Buzz
Watering your garden may seem simple initially, but hauling hoses, dealing with tangles on trellises or railings, and dedicating time to each bed can become tedious. An automatic watering system eliminates the need for early morning or late-night hose routines, ensuring your garden thrives throughout the season. Though it may appear daunting, the components for an automated irrigation setup are affordable, and the project is achievable with basic tools and proper planning.
Materials required for this project include:
An electric water timer
¾” PVC pipe (sufficient length to cover your garden beds)
Fittings for assembly
PVC glue and activator
On-off valves
Male and female hose connectors
One soaker hose per garden bed
Additionally, you’ll require a few tools such as a hand saw or electric saw for cutting the PVC pipe, a tape measure, and a drill set.
Measure, plan, and create a list of required parts
Prior to purchasing materials, it’s essential to design your system’s layout. Begin at the water source and measure the distance to the first garden bed you intend to irrigate. Continue measuring to each subsequent bed. For branching, you’ll need a “t” connector for single branches or an “x” connector for dual branches. Sketching your garden layout, including water sources and labeling distances and junctions, can help you stay organized and accurate.
For raised beds, right-angle fittings are necessary to direct water upward to the soaker hose. Each bed should also include a valve to control water flow, allowing adjustments for areas with varying water needs. After determining the quantity of each component, compile a parts list. Calculate the total distance between beds and from the water source to estimate the required PVC pipe length. Don’t forget to account for the vertical rise to the top of raised beds by measuring their height and multiplying by the number of beds.
Arrange your pipes and assemble the connections
You have the option to bury your PVC pipe approximately ¾” beneath the soil or place it along the edges of your raised beds—just ensure it’s shielded from damage caused by foot traffic or vehicles. If you decide to bury the pipe, contact 811 beforehand to avoid hitting utility lines. Once your path is planned, measure and cut the PVC to the required lengths using a tape measure and saw, then secure the fittings with PVC glue and activator. Perform this step in a well-ventilated area. Don’t forget to install a valve for each bed to manage watering individually.
Connect your pipes to the water source
Next, connect the timer to the water source and link the PVC pipe to the timer. A short extension hose might be necessary for this step. Use male or female hose connectors at the joints to attach hoses to the PVC. After connecting all pipes, set the timer to test for leaks or issues. Ensure the pipes are well-supported to prevent wear and cracking due to water pressure. For added stability, use a two-by-four block and a pipe clip. Secure the pipe clip to the block with your drill set, then attach the block to the side of your raised bed.
Bury the pipes and connect the hoses
After leak-testing and stress-testing your pipe system, bury it under ¾” of soil. Attach the soaker hoses to the PVC pipes using female hose connectors. Finally, adjust the valves to water the desired plants and set the timer.
