According to reviews from gardeners and gardeners: rating of drip irrigation systems

Most often, people buy dachas and immediately plant vegetables and fruits there, and organize gardens and vegetable gardens. However, in order for the vegetation to thrive, it needs to be watered daily. With a small dacha plot, this will not be difficult at all. But, if the garden is large, then just buckets and shakes will not do. In this case, it is necessary to purchase a drip irrigation system. It will help speed up the process of caring for the plant. In order for the irrigation system not to fail and to serve for a long time, you need to choose the right model correctly. In this article we will discuss just that.

When choosing a specific drip system, you need to consider several nuances:

• First of all, the system must be holistic. It doesn’t matter what type the model is, first of all, there should be no visible damage;
• You also need to decide on the service life of the product. In this case, the rule “the more expensive the better” applies. Therefore, more expensive options will generally last longer (but there are exceptions);
• It is also a good idea to read reviews about the model on the Internet before purchasing.

Drip irrigation system
In addition to such nuances, it is also worth considering the further purpose of the irrigation system. Depending on this, the models have different sizes. Let's look at the most common, recommended product characteristics:

1. The optimal thickness of the watering tape on average ranges from 0.65 to 1 cm.
2. The distance between water outlets is determined depending on the purpose and purpose of irrigation (on average, this distance is 30-40 cm).
3. The belt pressure for optimal operation is kept in the system from 2.5 to 3 bar.
4. The diameter of the dropper also depends on the purpose. But on average it is 16-23 mm. Typically diameters from 16 to 18 mm are used. Thicker models are used less frequently.

Attention! Very often, scammers falsify written specifications by indicating incorrect dimensions. Therefore, it is advisable to come to the store with your own tape measure or ruler (to check the declared sizes).

Video - Drip tape, characteristics and rules by which to choose

Which one is better to choose?

The choice of a drip irrigation system largely depends on the area for which it is purchased. Next will be given lists of selection criteria for a vegetable garden and greenhouse.

For the city

A vegetable garden involves planting plants in open ground. When choosing an irrigation system you need to consider:

1. 
   Total plot size .
   For areas larger than 1 hectare, a drip tape system is suitable. The hoses are easier to install and are quite easy to lay along the beds. For small areas, pipe irrigation is the best option. The system is more reliable and can last more than 10 years.

2. Features of the soil . On hard ground with a lot of stones, it is better to purchase a pipe system. For sandy or fine-grained clay soils, it is better to purchase belt irrigation. It is cheaper and will not suffer from soil conditions.
3. Climatic features . A pipe system is suitable for hot climates. It does not suffer from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
4. Water consumption . Here it is worth considering the needs of plants and their quantity. For large areas, the best choice is a pipe system. They have a larger diameter, watering will be carried out faster and more evenly.
5. Pump supply . Also suitable for large areas. Small areas can be watered from a water supply or container.
6. Wall thickness . Taken into account when purchasing a tape device. Belt systems have thicknesses from 0.125 mm (mil to 375 mm (mil 15). When equipped with a pump, it is better to purchase the thickest belt. This parameter is also taken into account when installing on hard, rocky ground.

When installing the system in open areas, the harmful effects of small rodents and birds are also taken into account. If such a problem exists, it is better to purchase pipe irrigation.

For the greenhouse

Conditions in greenhouses are less harsh than in open areas. Before purchasing drip irrigation you should consider:

1. Possibility of simple connection to the tank. A container is required in a greenhouse. The water in it will be much warmer than tap water. This is especially true for cold periods.
2. For greenhouses, there is no particular difference whether the irrigation system is made from pipes or from tapes. In a closed area, both systems are equally protected from external influences.
3. For strip irrigation, it is worth choosing emitter-type models. Such belts are more efficient, supply water evenly, and become less clogged.
4. Tape wall thickness. This parameter is important for long-term use. It is better to choose models with wall thicknesses of 0.3 mm and above.
5. Tape quality. It is worth considering that even with direct installation, low-quality tapes will twist and break.
6. Emitter location. Before choosing, you need to take into account the distance between plants, and purchase a device based on this parameter.
7. Water consumption. Also taken into account based on the type of plant. The parameter is calculated based on the daily consumption of the crop and the throughput of the emitter per hour.

SMART IRRIGATION SPRINGLER

The model is controlled using a smartphone, through which you can adjust the watering time, on and off, as well as intensity. But this is not all the settings that will be available to the user. The model itself is equipped with a special pump that pumps water from the container. The container must be purchased separately, as well as the outlet for watering the plants, because there is only one in the set. The set includes hoses, splitters and one outlet.

