Irrigation is the artificial application of water to plants in areas where there is insufficient rainfall, which definitely applies to our area of the country! There are various long-term systems that will supply water to your landscaping throughout the year. If you are going away on vacation this summer, you may also be looking for shorter term, self-watering methods for your indoor and container plants.
For an excellent overview on different water-wise methods up close and in person, check out SCOCO’s workshop “Best Irrigation Methods for Today’s Climate,” taught by expert Samanntha Rodriguez. This practical, hands-on workshop will cover drip irrigation, wicking, olla pots, gravity feed from barrels, and more! To pre-register, go HERE.
There are different ways to channel water to your landscape, whether it’s harnessing rainfall through rain barrels or distributing water through PVC pipes connected to your plumbing.
Here is a sampling of irrigation methods:
Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation uses a system of PVC pipes, above or below ground, to disperse water drips slowly, thereby giving soil and roots the chance to soak up water gradually before running off (especially with clay soil) or evaporating. Water delivered via drip irrigation targets the roots of a plant rather than missing them by over-spraying or, conversely, by over-watering, as often happens with sprinkler systems. This makes the drip method more efficient, less wasteful of water, and provides a more balanced moisture environment for plants. It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Check out this LINK for a step-by-step tutorial video.
Wicking or Self-Watering
If you are used to hand watering indoor and outdoor container plants, it can be a challenge to keep them watered while absent. If you can’t hire a neighboring teen to substitute for you while you’re away on vacation, consider creating a simple self-watering system using a few accessible items. Here’s a chance to put those recycled plastic water (or glass wine) bottles to good use! Check out the YouTube Video HERE called “3 Self Watering Systems for Your Plants.”
Olla Pots
Olla pots (pronounced “oy-yah”) are unglazed terracotta pots made in bottle shapes that you bury next to plants beneath the surface of the soil with the neck opening exposed above the surface for adding water. The porous walls of the container allow plant roots to leech water gradually on their own. Although olla pots can be quite decorative and artistic, you can also use plain terracotta clay pots. Check out the YouTube video HERE called “How to Make DIY Ollas – Low Tech, Self-Watering System for Plants.”
Gravity Feed from Barrels
Rain barrels are used to capture water from your roof during periods of rainfall so it can be used later on your garden, lawn, or indoor plants. This conserves water when it rains, and of course, rainwater is free! There's a good link HERE to learn more about using rain barrels for your watering needs.
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