Do-it-yourself drip irrigation for a greenhouse + review of ready-made systems

By installing drip irrigation in a greenhouse, in an open area or even at home, you no longer have to water the plants manually. Therefore, any gardener and florist would not mind acquiring one. You can do drip irrigation for a greenhouse yourself; in this article we will tell you and show you how. And in the end, we will analyze the options for ready-made systems that operate from a water supply or container.

DIY drip irrigation system assembly

Homemade drip irrigation is not difficult to make.

You must perform the following steps step by step:

• The barrel (up to 200 l) is raised above the ground to a height of up to 2 m. Holes are made in the lid for air access. If it is missing, then cover it with gauze - this is protection from insects and dirt.
• A hole is drilled near the bottom, a tap-tip is installed and the hose is brought in.
• The mains are installed at a slight slope - about 5 cm for every meter. For this, additional pegs are used.
• Pipes (hoses) are not made long - it is better to build several systems. Lay out carefully, do not drag or pull.
• They ensure precise joining of pipes - they are placed in a vice before cutting. Sealed with tow or fum tape. All connecting elements fit very tightly.
• The holes are made small (no more than 2 mm). An awl or nail is suitable for a hose, and a drill for PVC pipes. If you insert pieces of wire, water will flow down them.
• Purchased devices have colored marks - they are placed upward.
• The main hose is secured with a clamp. The lines are washed to prevent blockages, and a plug - a wooden plug - is inserted.
• They check that the water reaches each dropper, and the soil is moistened evenly.

Calculation of watering time and volume of liquid supplied

The system design allows you to calculate water consumption and tank volume. Calculation example:

• highways - 15 m;
• between nozzles - 20 cm;
• required number of droppers - 1500/20=75 pcs.;
• consumption of one - 2 liters per hour;
• all nozzles - 2*75=150 l;
• barrel size - 150.

A long system will require a larger capacity, so several devices are usually made.

Individual watering times are calculated for each plant. Devices that consume 2 liters per hour include:

• cucumbers - for 60 minutes;
• tomatoes - 45 minutes;
• cabbage - 75 min.

OGO-Rodnik-1

Photo: https://beru.ru/

This device measures soil moisture and turns on watering if necessary. In rainy weather, there will be no watering, and in dry weather, watering will be more frequent, which allows you to use water sparingly and effectively water the plants. The advantage of this Russian development is its low price, ease of installation and operation. The OGO-Rodnik system has the ability to interface with most drip irrigation kits, sprinkling systems and home-made irrigation components sold on the market.

Automatic watering OGO-Rodnik-1

Advantages:

• constant soil monitoring
• economical water consumption
• battery operation

Flaws:

• not detected

DIY drip irrigation from plastic bottles

For a small area, the simplest system of ordinary plastic bottles is suitable.

They are hung on a peg, with the neck down, and a narrow tube or simply the refill of a ballpoint pen is inserted into it. Be sure to make a hole for air to escape.

The second option is to make holes in the bottom. Here it is important to take into account the type of soil and its ability to absorb moisture, since the number of holes depends on this:

• sandy - 8;
• clay -12.

Their size is small so that the liquid does not spill out quickly. You can make them with a needle.

A simple option is underground watering: the bottle is buried in the ground, and the neck remains above the surface. When the amount of water decreases, add it. The advantage of this method is that there is no crust on the surface that needs to be loosened. For example, in a greenhouse, one tomato bush will need 1 liter of liquid for 7 days.

The holes quickly become clogged if there is clay in the soil. To prevent this:

• put ordinary nylon tights on the part of the container with holes;
• make a little drainage - put burlap or grass in the hole before burying.

This is a good idea for people who are often away. The bottle is placed in the ground, tilted at 30-45° to reduce the water pressure and the rate of its consumption.

Automation of drip irrigation

It is possible to automate a drip irrigation system so that it turns on itself on time without human intervention. To do this, use a special device - a controller (timer).

The controller, which has fittings on both sides, is inserted into the drip irrigation pipeline system. It can also be used to control water intake when connected to a pump.

It is possible to do underground irrigation - this drip irrigation is distinguished by the laying of a pipeline that is placed at depth.

