include a filter so that they do not become clogged with dirt particles from rainwater. The device can be designed and expanded as desired. The main hose can be connected to distribution pipes using connecting elements. They then spray the plants.
The water flow can also be automated with the help of irrigation computers. These work with solar energy or are battery operated. This controls when and how long the water should flow. A sensor measures the moisture level in the soil. The measured values determine the casting time. The plants are only watered when they really need water.
Good to know:
- adjustable water quantity
- Underground installation possible
- Admixing devices for additional fertilization can be integrated
- recommended for large lawns and gardens
The irrigation system can be laid underground or hidden
Which pump is suitable?
All pumps work with a negative pressure, which sucks in the water. There are various methods to create this negative pressure. Pumps are classified based on how they work or where they are located. Therefore, there are numerous names for the same models.
Excursus
Old water supply with handle or piston pumps
These models are remnants of the past and are now used as decorations in many gardens. They have a piston and valve. As soon as the piston pulls up, a negative pressure is created and the valve opens. The water can flow through until the piston drops again and the valve is closed by an increase in pressure. These pumps are operated manually by a lever. Since the system fills with air, it first has to flow out through pumping movements. When the pipes are vented, the water is sucked in.
Centrifugal pump
On these models, small impellers ensure pressure build-up. When these rotate, a negative pressure is created and the water is sucked in. The performance of such pumps depends on the number of impellers. This can also influence the maximum delivery head. Centrifugal pumps must be suspended in water in order to work. If there is too much air in the lines, the pump will only start with great difficulty. Therefore, the pumps must be bled before use.
jet pump
This variant is based on the centrifugal pump, but avoids the disadvantage of ventilation. The pump itself ensures sufficient ventilation. Such models are also called self-priming. Jet pumps are also known as jet pumps. Since they are being used more and more frequently to irrigate lawns, beds and borders, the term garden pumps has become established for numerous motor-driven or electricity-dependent jet pumps. These suck the water from a storage container.
Plan your own irrigation system
If you would like to integrate an automatic irrigation system into your garden, you can plan it online. Many manufacturers offer a free planning tool that makes your preparations easier. This first step is very important so that the system works properly later.
Available amount of water
It often happens that too many sprinklers are integrated into the irrigation circuit. The water pressure is often not enough, so the system is not being used to capacity. With special measuring devices you can calculate the dynamic water pressure that exists in the pipes. You can then determine the number of sprinklers.
Create a sketch
For better planning, you should draw your garden to scale. You can determine the exact position of the sprinklers on the plan. Not every centimeter matters. However, with this method you prevent a 20 centimeter wide strip of lawn from drying out later.
Sprinklers must overlap
Basically, the further you move away from the nozzle, the less precipitation there is per square meter. At the outer edge of the irrigation area, less water comes onto the ground than in the immediate vicinity. To compensate for this, you should set up the sprinklers in a triangular or square arrangement. By spraying the water on each other, even irrigation is achieved.
Irrigation on a small scale
Micro irrigation refers to the efficient watering of flower pots and polyrattan plant pots, hedges and beds. With this method, only a small area of soil is irrigated. Normally, watering is done directly on the plant using drip or spray irrigation.
Advantages of Micro Irrigation:
- Water saving
- targeted and optimized pouring
- ideal for watering while on vacation
Herb pot
Herbs can be evenly hydrated with a simple watering system. The Emsa Aqua Plus irrigation system uses the wick principle. Water is automatically sucked out of a reservoir via a special fleece and fed into the plant substrate in the flower pot.
The Fresh Herbs Trio herb pot works according to this principle. A special planter serves as a water reservoir that can be filled through a special opening. A small flower will move out of the opening with the water level once the reservoir is completely filled. The pot offers space for three standard plastic pots.
