All About Drip Irrigation! 💧 :: The Basics, Set Up, and Maintenance! :: Plus Some Tips and Tricks! 💧 

Great video Janey. I hope you don’t mind me sharing my experience with drip irritation installation. At almost 60 years old and with arthritis in my hands I was able to install all our drip on my own last summer. I did my whole backyard in under 2 hours. Here are a few things that helped me… 1. Lay all your tubing in the sun to warm up before you start. This helped in laying the 1/2” tubing without it recoiling. It also made a big difference in pushing the emitters into the 1/4” tubing. 2. Use a rag in your dominant hand to insert the emitters into the 1/4” tubing. 3. I found that rocking the emitter up and down, or side to side as I inserted the emitters was very helpful. This was so much easier than simply trying to push the emitters into the tubing! 4. After laying out my main line (1/2” tubing), I then started connecting the 1/4” tubing to each plant or pot. 5. I loosely measuring the distance from the 1/2” tubing to the pot or plant. I cut the 1/4” tubing to length, then installed the emitters into the 1/4” (or spaghetti tubing) I put the emitters into the 1/4” tubing BEFORE I connected the 1/4” to the 1/2” tubing. I also added the connector between the 1/4” and 1/2” while standing. Then I only had to reach down to snap the 1/4” connector into the 1/2” tubing. It’s much easier to do while standing and not when I’m bending or down on the ground! Honestly if I can do this being a little older, a bit out of shape, and with arthritis anyone can do this. Take your time. I wish I’d done this years ago!

I use the ¼" drip line in any length I want, but you need to remember that the ¼" line can only handle 30GPH total with the emitters you use. So if you use 1GPH emitters you can have up to 30 of them on one ¼" line and if you use 2GPH emitters you can have up to 15 emitters on the line (2 x 15GPH = 30GPH). If you mix and match emitters just add up the GPH for each of them and don't exceed 30GPH total. The ½" tubing can handle up to 220GPH so you can branch off of it as much as you want so long as you don't exceed a total of 220GPH when adding up the individual emitters attached to that line. :)

The water week series is a gem! Rethinking my relationship with grass ‘area rugs.’ Great information-packed video!! Great tips like choose a system from the nearest BB store!! Kudos to you and Jason for mowing and blowing your grass. 😊

Love the video! I have a community garden plot and have installed drip in my garden beds after 5 years of hand watering. Game changer! Since there is no electricity around to run the manifolds, I purchased a battery run Hunter Node BT controller. I've used it for a year and it still hasn't used up the batteries. The BT stands for Bluetooth, so the three zones (called programs) are all on my phone with a picture of each zone. Very easy to work from my phone as long as I'm within 50 feet. It has a seasonal adjustment so in the summer I run it at 100 % of whatever number of minutes I programmed it at. Only using 20% in the winter. Feel good about saving water! Reminder: Plants with similar water needs should be in the same zone if you are only using 1/4" tubing with inline emitters. My annuals are in Zone 1. My succulents and natives are in Zone 2 My roses are in Zone 3. My pots have either one circle or two circles of 1/4" tubing with inline emitters depending on how water hungry the plants are. I'm in Planting Zone 10A and it gets pretty hot in the summer. It's also possible to install a twist cap adjustable emitter if you want to turn a pot on or off. Question: Can I install a pressure emitter, (for example 1 gallon), onto 1/4" drip tubing with inline emitters?

I'll definitely be rewatching this for sure. I have a couple small flower beds I want to do this spring. Thank you.

I've been very reluctant and intimidated to do it because I have no experience with it. You are educating me on it. I can't wait to watch the rest of this week!!

Hi Janey! I learned the hard way to be loyal to rain bird. A few months after setting up my drip system I noticed some tomatoes that looked really bad. It turned out the cheaper emitters that I bought on amazon weren't working correctly so I got the rain bird emitters and haven't had any problems. Now I'm going to have to go through and shorten my 1/4" tubing (I had read that it shouldn't be any longer that 25'!) Enjoy your day, it's gonna be brisk!

Janey, nice presentation, however I don't get the 18-24 inch 1/4 tubing constraint. I have done drip for over 30 years (coming from CA). There are constraints on the length of tubing you can run, but I have never had a problem running, say a 10 ft length, and putting an emitter at the end, or even one in the middle. Also, I would say 'brand loyalty' is a good thing, but MUCH more important with your 1/2 inch lines. The 1/4 inch barbs work just fine for any brand of 1/4 inch tubing I have ever purchased; same with emitters. Just my 2 cents, but thought I'd throw that in. Thanks for all you education. You're doing a wonderful job.