Signor Tomato

Photo: https://beru.ru/

New for 2022! Definitely deserves a place in our top of the best automatic watering systems. The Signor Tomato system with a timer is capable of watering plants with water up to 8 programs! It runs at the frequency you set for it. Water for a period not exceeding 2 hours. Using this kind of watering can significantly simplify the task of fertilizing and at the same time protecting your pets. In contrast to complex computer systems, the operation of Signor Tomato 8 programs is based on the use of 2 standard batteries. The turnkey automatic watering system is placed in two boxes. The device is easy to use and designed for self-installation.

Signor Tomato Drip Irrigation Set

Advantages:

• ease of use
• long service life

Flaws:

• high price
• short hose

DIY drip watering of indoor plants

When leaving for a long period, a drip irrigation system will be useful for house plants. You can choose it in the store. For example, there is a special polymer that retains liquid and then releases it.

But you can make drip irrigation for indoor plants with your own hands. A few simple ideas:

They take a plastic bottle and attach a dropper and silicone tubes. The end is closed, and holes are made along the entire length.

Wick watering - place a container of water near the pot. The wick is lowered into it with one end and buried in the ground with the other. Used for porous soil. Not suitable for tall plants because They have large roots and the moisture they receive will not be enough.

Be sure to check the operation of the system before leaving, the rate of water consumption.

Source KPK-24

Photo: https://beru.ru/

Drip tape Istok KPK-24, a durable product that will last for many years. If possible damage occurs, it can be easily repaired. The nominal water flow rate through the dropper is 1.4 liters per hour. The droppers are located at a distance of 30 cm from each other, the irrigation diameter of one dropper is also 30 cm, which ensures watering in a continuous line. To prevent the drip tape from moving away from the plant roots when cultivating the soil, it is recommended to secure it to the ground without squeezing the flow of water. The level of technology for laying is extremely high; it can be combined with sowing a large number of seeds.

Istok Drip irrigation set KPK-24

Advantages:

• acceptable price
• good equipment
• long service life

Flaws:

• not detected

Review of ready-made drip irrigation systems

Many gardeners prefer to make a drip irrigation system with their own hands, but, as a rule, it is good only for not too large plantings. It is much more reliable and convenient to purchase a ready-made drip irrigation system that will serve you for many years.

We offer an overview of the most popular systems to make it easier for you to decide on the model and configuration.

"Bug"

The system got its name by analogy with a beetle - a long hose-body and many dropper legs arranged symmetrically. The manufacturer offers two types of systems, separately designed for greenhouses and greenhouses.

You will have to assemble the structure yourself; to do this, use an awl to make holes in the main hose where the droppers are inserted. True, doing this without additional lubrication is quite problematic.

Each kit comes with a special filter that prevents soil and sand from clogging the irrigation holes, but the timer is purchased separately; on the official website of the store it costs 2,186 rubles. with discount.

“Beetle” is produced both with water intake from stationary containers and from a water supply system. The system works well even at low pressure. The container irrigation kit includes a transparent tube through which you can monitor the water level in the barrel.

The manufacturer gives a choice of systems for 20, 30 and 60 plants, but, as practice shows, even the “Beetle” 30 is too small even for a classic greenhouse, while we will not consider 20 at all, although its price on the official website is only 623 rubles.

Many summer residents note that the quality of the plastic leaves much to be desired, the joints leak, and the timer has to be hidden in polyethylene to prevent water from getting inside it. The kit also includes plugs that allow you to adjust the direction of water movement and carry out selective watering, as well as a fitting that makes it possible to connect the system to almost any container that you will use as a water source. The storage container with water should be 1-2 meters above ground level.

Drip irrigation ZHUK with emitter tape

Drip irrigation ZHUK with emitter tape comes in 12 and 24 meters. Let's look at them in more detail in the table.

Drip irrigation ZHUK with emitter tape: equipment

These types are suitable for beginners, their size is small.

Now let's look at the Zhuk systems from the water supply system :

Packaging of the Zhuk system from the water supply for 30 and 60 plants

Now let's look at systems that operate on capacity :

Packaging of the Beetle system from containers for 30 and 60 plants

Watch the video about the product:

Both types, from water supply and container, have the same advantages and disadvantages:

For those summer residents who find the number of elements in the kit insufficient as it is used, the manufacturer offers to purchase an expansion kit for drip irrigation from a container and from a water supply system Zhuk 20 plants. The only thing that needs to be taken into account is that when expanding the drip irrigation system, the container with water must be raised even higher, since the load on it has become greater (in the case of using a system from the container).