Pros:

1. Convenient control from a smartphone;
2. There are many options and settings;
3. Easy installation.

Minuses:

1. High price;
2. There is no Russian language in the menu, only English and Chinese.

TOP 5 sets for open ground

Purchasing a quality drip irrigation system also involves some criteria that must be taken into account. Modern manufacturers equip their models with ready-made solutions tailored to specific user requirements.

Beetle for 60 plants

This model belongs to drip systems with an automatic timer. Designed for connection to a container. Can be used for installation outdoors and in greenhouses.

Main characteristics of the kit:

• working pressure 0.1-0.2 atm.;
• dropper flow rate 4 l/h;
• irrigation area up to 18 m2;
• the diameter of the hoses and all connecting elements is ½ inch;
• tape length 18 meters, for 1-2 beds.

The system is equipped with 60 external type emitters, a coarse filter, connecting adapters, adapters, and fittings. The kit also includes a timer that allows you to set the frequency of watering.

A special feature of the system is a black polypropylene hose. The product is environmentally friendly and does not harden from ultraviolet exposure. The cost of the “Beetle” kit varies from 3,800 rubles.

Users who started using this model note the following advantages of the kit:

1. Read a user's review of the ease of installation of the system using the diagram and manual here.
2. Read the gardener's review about the correct choice and setting of the watering mode and the correct installation of drippers here.
3. Read the user's review of the installation of the system and its operation from the tank here.

The owners of this model are satisfied with its quality, ease of installation and long service life. An overview of Zhuk drip irrigation systems is presented in this article.

AquaDusya for 60 plants

Irrigation kit from Belarusian manufacturers. Can be used to connect to water supply and container. To simplify operation, it is possible to equip it with a pump, timer, and electronic water supply regulator.

characteristics :

• hose length 18 meters;
• watering points – 60+;
• drip flow rate up to 3 l/h;
• supply hose diameter 4-6 mm.

The system is equipped with 3 types of hoses: supply, distribution, point. Black hoses are suitable for deep installation. The irrigation kit belongs to the budget category, the cost varies from 1800 to 3000 rubles.

System owners note the following advantages of the device :

1. Read the gardener's review of the reliable operation of the kit, its durability and ease of maintenance here.
2. Gardeners note a fully automatic watering process, without control by the owner, read here.
3. Owners note convenient settings for the water supply mode, increased humidity in the area, and a noticeable reduction in water consumption - here.

Price - from 2600 rub.

The system is easy to operate, cheap, and can significantly improve the quality of irrigation. An overview of AquaDusya drip irrigation systems is presented in this article.

Sprinkler PL04-30

Irrigation system kit from Russian manufacturers. Can be used to connect to water supply and container. It is possible to connect to a timer and pump.

Characteristics:

• hose length 100 meters;
• diameter 1.5-2.5 cm;
• drip flow rate 2-4 l/h;
• hose material – black PVC.

The kit also includes a set of connecting elements and a dropper. The cost of a drip system is from 1500 to 2000 rubles.

Owners of the kit note the following advantages of the system:

1. Long period of system operation without repair.
2. System efficiency.
3. The possibility of its simultaneous use for watering crops of different types and needs.

The big advantage of this model is the length of the drip hose. 100 meters is enough to water 3-5 beds.

Green Apple GWDK20-071

Model from Chinese manufacturers. Suitable for connection to water line, can be used with pump. Equipped with an automatic water supply timer. Does not lose characteristics when watered with water at temperatures up to +40 degrees.

Characteristics:

• tape length 20 m;
• maximum pressure 10 Bar;
• maximum water consumption up to 20 l;
• complete with 20 emitters.

The irrigation system of this model is made of black PVC, wall thickness 0.7 mm. Suitable for deep and surface mounting. The price of the kit varies from 3000 rubles.

User reviews:

1. The complexity of the system and the need to use a filter are discussed here.
2. Efficient watering of a small area and a significant reduction in water consumption.
3. The quality of all elements, the ease of connecting them together.

This model is suitable for installation in open areas. Can be used for watering a small area or 2-3 beds.

Aqua Planet for 60 plants with timer

An irrigation system designed to be connected to a water supply or container. It is equipped with an automatic timer with watering settings from once a day or a week. The distribution hose is made of PVC. The hose is flexible, does not break or twist.

