Use Drip Irrigation For Raised Beds To Grow More With Less
Install a drip irrigation system directly into your raised bed to keep plants lush while saving on water.
![A drip irrigation system in a raised bed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Gznc2XCDky4KJGDP6JQ7og-415-80.jpg)
A drip irrigation system is a great way to water raised beds. A drip system for raised beds gets water to the plant’s roots while keeping it off the leaves. An added bonus is you can grow more plants with less water.
Benefits of Drip Irrigation for Raised Beds
Drip irrigation involves a slow application of water to a plant's root area through individual water release mechanisms called emitters. This allows for a very focused application of water. No water is splashed on the foliage and, since the water is delivered under the soil, little is lost to evaporation. And watering so deeply encourages the roots to grow down. In addition, weeds growing between plants are deprived of water and die.
Need a raised bed to get started? These modular raised beds from Vego can be built to fit your space.
Choosing a Drip Irrigation System for Raised Beds
All drip irrigation systems have five different components:
- A water filter
- A pressure reducer
- A pressure gauge
- A header pipe
- Drip lines
The two primary types are a rigid drip system and a flexible T-tape system. The former is more expensive but lasts longer, while flexible drip tape, also called T-tape, is cheaper, but it’s only good for a season or two.
If you are just getting started with drip irrigation, consider buying a complete system from a supply company. They will sell you one based on how many containers you want to irrigate. As an alternative, retrofit your current raised beds with drip irrigation, using elbows and pipe and putting the drip lines at ground level.
Keep your maximum water pressure in mind. An irrigation drip system can not deliver more water than the supply and pressure permit. Also, be sure to design the system with your plants in mind.
How to Install Drip Irrigation in Raised Beds
Raised beds can also be retrofitted to use drip irrigation. It is just a matter of using elbows and various lengths of pipe to allow the drip lines to be at ground level between the beds.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."
Winterizing a Raised Bed Drip Irrigation System
If your winters get cold, you’ll need to winterize your irrigation system. If the temperatures are very cold, the water in the components of the system will freeze. Water expands and can split the tubes.
Drain the water out of the system through the mainline ends and the ends of the T-Tape. Then replace the line ends to keep dirt from getting in. Store the filter indoors. Flush the system when you start up again in the spring.
Teo Spengler has been gardening for 30 years. She is a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Her passion is trees, 250 of which she has planted on her land in France.
-
The Secret To Growing Jalapeños Indoors
Growing jalapeños indoors is a fun and yummy idea for all kinds of cooking. Pluck your spicy peppers all year, right at your fingertips.
By Susan Albert
-
5 Colorful Planting Recipes For Joyful Garden Beds And Containers
Transform your garden with these stunning plant combinations that will add bursts of vibrant color to beds and pots.
By Ellen Wells
-
Why You Should Try A Raised Garden Bed With A Trellis – Plus, Beautiful Design Ideas
Adding a trellis to your raised garden bed expands your growing space by leaps and bounds. Raise your raised bed to new heights!
By Amy Grant
-
The Best Wood For Raised Garden Beds: Selecting The Right One For Your Gardening Project
The best wood for raised garden beds varies in terms of durability and availability, but most importantly, it needs to be untreated. Learn about the best ones to use.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Cedar Raised Garden Bed Benefits: Which Cedar To Use And Where To Start
If you’re thinking of making a raised bed, wood is a popular choice – and cedar has striking visual appeal. Here’s why a cedar raised garden bed could work for you
By Amy Grant