Overview of two types in tables:

Packaging of expansion kit for Zhuk tank

Packaging of expansion kit from Zhuk water supply system

You can also purchase separately:

• Main hose 20 m – 567 rub.
• Connecting coupling 1/2 - 1/2 - 40 rub.
• Collet angle 1/2 – 43 rub.
• Collet tee 1/2 - 1/2 - 1/2 - 63 rub.
• Irrigation filter – 239 RUR.
• Fitting for a barrel – 87 rub.
• Clamps for the main hose (2 pcs.) – 54 RUR.
• Clamps for the main hose (4 pcs.) – 21 RUR.
• Awl for the main hose (1 pc.) – 53 RUR.
• Arrows for drip irrigation from a container (10 pcs.) – 110 rub.
• Large tee for drip irrigation from a 1/2″ container (5 pcs per package) – 59 RUR.
• Supply hoses for drip irrigation from a container (4 m in a coil) – 176 rubles.
• Corner for drip irrigation from a 1/2″ container (5 pcs per package) – 53 RUR.
• Small tees for drip irrigation from a container (5 pcs per package) – 26 rubles.
• A set of 1/2-3/4 fittings for watering from a container (2 pieces per package) – 54 rub.
• Tap for drip irrigation from a container (1 piece per package) – 87 rub.
• Compensated drippers for drip irrigation from water supply (10 pcs. per package) – 365 rub.
• Arrow with a clamp for drip irrigation from a water supply system (10 pcs. per package) – 130 rub.
• Micropipe for drip irrigation from a water supply system (10 pcs. per package) – 143 rubles.

Website: firm-tsikl.rf

"AquaDusya"

The Belarusian manufacturer offers a universal drip irrigation system “AquaDusya” of two types - for 50 and for 60 plants. There are kits without automation, and there are automatic systems that allow you to forget about watering the beds for the season. All automatic elements of the system operate on batteries, so there is no need to be afraid of power surges.

AquaDusya Start 50

AquaDusya Start ZhKI 50

The set is quite complete. All you have to do is pick up a barrel and lift it 20 cm from the ground for Start +50 and 3 m for AquaDusya WATER TAR. The main advantage of the system, which is noted by all users, is the long service life and reliability of the structural elements.

AquaDusya Start 60

AquaDusya WATER TAR

The manufacturer also produces automatic machines for greenhouse ventilation under the DusyaSan brand.

Website: aquadusia.ru

"Istok" CPC

The Samara drip irrigation system is designed to draw water from a container and a water supply system. Its kit includes drip tape and fittings for fastening, and the more modern modification of the KPK 24K is equipped with a controller for organizing automatic watering, which runs on three AA batteries. If desired, you can choose one of the available 16 programs, and place the drip tape itself both on top of the soil and inside it.

Website: www.istokpkf.ru

"Water strider"

The manufacturer from Dubna offers two system options - Vodomerka-Eco (a budget irrigation option) and Vodomerka. The difference between them is that the latter has a battery-powered controller that allows you to automate the system without requiring human intervention.

Water strider IVF

Water strider

This design only works with a container; connection to a water supply is not possible. A barrel of water, as summer residents note, should be plastic for ease of fastening; a prerequisite is to raise the container by about 50 cm above ground level.

Watering sensor

Hose, droppers

Another advantage of this system is the presence of a ball valve rather than a membrane valve, which allows it to work properly at any pressure. If necessary, it is possible to supplement the basic version with an extension kit, which allows you to capture another 2 meters of beds.

Website: msk.teplicy.ru

"Signor Tomato"

developed several configuration options for the same drip irrigation system “Signor Tomato”.

A simple option - emitter tape and fittings 24

The simplest option is emitter tape and fittings. The footage can be selected from 24 to 100 meters. Such a system is attached to a barrel raised above the ground, and the tape itself is placed on top of the ground.

A simple option - emitter tape and fittings 50, 100

Another configuration option includes not a tape, but a drip tube with branching hoses, designed for 60 plants. If desired, you can additionally purchase a timer.

"Signor Tomato" with drip tube for 60 plants

And today’s most modern variation of “Signora Tomato” is a fully automated drip irrigation system powered by solar panels. In addition, it is already equipped with a submersible pump, so there is no need to additionally raise the water container above the ground.