Characteristics:

• working pressure 0.3 atm.;
• hose length 18 m. 2 pieces included;
• irrigation area 18 sq.m;
• control – automatic or manual;
• number of emitters - 60;
• total water consumption up to 20 l.

The system is suitable for installation on difficult soils. Complete with connecting elements, shut-off valve, timer. It is possible to set the frequency of watering.

User reviews:

1. What stands out is the operation of the timer and the ease of setting it up.
2. Efficiency and quality of the kit. Gardeners like the quality of the components, the operation of the timer, and the durability of the connecting elements.

This model has a wide range of options. It includes 2 distribution and 2 additional hoses. Set of dot tapes. The cost of the system is from 4500 to 6000 rubles. An overview of AquaPlanet drip irrigation systems is presented in this article.

Which is the best and why?

This model is the “Beetle” for 60 plants . The model is chosen for its simplicity, quality, efficiency and improvement of irrigation, as well as for its relatively low cost. The model does not require additional connecting elements or constant monitoring.

Shows good results when connected to a water line and container. Easy to understand instructions for assembly and operation are also noted.

Types of Drip Irrigation

There are different types of drip irrigation. According to the type of hose they are divided into:

• tapes (not as reliable and durable, however, but have a relatively low cost);
• pipes (have a more expensive price, but are designed for many years of use).

Depending on the type of water intake, there are several types of drippers for irrigation:

• drawing water from the water supply (you need to connect to a water pipe or insert a hose into a tap already connected to it);
• drawing water from a container (in this case, the kit includes a special capacious container, from which water subsequently flows out under pressure).

TOP 5 greenhouse kits

There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing a drip irrigation system. Manufacturers have long taken into account all the nuances and produce models with the required characteristics .

Bug

The “Beetle” set for greenhouses is produced in 3 versions: for 60, 30, 20 emitters. The hoses are made of PVC. The kits are suitable for use with a pump, connecting a timer, drawing water from a water supply or container.

General characteristics:

• hose length 18 m;
• number of emitters 20, 30, 60 pcs.;
• water consumption up to 18 l;
• irrigation area 20 m2.

The Beetle is a budget model, but is distinguished by high quality drip drainage. The cost of the model varies from 1500 to 5000 rubles.

Reviews from gardeners:

1. Owners like the ease of use for several types of plants, reduced water consumption, and the possibility of automatic use.
2. Gardeners note materials that do not become rough and do not collapse during use for more than 3-4 seasons.
3. The owners are satisfied with the ability to connect to the tank, increasing efficiency. There is also an increase in moisture in the root area, without wasting water over a large area.

The Zhuk system is reliable and efficient. Excellent for use in small and medium-sized greenhouses.

Gardena 01373-20.000.00

Drip irrigation of this model is suitable for use in small greenhouses. Used only when drawing water from a water supply (under low pressure) and a container. Supplied with a black PVC hose that is resistant to low temperatures and ultraviolet radiation. Can be used with a timer.

Characteristics:

• hose length 10 m;
• working pressure up to 1 bar;
• number of emitters – 40 pcs.;
• possibility of connecting a timer;
• water consumption up to 2 l/hour.

In addition, the model is equipped with 40 point hoses.

Reviews from gardeners:

1. Highlights include increased humidity, longer lifespan, reduced personal control and increased plant growth.
2. Users enjoy a complete set of components without the need to purchase additional items.
3. Owners note the long service life of components when using the system with a filter correctly.

This model belongs to the middle price segment. The cost varies from 2000 to 5000 rubles. An overview of Gardena drip irrigation systems is presented in this article.

Source KPK-24

Drip system for greenhouses with the possibility of switching to automatic operation. Can be used when connected to a tank or water supply line. Designed for low pressure.

Characteristics:

• hose length 25 m;
• water consumption 1.6 liters per hour;
• maximum pressure 0.8 Bar;
• hose diameter 16 mm;
• wall thickness 0.2 mm.

The model is completely made of high quality PVC. It is equipped with additional connecting elements, a tap, and a coarse water filter.

User reviews:

1. The quality of the materials used for the components of the system stands out.
2. Gardeners advise using more powerful power sources for the timer.

This system is inexpensive. The cost varies from 500 to 900 rubles.

AquaDusya Start

Model with the ability to connect to a water supply or container. Can be used with a timer and water regulator. It is very important to water only with warm water. The system is equipped with a flush valve.