I have started with the drip tubing that has the holes already in it spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. So far it works great and it was so easy to install. I just have a hose bib to attach mine to with a timer. One facet leaks but I place a big galvanized tub beneath it to catch it and I dip my watering can in it to do my hand watering. It was the easiest and fastest way for me and yet not to waste water. Good to know about not mixing and matching brands for the best results.

The visit to H.D. was very helpful,and so was hearing about brand loyalty! I have to revamp my irrigation this spring so the timing on this info couldn't be better, Thanks Janey!!

You did an excellent job of explaining about drip irrigation. Especially the details on the type of the hose.

OMG this video was SOOOOO HELPFUL! I JUST started getting interested in gardening and want to do a complete overhaul of our yards. (front & back) Although I can understand a lot about plants irrigation is like a FOREIGN language to me. You broke this done SO SIMPLY and well that I have confidence in starting my restoration journey. THANK YOU!

The actual manufacturer recommendation is to heat the tubing in hot water (NOT BOILING WATER). Heat expands the tubing and then when it cools, it contracts back over the emitter or coupler tightly. The presenters are only human, and they are only people who have previously been through the classes. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Thank you for this… you are probably the most concise but break it down for beginners. I was spinning my wheels last year converting to drip. If it wasn’t for Laura from Garden Answer I would have been lost. You have definitely helped newbies like I was last year. Thanks for making this helpful video!

Love this video. Well Done. You presented all the information in a way that is easy to understand and not in way where you lose your audience half way through the video. So win, win. You have a way of showing the beginners, and all the other types of gardeners that this is easy and not something that you need to hire a professional to do. What an amazing gardener you have turned out to be. Masters garden it something that is truly fit for you. Thank you again and have a wonderful relaxing rest of your day.

Great video, been on the fence about installing drip and this really helped me to get one step closer, thank you for all the great tips.

Excellent info and simply explained in concise manner. Well done.

Janey, another super informative vid! Thx😻 I live in an area that's cool & humid at certain times of the year, so sometimes my emitters get mossy and I need to clean them, especially at the beginning of the Season. I have a DIY system that hooks up to my outside faucet in the backyard. I don't have a backflow thingie and have never had a problem in the 15 years of using drip. But I do have pressure regulators on each of the 3 half-inch tubes connected to a 15-foot section of garden hose and THAT connects to my faucet, timer. I've never folded my 1/2" tubing at the end, I usually put an emitter there. And, like you Janey, I've never blown out my lines, but will try it this Spring.

I'm a new subscriber after this video. Although I love Laura from Garden Answer and have been watching her for years and got a start on drip irrigation, your video was even more explanatory. Thank you so much and look forward to more of your videos and will be watching your previous ones giving a big 👍🏻

Thank you so much for all this information. I have wanted to set a drip system up for a few years. But it all seemed like a lot of work and intimidating. But the way you explained it I’m thinking I can do it. 👍🏻😊

Very helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to put this information out. I’m very new ( as in very new) in gardening and I want to avoid mistakes. Pls keep posting helpful gardening info!! Thank you once again!🙏💐🪴💕

Hi my friend Janey 🌺Super super video .l loved your explation about watering and your tour among the beautiful flowers and watch several watering sistem in office depot . Have awonderful day 🌻🌺🌻

Really helpful video Janey. I’m converting one of my zones to drip irrigation and have already purchased the Rain Bird products so it was good to know I need to stick with this brand when doing any expansions. I liked the way you recorded from different parts of your beautiful garden. 😊

Thank you Janey. I am going to set up drip this year. This video was super helpful!

you explain so very well, I always feel that I can do it after a session with you. Well done and thanks

Thank you for starting clearly that it isn’t a “set and forget” system. My drip systems have been damaged by varmints chewing through the tubing, animals running through the garden, aggressive gardeners with rakes, not to mention excessive air pressure during winter shutdown. I keep spare parts at the ready for all parts of my irrigation system, and that has served me well over the years. Love your video!

Excellent information. Those of us in colder growing zones have the added expense of needing to have our lines blown out by an air compressor before winter. The entire system is shut down and restarted in spring

Field Trip!!! Hey Janey Tammy here. Superb video! Thank you so much for all the great information!!

Very informative Janey! Thank you💐

This is exactly what I need!! Ready to order but would not till I heard what you said. Thank you!

Janey you are on fire these days! Get the water on 💦💧😂 thanks for all the information we love it! ☘️💚

Wow! So informative, thanks. I love the tips....especially using dish soap to insert the emitters! I agree, Rain Bird is my go to brand. I've tried the other cheaper brands and tend to have trouble (although it may be because I mix different brands). Great video and now I'm motivated to get out and check my drip irrigation before Spring! 💧M

Loved this informative video. Thanks for posting.

