Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation can be a really efficient way to water your plants and save water. It uses a network of plastic pipes to carry water to plants, targeting the roots. Drip irrigation systems apply water more slowly than sprinklers, and can use a lot less.

Drip irrigation systems are easy to find and install, but they do require periodic maintenance to make sure the emitters are working properly. Lines can be placed under the soil or on the soil surface for easy access. They can be used to water almost anything, including trees, shrubs, container plants, and plant beds.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Drip Irrigation is the Most Effective Way to Irrigate
• Microirrigation for Home Landscapes

UF/IFAS Publications

• Home Irrigation and Landscape Combinations for Water Conservation in Florida

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Designing Low-Water Use Landscapes
• FFL Principle #2: Water Efficiently
• Microirrigation

Other Sites

• Designing a Basic PVC Home Garden Drip Irrigation System--Utah State University Cooperative Extension (PDF)
• Drip Irrigation for the Home Garden--University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension
• Drip Irrigation for Home Gardens--Colorado State University Extension
• Drip: Watering the Home Garden--University of California Cooperative Extension (PDF)
• How to Install Drip Irrigation--This Old House
• Trickle Irrigation--University of Maine Cooperative Extension
• Water Wisely with Drip Irrigation--Fine Gardening