Characteristics:

• automatic watering;
• hose length 15 m;
• working pressure up to 1 bar;
• irrigation area 18 m2;
• water consumption up to 200 liters per hour;
• number of emitters 50 pcs.

User reviews:

1. The long service life of the emitters and ribbons when using a filter system is highlighted.
2. There is a strong improvement in soil moisture and noticeable crop growth.
3. Gardeners explain how to properly use a container-connected system here.

The cost of a standard set of this model varies from 5,500 to 6,700 rubles.

Which is the best and why?

Such a model is GARDENA 1373-20 . The system is equipped with a full set of connecting elements, without the need for additional purchases. The components are made from quality materials.

This model is also chosen for its reasonable price, significant water savings, and the ability to show the same efficiency when connected to a container or water supply. Reviews can be found here.

Main elements of the system

We will not touch on how to select hoses for installing the system, as it is very simple. The only thing worth noting about this is that they should be dark so that algae do not develop inside under the light, and also not too wide in diameter, as this will cause a drop in water pressure. Fittings are considered one of the important elements. They are convenient when you have a main hose installed and numerous drip tapes coming from it. By connecting these elements, the fittings simultaneously act as a kind of control for the water supply. There are two types of them: with taps and without them. The former, although somewhat more expensive, are much more convenient to use, since it is possible to shut off the liquid supply in different areas if necessary.

Which ones are suitable for irrigating the lawn?

In addition to the vegetable garden and greenhouse, gardeners take care of the condition of the lawn on their personal plot . The following will be a description of the most popular drip irrigation systems for lawns.

GARDENA 8255-20

The set is perfect for watering the lawn. Supplied with 25 PVC hoses. The emitters are located at a distance of 20 cm from each other. The system consumes up to 20 liters of water per hour. Can be used with a pump to draw water from a water supply or container.

The advantages include:

• presence of a filter,
• water supply regulator,
• adjustable emitters with sprayer.

The cost of the model is 8500 rubles.

Garden drip nozzle

Garden watering kit. Can be used as a lawn watering system. Supplied with a 15 meter hose and a set of external emitters . The working pressure of the model is up to 2 Bar. Can be powered by a pump and container.

A special feature is the high quality of the PVC hose. With a wall thickness of 0.4 mm, the material can withstand average mechanical damage. The cost starts from 800 rubles.

Green Helper GN-023N

A simple and effective model of a drip system. Suitable for collecting water from containers and water pipes. Can be supplemented with an auto timer. It is completed with a 20 meter PVC hose, a set of sprinklers and emitters.

The advantage is the quality of the hose. Its operating pressure is 1 bar, there is an amplifier strip along the entire “body”. The price of the model is from 2500 to 4000 rubles. An overview of Green Helper drip irrigation systems is presented in this article.

DGMEBONCO

This model is suitable for small gardens and cottages, as well as for watering indoor plants. The system has a powerful pump that can handle large sprays of water, where the spray can be directed to different outlets. The model is made of metal and durable plastic. The materials are not subject to corrosion, so they can serve you for a long time. The model kit includes various nozzles, a watering kit, hoses, sprayers and additional fasteners.

Pros:

1. Affordable price;
2. Good equipment;
3. Powerful motor;
4. High-quality and reliable materials;
5. Easy to install and operate.

Snow retention

Of course, the absorption of melt water into the soil can only be called irrigation at a stretch, but it is of great importance for perennial garden crops, including shrubs and trees. If the earth is well saturated with moisture with the arrival of warmth, then the plants will quickly emerge from the wintering state and begin the growing season more actively. However, often just snow drifts may not be enough, so care must be taken to ensure that when the water melts, it remains on the site and does not flow beyond it. To do this you can:

• in the first half of March, trample the snow along the boundaries of the site to form a kind of parapet that will retain water;
• crush the snow or cover it with spruce paws (holiday trees left over from the New Year will also work), in this case it will melt more slowly and saturate the soil with moisture longer;
• plant tall annual or perennial grasses along the boundaries of the site, which will act as barriers that retain snow on the site.

Another way to use snow for irrigation is to accumulate it in some kind of reservoir (tanks, barrels, etc.) In the spring, this will be your strategic supply of water, which can be used before the launch of the central water supply system, which is especially important for SNT. In addition, filling a watering can from a barrel filled with water is usually easier than connecting a hose.

The main disadvantage of snow retention is its low practicality. In most cases, the snow melts completely long before active gardening activities begin, so this is more of an addition to the main watering.