I have had many requests asking what is the easiest way to irrigate a garden. While there are multiple different ways to accomplish this, we have found this way works the best for our fields. Even if you do not use the plasticulture, the drip irrigation will still work well. You will need the following supplies:

• Water irrigation lines (we like AquaTraxx)
• Mainline piping
• Shut off valves
• Fertilizer injection system
• Water pressure reducer
• End caps for lines, both drip tape and mainlines
• Drip line connectors
• Back-flow valve

In our system, we have always used a 1 3/4 inch garden hose to bring water to the field. This is connected to the water pressure reducer (if needed) and the backflow valve. Then it is connected to the fertilizer injection pump and then to another water hose that runs out to the mainlines. Our main lines run along the edge of the fields and connect to each drip tape at the beginning of each row. If your rows are wider, you can add two drip lines for each. Use the connectors to connect the main to the tape and an end cap on each drip.

First step: Water source. What type are you using? We use a 1 3/4 garden hose (see below for updates and changes). Run the hose out to the area you are irrigating.

Second step: Run drip tape in each row and place end caps in each end. One drip tape is enough, but you can use two if you choose.

Third step: Lay out main water line at the end of the rows. Connect the drip tape lines to the main line with the dripline connectors containing the shut off valve.

Fourth step: In smaller systems, you can place your water source right in line with the main line at the garden. To do this, connect a backflow device on the end of your water hose. The ones we use have a water pressure reducer already installed, but if yours does not you will need to add this also. Connect this to your fertilizer injector and directly connect this to your main line. You are now done at this point.

Fifth step: Set up your fertilizer using your instructions. Ours has a small tube that is placed into a bucket or large tank containing the fertilizer, which places the right amount of fertilizer into the water flow. You are now ready to make your growing season much easier with using drip tape irrigation.

UPDATE: We are making some changes this year to the main water source. In smaller gardens, it is easy to water with a garden hose that is connected to the main line and drip tape. Unfortunately, in the longer rows like we have… 600 feet in the larger rows… we need a little extra push. We will use a 1000 gallon tank fortified with a water pump which will push and force the water out to the rows. We found this out the hard way by running our water 24/7 and it still was not enough. The system sounds difficult, but once you see a diagram it really is easy. Hope this helps everyone with their watering systems this season. Just send me a message if you need more information.