"Signor Tomato" automatic watering system

“Signor Tomato Eco” in the table

Other more expensive options:

Website: signor-tomato.rf

"A drop"

This drip irrigation system is an emitter tape with a complex arrangement of droppers inside. It practically prevents clogging when watering from a container or water supply, but if you plan to take water from a well, you will need an additional filter.

“Drop” involves manual switching on and off; the kit includes plugs that allow you to water only selected beds.

The system is additionally equipped with a function that allows you to add fertilizers to the water to increase the yield of your crops.

The manufacturer offers methods for connecting both to the water supply and to the barrel for water intake.

Website: bashagroplast.com

GA-3199(Beetle)

Photo: https://beru.ru/

Automatic timer for irrigation, irrigation controller and, including timer for water supply GA-319 (Beetle). The pressure in the system is from 0.2 to 6 atm, this timer has a membrane valve, which cannot but please any summer resident. Powered by two AAA batteries. Connecting dimensions: inlet 3/4HP, outlet 3/4HP with quick click screw-on adapter (quick release for hose). The front panel is closed with a translucent threaded lid with a rubber gasket. Colors may vary from those shown.

automatic watering GA-3199 (Beetle)

Advantages:

• ease of use
• affordable price
• reliable fastenings
• practicality

Flaws:

• no batteries included

How to choose ready-made drip irrigation

All gardeners are divided into two types - those who permanently live in the country and those who come only on weekends and less often. When choosing a drip irrigation system, this fact must be taken into account. If you manage to get out to the dacha only a few times a month, purchase automated systems, taking additional care to ensure that the intake tank is filled with water on its own in a timely manner. The tank or barrel from which water enters the system must be in the sun; ice watering is detrimental to the roots.

The distance between the holes should correspond to the distance between plantings in the greenhouse. The most optimal step for crops familiar to our greenhouses is considered to be a step of 30 cm.

The average throughput of drippers for vegetable crops should be from 1 to 1.5 liters of water per hour. For trees, this figure is at least doubled.

Manufacturers offer three main types of drip irrigation system tapes:

• Slotted - inside it there is a branched channel that slows down the rate of water supply, which allows it to warm up evenly and not over-wet the plants.

• Emitter - flattened droppers are built inside it along its entire length. It is the most reliable type of tape today.

• Labyrinth - practically not used in modern designs due to unreliability and painstaking installation.

If a hose rather than a tape is used, then droppers are used. We discussed the types above.

Criterias of choice

What should you take care of first if you intend to organize automatic watering in a greenhouse with your own hands?

The system must be optimally designed specifically for the irrigation area.

In addition, when planning a purchase there are such nuances as:

• finance. You can spend a minimum of money and build an irrigation structure, spending a minimum of money;
• do it yourself or buy ready-made;
• will the watering be gravity or pressure using a pump;
• pump power and type;
• is it necessary to organize water supply filtration;
• distance from water supply;
• irrigated area.

Advantages and disadvantages of the drip system

The initial goal when creating drip irrigation was to compensate for the insufficient amount of water for irrigating plants. Later it turned out that this method is preferable to traditional means. The following advantages are noted:

• saving water resources - there is no expense for row spacing;
• obtaining early harvests - the development period is reduced, the fruits ripen quickly;
• saturation of the root system - slow moisture supply ensures
• rapid growth and obtaining more nutrients;
• reducing the possibility of soil waterlogging - the risk of developing diseases (powdery mildew, various types of rot, black leg, etc.) is reduced;
• no burns on the leaves - water goes directly to the root;
• reduction in the number of weeds - there is no excess moisture;
• no risk of soil erosion - best aeration;
• increase in yield by 30-40%;
• application of mineral and organic fertilizers during irrigation.

At first, this system was installed only in greenhouses or greenhouses, but later it began to be used in open areas.

However, drip irrigation also has disadvantages:

• Control over devices - incorrect calculation of water flow will lead to excess moisture and death of plants. You need to monitor the filling of the barrel. To ensure automatic watering, a timer is installed.
• Cleaning the holes - they become clogged due to their small diameter. You can't increase it, because... water will flow out without reaching all the nozzles. Use a filter installed at the beginning of the system (a piece of foam rubber), which can be removed and washed.
• The barrel and the receiver-distributor must be covered - this protects from debris and insects.

