Irrigation is important to all plants, especially as drought continues. We’ve been receiving rain across most of the state but are still in drought. Even when we aren’t in a drought, irrigation is necessary and very important to overall plant health. There are many methods of irrigation, and they all have pros and cons, but any type of irrigation is better than none.

Hand Watering

Hand watering is accomplished by using a hose-end sprayer or watering can. This type of watering works best for containers and small areas. Hand watering usually doesn’t reach very deep in the soil to benefit the majority of plant roots. Often with this type of irrigation, water fills the top pore space in the soil then moves outward rather than downward and deeper into soil where many roots are. Hand watering shouldn’t be the only form of irrigation for in-ground plants. Less frequent but deeper irrigation is more beneficial. “Deep” irrigation is 6” to 8” for most flowers and vegetables, 12” to 18” for trees and shrubs and 4” to 6” for turfgrass. Hand-watering can be used as a pick-me-up for plants in a pinch or in very small locations where you can spend more time on each plant to achieve a deeper irrigation. It is a good way to get directed irrigation to certain areas. 

Overhead Irrigation

Overhead irrigation is irrigation by sprinklers. This can be a good method of irrigation because it can reach deeper into the soil profile than hand irrigation, but may lead to more problems in the garden. Diseases are found more often in plantings only watered with overhead irrigation because water splashes disease spores off soil up onto plants and from plant to plant. Overhead irrigation leaves foliage wet which can increase disease problems. To reduce disease incidence, be sure to water early in the morning to allow plants to dry out before nightfall. If they are wet overnight, this will lead to more disease problems because it creates a cool, damp area for diseases. With early morning irrigation, less water will be lost to evaporation as well. 

Weeds can also be more of a problem in gardens irrigated with sprinklers because all soil areas are watered throughout the space. Since the water is not being directed to certain plants, it provides irrigation to the spaces between plants or your walkways to encourage weed growth in those areas. 

Soaker Hoses

Soaker hoses are a better alternative to overhead irrigation because they have less water waste than sprinklers. Soaker hoses are specially designed with tiny holes throughout the hose and can provide deep irrigation over a longer period of time. Soaker hoses are great for slow, deep irrigation, but may lead to more weed problems because they irrigate more soil area. They are an easy, inexpensive method of irrigation. They can be hooked up to a spigot or a regular hose to extend their reach. They can clog over time, and are best used in a smaller space. Irrigation is uneven with soaker hoses as the end of the hose does not have as much water pressure as the beginning, leading to plenty of water at one end of the garden and not enough water at the other end.

Pay attention to how much water is being applied with a soaker hose to ensure enough water gets to the plants. Soaker hoses are often shut off too soon to provide adequate irrigation to plants. You can use a catch can underneath soaker hoses to monitor water being applied; or insert a screwdriver into soil.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is the most efficient form of irrigation in gardens and landscapes. With drip irrigation, tubing is laid out in the garden and an emitter placed by each plant to drip water at the base of the plant. This allows for deeper irrigation while eliminating overspray to bare areas and reducing water waste through evaporation and runoff. It will not lead to disease as water is not splashing up onto plants as it is being applied. It is costly initially and requires a lot more work to set up, but it is the most recommended form of irrigation and will be easier throughout the year. With drip irrigation, emitters can get clogged easily, so check them often. It is flexible with a changing landscape or garden and it can save money in less wasted water over time. It is also the best choice for water conservation because water isn’t wasted when applied. 

Separate turf and ornamentals for irrigation 

Remember to separate all turf and ornamentals for their water requirements. Different types of plants have different water needs and one method and amount of irrigation is not uniform for all plants. Turf needs irrigation more frequently but not as deeply as perennials, trees and shrubs. Vegetable gardens have other water requirements also. Just make sure you are watering to the root depth for whatever plants you are growing and with whatever method of irrigation you choose.