How do I Choose the Best Garden Watering System?

Gardens require a regular and adequate supply of water to flourish. An effective garden watering system assists with this and minimizes water wastage, especially in areas of water shortage. Different types of garden watering systems can be used to address different concerns. The best garden watering system is one that takes into account factors like garden size, type, location, weather and overall budget.

Watering by hand with a watering can or hose can suffice for small gardens, container gardens, potted houseplants and seedlings. Hoses, which can be of nylon, vinyl or rubber, come in varying lengths and can have add-on sprayers, nozzles and water-wands to control the water flow. Metal or plastic watering-cans are available in different sizes and have a gentler water flow than hoses.

For larger gardens, where watering plants by hand would be too impractical and time-consuming, a well-designed irrigation system covering the entire area is ideal. Irrigation systems can range from simple water channels between plants to complex drip systems to underground and above ground sprinklers to automatic watering systems. They can be customized or combined to suit the garden's requirements.

Irrigation channels are effective for watering extensive plant rows in areas where water supply is not a problem. Drip watering systems, which may be installed professionally or by the garden owner, are ideal for dry areas and can be connected to a rain harvesting system to better utilize water resources. Drip systems provide water at low pressure to plant roots, and are used for daily vegetable watering as well as watering perennials, shade plants and hedges.

Underground sprinklers can be expensive to install and upkeep, but are perfect for watering large garden tracts. The pipes are installed underground and have sprinkler heads on level with the ground surface. Sprinkler heads come in different types like stationary, impulse, spinning, oscillating, walking, rotating and drip emitters. Both underground and aboveground sprinklers are useful for ensuring even water coverage to lawns and garden plants. Some of these sprinklers may be operated by electric or hydraulic systems, and some sprinklers can be programmed to automatically supply water at certain times and in certain amounts.

Knowing when to water a garden and in what manner is essential to ensure healthy plant growth. A garden watering system, if incorrect or improperly installed, can lead to plants being over-watered or under-watered. Planning a garden watering system with care, and placing plants with similar requirements in the same section of the garden can help.