So helpful! I’ve been wanting to do drip irrigation for my garden this year and this is making me feel better about what I need to do now :)

Great video Janey 🥰

I wish i had seen this video last yr. Im new to the vegetable garden. Last year i began doing drip irrigation. The stores in my area dont always have what i need. So then i have to go to another store which have different brands. I have 3 different brands in my garden. 😮 Great video. Im going thru your playlist right now. Your a great teacher.

Great video! Thank you for all the great info and tip!!! So glad I found this!

Thank you for a wonderful presentation

I wish this video was out 3 years ago when I started my first runs. I've spent dozens of hours watching and reading before starting my own and I still didnt hear about the 1/4" run length rule. An absolute wealth of knowledge here. I saw this mentioned in other comments, highly recommend setting all tubing out in the sun and 70+ degrees. It makes a world of difference in working with the tubing from straightening to even cutting or popping holes for emitters. Putting in blow-out/clean-outs at the beginning and ends of sections (such as one raised bed or row) is a great addition. I have installed splitters with shut offs at the beginning of each area so that I can use one side to clean out ants and debris. Then going into the smaller tubing I also have caps that I can unscrew for that first run of the year.

This is my new favorite video. Love, love the info you shared. I've wanted to change some of my sprinkler to drip and a random guy at the Water Sprinkler shop said No. Too much pressure he said. Well I have a pressure regulator so was thinking to myself, I just know it's possible, but how? Your tip regarding the Zone being all drip was most helpful. That guy really put a damper on my enthusiasm, and you just gave me hope again!!

This is a very informative video. I especially like the field trip to HD. After viewing your video, I ran my drip irrigation system and found 2 leaks! It’s not something I would’ve found because irrigation is set very early morning.

This video is outstanding and I totally understood eveything because of the way and time you took to explained it. THANK YOU SO MUCH for the information

I regularly use 1/4 longer than 2 feet. 10 - 15 feet works fine for me. 😊

I have a question. Emitter tubing or spaghetti tubing do you use a coupler to connect to 1/2 inch black tubing then connected to the spaghetti tube or a pressure regulator emitter connected to 1/2 inch tubing and then connected to the spaghetti tube? I need help. Thank you.

Excellent presentation!

Great information. Thank you!

Another great video!! Thank you…

Thank you! Such a helpful video ☺️

Hi hi, I am a beginner in gardening and your video is amazing; very detailed!! Due to my garden layout, one of my 1/4" tubing is around 15 feet from the garden faucet, and the dripping condition is very bad. What can I do to improve the situation? Thanks!!

This was an awesome post! The trip to Home Depot was particularly helpful in helping me figure out my budget. Learning a ton! Thank You!

Great video. I'm planning or was planning on installing drip, but I thought I could bury (in trench) the longer runs of pipe. Is that not true?? 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Great tutorial 🌼🐝

As a newbie I really liked all the details in this video. You really covered it all. Thank you for all the tips. I know I will watch this video again and take notes. I live in Central Texas and even the native plants are dying. 😪😪

Wow! I learned a ton. Well done

Just recently discovered your channel and enjoying it immensely. We also are in 9b and we’re wondering how you water your roses by drip irrigation…how often, how long and type, size of emitters. In a mixed bed with roses and perennial such as coneflowers, daisies, black eyed susan, are your roses on a separate cycle ? Hope they can be on same program as that is how present system is on house we recently moved into. Appreciate your input and suggestions. Looking forward to seeing your new garden 🙂

Hey I want you to know that your drip videos have given me the confidence to actually do this. My MG course did not cover drip irrigation!

Super helpful! Thank you

Helpful information. Thanks

This so so helpful!!!!

I am growing Tomatoes and other plants in Smart Pots. Have you tried installing the drip irrigation lines both at the surface and deep in the Smart Pot for better deep root watering? Will this benefit the lower root or make the plant more at risk for root rot? My thinking is that this would allow more even watering with a shorter watering duration.

Thanks for sharing

Very helpful. Thanks

Hi Janey, Great tips and taking the time to share your expertise is absolutely priceless! In wanting to water from the bottom, what would be your thoughts on using a perforated PVC pipe ( say 10 small holes on the bottom) and putting the drip irrigation on top of the tube so the water can reach the bottom part of the garden?

I love ur videos and contents. Very informative. Ur explanation is so clear and precise. ❤❤❤. Thanks for letting me know, setting up an irrigation system is not like building a house 😅. Will try this when spring come. 😊

Any good quality brand you recommend for tubing? I’m in Arizona and summers are over 110 degrees usually

Very informative

Very informative. I was surprised to learn that spaghetti tubing should not be a long length. The instructions on DIG brand from Home Depot say maximum length is 16 FEET. I’ve used some 10’ lengths and it’s working fine, but I understand that might not be the case for everyone.

hi do you recommend any kit theres soooo many to choose from thanks

Just FYI backflow preventers are so if the fire department hooks up to a fire hydrant it can actually cause a vacuum and suck air into the water mains which can be a problem trying to put out fire with air. So any lines that are permanently open must have them. I’m trying to figure out what size drip emitters for what vegetables but I just can’t find any videos on it.

