If you have a large collection of plants to irrigate, you may consider fitting a watering system. Seep hoses work particularly well in vegetable gardens, soaker pipes are good for newly planted borders and drip systems are suited to watering containers and specific plants.

Seep Hose Systems

Work out the length of hose you require by measuring the length of your plot and multiplying it by the number of rows you need. Add on the distance between the plot and your tap. Then, lay the seep hose out on the ground close to your plants, smoothing out any kinks in the hose.

Soaker Hose Systems

A soaker (or weeping) hose leaks water into the ground from all around and along its length. Measure where you want to lay the pipe and then add on the distance between the border and your tap. Make sure that you arrange the hose to provide good watering coverage of the planted area. You can either bury the pipe 10-15 cm (4-6 in) below the surface of the soil or leave it on the surface, so that it may be moved. You can apply a layer of mulch over the top if you want to hide it.

Drip Systems

To install a drip system, you must measure the length of pipe needed to run between plants or containers and work out the number of drip heads that you'll need. You will need to fit a pressure reducing unit to your tap into which you will fix the main delivery hose. Run the hose between the plants that need watering, connecting drip tubes to the main hose wherever they are required.