A garden is a wonderful addition to any property. It can boost your curb appeal, make outdoor spaces inviting for guests, and even provide you with a steady supply of fresh produce. Luscious greens and radiant blooms connect you to nature without the need to visit a part of or venture into the woods.
Although gardens are beautiful to look at and be in, maintaining them may not be as easy. Newbies and even seasoned gardeners can encounter several challenges in making plants grow and thrive. Come to think of it, the water supply may well be one of the problems that gardeners continually face. Hotter summers and colder winters can pose a challenge to growing plants, so it’s best to ensure you have the right garden plumbing system in place.
Garden Plumbing Basics
It’s one thing to plant and another to make it grow. Moisture is one of the best-kept secrets of a lush garden, but it can be tricky to make sure your plants get enough water at the right frequency. Below are some tips to help your garden thrive.
Much like any home improvement project, gardens require considerable planning. Aside from determining what type of garden you want and where to plant, you’ll need to provide a water source to help plants thrive. Irrigation systems can ensure your plants receive sufficient moisture, especially during hot summer months.
To start with, you’ll need to plot your garden on a piece of paper. Scale your garden, where one centimeter is equal to one meter. Then, measure your hose lengths and determine how to join them to your main supply. You’ll also need to determine if you’ll go with either drip- or spray-type irrigation.
Drip irrigation is ideal for flowers and edible gardens, while spray sprinklers cover lawns and work great for plants that require lots of water to grow. If you’re not sure what type is best for your intended garden, you can consult professionals, such as plumbers in Oakville or wherever you live. Their expertise can come in handy when it comes to installing the right irrigation system and ensuring that it’s compliant with local guidelines.
After determining the right irrigation system for your garden, you’ll then need to select plumbing materials. Although professionals can do this for you, it’s best to know what they are and how they’re used. Common garden plumbing equipment usually includes:
All these ensure that your plants are well-watered at the right time. They form a network of lines and control mechanisms to direct water from the source to your plants. You can choose to manually control your garden’s water supply or opt for an automatic irrigation system to save time and effort.
If you choose the latter, you’ll need to determine irrigation zones as not all plants need the same amount of water. Once you’ve figured this out, you can then program the timers accordingly. Timers are convenient, especially if you have a large garden or if you frequently travel.
Gardens require your TLC, and even your irrigation needs it from time to time. Make sure to check on your water lines for defective parts and replace them immediately. Clear away rocks and soil so nozzles and valves work properly.
You should also check for potential leaks and ensure that timers are working properly so your plants are well-watered, and especially during the summer months.
In case you notice any problem with your irrigation lines, you can do some repairs or call an outdoor plumber to remedy the situation. It’s important to address the issue immediately to avoid damaging your plants and risking their growth.
Although irrigation systems ensure adequate water flow, it’s better to have a runoff system in place. Too much water can drown plants as wet soil limits air supply. It can also cause algae and limit plant growth. Worse, your plants may die and you’ll need to plant new ones again.
Drainage systems not only keep your garden and your plants safe, but they can also protect your home from water damage. They prevent water from pooling on your lawn or near your foundation. They direct rainwater off your property and keep your basement from getting flooded during the rainy season.
Getting water to your plants can be challenging when your area is prone to low water pressure or during dry spells. If you can’t source water from an outside tap during summer, you can consider using a water well or rainwater tanks to ensure you have adequate water supply when it’s most needed.
Rainwater harvesting is compatible with most irrigation systems. All you need is to connect your tank or well to your water lines, and you’re good to go. This favorable option isn’t only good for your garden as it can also lower your utility bills since you don’t have to depend on your main supply to maintain your landscape and greenery.
Water Away
In sum, preventing plumbing issues in your garden can be easy. You just need to carefully plan your garden and determine its water requirement. Determining the right irrigation system for your lawn or garden is crucial for plants to grow and thrive. Whether it’s a manual or an automatic water flow system, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with its components and perform regular maintenance. Defective parts need replacement, while leaks may require repair from professionals.
Apart from irrigation, drainage solutions are likewise crucial to your garden plumbing. They not only handle runoff as they also prevent rainwater from pooling in your lawn or garden, and damaging your home.
Rainwater harvesting can also help lessen water supply problems and make your garden eco-friendly and water-sufficient. If you’re planning on building a garden or having plumbing issues right now, you can keep the tips mentioned above in mind to help your plants thrive, and ensure your garden is at its finest.