Hi Janey. Question about "brand loyalty" : My older house doesn't have manifold for watering so I have to resort to a hose-type of timer at my outside faucet. I want to use Rainbird for the sprinkler, hose, etc., however Rainbird hose timers only offer timers with a single hose outlet. I would like 2 or 3 for other hoses, like Orbit offers. Is "brand loyalty " an issue for that aspect of system? I know I could buy several single Rainbird ones and split them at the faucet-- 1 per hose, but I'd like to keep it simpler if possible. Thoughts?

We rent our home for now and there is an “established” watering system. The landlord mapped out the entire property and instructions when we moved in. We have a combo, timers on the side garden and semi functional manual front area. Then I have a hose with a sprinkler style nozzle in the end that I move from area to area for the grass and front garden, and hand water veggie garden. Whew Lol I’m all over the place. Plus we have several different brands and styles of equipment. You’re making me realize just what a mess it is and I probably do 10x the work needed to maintain our yard 😂 I feel like I waste a ton of water. Thank goodness we pay a flat rate water/sewer bill or we’d probably have a huuuge bill. Thanks for the reality check Janey lol😅 very helpful video!!

Good morning, Janey. How do you know which emitter to use for which plant? How much water to give them?

Where did you get those beautiful white pots behind your right shoulder I especially love the square one?

Thank you !!!

Love this video, i was told to use a hair dryer to warm up the tubing.

The box my drip tubing said at 25 psi you could run twelve 25 feet rows. So that'sdefinatepy a bogus rule.

Enjoyed this video. How are the manifolds installed? Do you need a plumber?

Pretty good video! However as a visual learner I would have loved to have seen some b rolls (supplemental videos) to visually demonstrate how the fittings and end terminations are done. Quick cut ins using some scrap pieces would have done the trick!

What would happen if you can’t dedicate zones to drip so you do have to have mixed drip and traditional sprinklers. How could we navigate that situation?

Thanks!

Wow. You put a ton of other videos to shame. And I never knew my attention span was this good.

Can you recommend a good book to follow how build drip irrigation for beginners?

I just installed mine. But that 2 feet rule? Na... I have three 70 foot lengths on a timer. All the same zone. And so far it's doing fine.

Explained very well! Looked at 5 videos and wasted 20 min. You gave me my answer in 30 seconds.

This something I will be adding to my raised garden and ground beds problem is I'm not computer literate so on line shopping is almost impossible but I've started getting my neice to order for me I've found most big box stores are stopping selling drip irrigation as they find there's no demand for it but it's probably like my local co-op they don't sell all components at co-op I can buy the 1/2 inch tubing and the 1/4 inch and nothing to attach the 1/4 to the 1/2 and very few emitter but in Calgary Alberta Canada home depot doesn't carry any and Rona quit selling it so it's on-line shopping only but my first project will be my inside garden first

Wouldn't mineral oil be more natural than liquid soap in trying to get the pieces to fit together?

Think I broke every rule but brand loyalty 😁. Worked okay though.

Really great information, explained well. I read somewhere that someone used bent hair pins instead of official garden stakes and they worked perfectly fine and were sooo much cheaper. cheers!

Is there an emitter to fill up bird baths?

My understanding is that the 'Backflow Preventer' is designed to leak - that means it is working and dispelling the water that would otherwise back flow into your house!

My irrigation was WRECKED by the wild boar activity over the winter.... definitely have a lot of repairs and maintenance to do lol

I have bought U shaped landscape stakes several times. You just have ti keep scrolling but they are there.

Does anyone know how you get a manifold?

Hands down the best video on irritation for beginners... thank you❤

Sometimes it's so hot, like summer here in Florida, that you have to use ice water on your 1/4 inch tubes to get them strong enough to go into the larger tubing. Sigh.

You could cut up old coat hangers with a wire cutter, bending over a pipe to create a "U" shaped stake.

I use the 6 ft tubing rule. It really isn’t practical in my garden to have that much poly with only 2 ft runs throughout. I do not add T connectors to any quarter inch tubing to water multiple plants.

The purple push tool is ridiculous. It slipped and took a chunk out of my knuckle. I’m one year into the same brand and pleased except there are some drip line jitters that are plugged and need to know how to clean them. I’ll call the company.

Brand loyalty == vendor lock-in. I wish there were standards. Thanks for pointing the brand loyalty requirement.

Thanks:)) John 5:24