Houseplants and flowers
Lechuza has developed an irrigation system for potted plants, which can be used for watering indoor plants and for outdoor planters. If you want to place the rattan plant pots on the terrace and balcony, you can unscrew a ground screw. This opening has an overflow so that excess rainwater can drain downwards while still maintaining a water supply at all times.
Greenhouse
There are various options for automatically supplying water to planters or vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers in the greenhouse. The Tropf-Blumat system does not require any electronics. It regulates itself and opens the drippers as soon as the substrate becomes too dry. The system can be expanded and branched out as desired using additional elements. It can be operated via a high tank or connected directly to the tap with an appropriate pressure reducer. This type of watering is also suitable for potted plants on the balcony.
Drip irrigation is often used in greenhouses
Hedge
The manufacturer Regenmeister offers a complete solution for watering hedges for around 70 euros. A water line is laid above ground along the trunks and provided with a metering piece approximately every two meters. Nozzles are attached to these parts, which can water the hedge along the water line at a distance of 1.8 meters on each side. If a spray point is no longer needed or should be left out, it can be closed with small stoppers.
Raised bed
Beds can be watered using spray or drip systems. With spray irrigation, the plants are supplied with water from above via a pole. A garden hose is connected to the pole. The water pressure can be regulated by hand using valves. Drip irrigation works via clay cones that act as sensors. If the substrate dries out, the suction power of the soil increases. This opens the passage of the clay cone, allowing water to flow through.
Drip irrigation provides plants with water exactly when they need it. This counteracts water waste.
Balcony box and hanging basket
Special irrigation solutions are also available for flower boxes and hanging baskets. There are numerous models such as the Geli Aqua-Flor Plus flower box that are equipped with an intermediate shelf. Below is the water reservoir, which is filled via a filler neck. The intermediate floor contains several suction cones that are filled with soil when the pots are planted. As soon as the substrate dries out, the water is sucked out of the supply. A water level indicator tells you when you need to refill your balcony boxes with water.
How can I winterize my irrigation system?
Even if you have completely drained the system, there may still be residual water in the pipes. If this freezes, material damage usually cannot be ruled out. In order to better protect the systems from the effects of frost, the pipes are made of flexible polyethylene. This material can also break if water freezes in small spaces.
Store hoses
Let the pipes and pumps run empty and thoroughly clean the devices of any deposits. Store sensitive devices in secure boxes and store them in a frost-free room. Hose trolleys and drums as well as wall hose boxes should also be dismantled and stored frost-free.
Blow out automatic irrigation systems
If you have installed a system firmly in the ground, all residual water should be removed. Remove the valves at the lowest point to allow the water to drain out. You can use a compressor to force air into the open pipes so that residual water is also removed from the pipes. In this way, nozzles, distribution hoses and sprinklers are blown free.
Seal open pipes
So that neither moisture nor small animals, insects or worms can penetrate the open hoses, you should seal the openings with plastic bags and rubber bands.
Build your own irrigation system
You can build a DIY irrigation system with just a few materials and a manageable amount of time. By building your own and using recycled materials, you not only save costs but also protect the environment.
Automatic watering from the rain barrel
Use a rain barrel with a volume of between 1,000 and 1,500 liters that has a connection for a garden hose. Plug the hose into the connector and close the hose opening with a plug.
Put small holes in the material where you want the water to drip out. Route the hose to the base of the plants. If there is too little pressure, you will need to move the water container to a higher level. A small platform at a height of between 50 and 100 centimeters is ideal.
Tip
Prefer self-built irrigation systems, because this means you are independent of manufacturers. Most brands' products are not compatible with each other.
Build your own irrigation system from a bottle
You need a clay cone, which is offered by Blumat or Aquasolo, for example, and costs between 15 and 20 euros in a pack of four, as well as a PET bottle. The porous irrigation cone is screwed onto the bottle filled with water and inserted upside down into the substrate.
So that no negative pressure is created, you can poke a few holes in the bottom of the bottle. As soon as the substrate dries out, water is sucked out of the supply. A bottle with a capacity of two liters supplies a 40 cm pot with water for ten days.