GARDENA

Photo: https://beru.ru/

Kit for micro-drip irrigation in a greenhouse Gardena 01373-20.000.00 is an excellent helper for watering vegetables in your greenhouse. The assembled kit is a watering system for vegetables that require root irrigation (tomatoes, eggplants, peppers). Designed for a greenhouse with an area of ​​up to 24 sq.m. Possibility of installing additional devices to ensure a fully automated watering process.

GARDENA 1373-20

Advantages:

• excellent quality
• long service life
• ease of assembly

Flaws:

• high price

Types of drip irrigation

Several popular options for homemade drip irrigation:

Barrel - a tank with lines diverging from it from long hoses. The container is raised above the ground to a height of up to 2 m, which allows the liquid to fill all the guides and reach its destination.

Barrel irrigation

Bottle - plastic containers. Small holes (1-3 mm) are made in the bottom, and liquid is added as it is consumed.

Bottle watering

Install close to plants.

Bottle watering

Droppers - several pieces are fixed on a horizontal peg made of wood, metal or plastic.

The flow of water is regulated by a catheter directed under the root.

Plastic pipes - laid between rows and connected to a reservoir with liquid or a central water supply. Holes are drilled closer to the stems.

Plastic pipes

Bug

Photo: https://beru.ru/

And our review ends with the Zhuk drip irrigation set. This device is connected to the water supply system. It is equipped with an electric timer and is excellent for watering flora that like “cold” watering - radishes, carrots, beans and other plants. Suitable for watering alpine slides. Water for irrigation comes directly from the water supply at the dacha. The timer controls the water supply.

Beetle Drip Irrigation Set

Advantages:

• excellent equipment
• acceptable price
• easy to assemble
• long service life

Flaws:

• not detected

Types of droppers

External drippers are specially manufactured devices for inserting into laid pipelines. Their ends are small tubes that allow you to regulate the amount of water supplied.

There are three main groups of droppers, differing in design.

Adjustable

With real water consumption. It is installed according to the instructions.

There are also unregulated ones.

Uncompensated

There is less water at the end of the bed than at the beginning. Suitable for flat terrain or with slight elevation changes.

Uncompensated drip

Compensated

The liquid is dispensed in doses (there is a membrane, a valve). Ideal for use in areas with different levels.

Compensated drip

Droppers-spokes, arrows

This is a plastic tube in the form of a stand, in which there are channels through which water flows. Connect using adapters and splitters. Branched - for several plants at the same time (spider).

Anti-drainage

In addition, droppers can be anti-drainage. Water is present in the system even when the supply is stopped. This speeds up the restart, because no need to remove air.

Anti-drainage drip

It must be possible to disassemble. The cap is usually removed to clean when clogged.

Device

Before you begin to independently assemble a system for watering plants in a greenhouse, you need to prepare all its elements:

1. Water cylinder or barrel . A barrel is installed on the site, which needs to be replenished with water from time to time. Not only plastic or metal containers can be used as a container, but also a natural body of water, if there is one nearby - a watering tube is lowered into a lake or river, and the water flows into the greenhouse.
2. Pump . If a river, well or other natural body of water is chosen as the water source, it is necessary to install a drainage pump. In cases where water pumping is required, special pumps with a pumping function are installed.
3. Filter . The water used for irrigation is not always clean and fresh. In order not to harm the plants, it is important to install a filter. In addition, if the water is not treated, the drip channels will become clogged and will have to be constantly replaced.
4. Tap . Using a tap, you can regulate the flow of water into the droppers. The starting valve is installed at the very beginning of the pipeline, and the second, a walk-through valve, is used to shut off the flow of water in certain areas.
5. Tape and tube with liquid drip feed . The main element is a tape through which water passes from the barrel to the roots of the plants. The diameter of the holes in the dropper is selected individually, depending on the degree of watering of a particular plant.

A diagram of how the system works is shown in the figure:

Planting plants with drip irrigation

Creating a system begins with drawing up a planting scheme - a drawing with the indicated sizes of beds and intervals between seedlings.

This allows you to take into account all the features, requirements for the amount of water and soil moisture, and calculate the required fluid consumption per day.

Some parameters are collected in the table:

Nozzles (sprayers) should be near each plant.