Creative irrigation systems can be made from bottles
Self-watering propagator
For the DIY version, you need a PET bottle and a used kitchen towel. Cut the cloth into wide strips. Cut the bottle in half in half. Drill an eight to ten millimeter hole in the lid and thread a strip of kitchen towel through it.
Secure the strip with a knot and make sure that the cloth above the knot is about five centimeters long. Fill the bottle belly a few centimeters with water. Turn the lid onto the bottle and insert the top part upside down into the bottle's belly. Now fill the bottle with sowing soil and sow herbs.
Tip
You can modify the structure further and put another bottle base over the growing container. An optimal microclimate for cultivation can develop under this hood.
Build a sprinkler from a PET bottle
If you want to automatically water small areas in the garden, you can build your own sprinkler using a discarded PET bottle and a garden hose.
You also need:
- Hose connection
- Seal ring
- Screw ring of a quick coupling
Prick four rows of thin holes in one half of the PET bottle using a sewing needle or nail. Connect the garden hose to the hose connector and place the bottle opening onto the connector. The sealing ring makes the connection watertight. To be on the safe side, you can fix the elements with adhesive tape. As soon as the bottle has filled with water, it sprays a mist of water through the fine holes.
Frequently asked questions
How does the irrigation system work in Egypt?
The Egyptians have used the natural water level fluctuations of the Nile to irrigate their fields for thousands of years. The Aswan Dam was built between 1899 and 1902 and was raised several times in the following years. It was considered the first dam that could store a significant volume of water. It served to regulate flooding so that a constant flow of water downstream could be guaranteed.
In 1937, the Jebel Aulia Dam was built on the White Nile. This retained water in the Blue Nile during flood times. With the volumes of water that were dammed up by the two dams, the Egyptians were able to compensate for individual low-water periods throughout the year. In some cases there are extreme low tides in the country that can last for several years. These periods could not be bridged with the amount of water. This led to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. At the same time, the canal systems were expanded.
Features of Aswan High Dam:
- Production of large amounts of electricity
- Meeting agricultural water needs
- daily water regulation for shipping
What types of irrigation systems are there?
There are different types of irrigation systems that are suitable for different purposes. If you want to supply water to a large lawn, the pressure on the hose plays a big role. This decides the amount of water that reaches the area. In raised beds and greenhouses, irrigation from above can be useful. Vegetable plants, on the other hand, should be watered at the base so that the leaves do not get wet. Young plants need constant soil moisture.
Overview of irrigation systems:
- Pop-up sprinkler: Sprinklers for lawn irrigation
- Overhead irrigation: Irrigation via a boom
- Drip irrigation: targeted watering at the base
- Spray irrigation: fine water mist
How high does the water pressure have to be to use an irrigation system in the garden?
A pressure of 0.5 bar is sufficient for Regenmeister irrigation systems. The amount of water available is crucial for the system to function properly. You can determine this yourself using a simple method:
- Turn the tap on fully and fill a 10 liter bucket
- while stopping time in seconds
- Divide value 36,000 by the result
If you have completely filled the bucket in 15 seconds, you have to divide the value 36,000 by 15 and get the result 2,400. You have 2,400 liters of water available per hour. You can then use this value to determine how many nozzles you can install. The manufacturers have special tables for this.
How can I increase the pressure?
It is possible to increase the pressure using pumps. You must take into account the maximum permissible internal pump pressure. This is added to the inlet pressure to determine the total pressure. If the total pressure is higher than the internal pump pressure, damage can occur. In the operating instructions for your pump you will find information about the maximum pressure, which is usually around six bar.
Can I build an irrigation system myself?
You can build a simple model from a PET bottle. Fill the bottle with water and thread a strip of kitchen towel through the bottle opening. The other end is buried in the substrate. If there is a lack of water, the kitchen towel transports water from the bottle into the ground.