It’s totally worth it, I have to do my new place and new garden and I can’t wait to stop hand watering!!! My only tip would be buy extras of everything. More tubing then you think more connectors etc. it good to have on hand when something need to be fixed or you plant a new plant and need to add it to the system! You will quickly want to get everything on drip and a timer because it’s just so convenient and easy!
@@kalebli5502 small is subjective imo. Even small gardens are time consuming to water during peak season. You won't be able to keep up sometimes. I use trip tube with buckets and a small pump to water my balcony.
My husband spent most of yesterday on it and in one area he connected scrap soaker hose for spinach seed bed. We got straw around tomatoes and even round a circle around cantaloupe hills. Such a time saver.
@@joycemiller7908 Hi! Most of the work is connected to existing systems, although when I do need to dig, my soil is mostly builder's fill and very sandy. I use a Nomad Root-Slayer shovel so it's very easy. However, (and Brian will cringe at this) I don't bury all the pipes immediately. As I started changing the existing (45- year-old) system over I was blowing old fittings so had to call a sprinkler repairman to fix things right. Now I just leave stuff out until I'm sure that's not going to happen. And I am lucky to be financially stable in retirement and can get the pipe in bits and pieces over time.
66 yrs old. Learned how to install drip irrigation last year from your videos. You were at your old place. You made the learnin' easy and the labor light. No kidding, you are great! And drip is the only way to go!!
I live in Northern Nevada close to Carson City. Our local garden center warns us to never transplant warm weather veggies until after May 31st, so I am preparing my beds while I wait. I have been using a drip system for years and my knowledge has evolved overtime. Since I rotate crops every year I revise my raised garden bed’s drip system to accommodate seeds or the individual spacing of transplants. It was a pain! Now I use Brian’s method of running 1/2” tubing around perimeter of the bed and the installing 1/4” drip tubing across the bed every 12” and attaching it to the 1/2” tubing on the opposite side. To make the system more customizable, I added inline 1/4” shutoffs on each end of the 1/4” line before to goes into the 1/2” line. Now I can open or close off each 1/4” line according to what I am planting and I have no more revisions to my drip system every spring! It’s tedious, but it will save water when lines can be shut off that aren’t needed and I’ll never have to revise my drip system again!
I used to repair irrigation systems and I would educate my customers so they could make their own repairs/additions. I love how you encourage us to drop the perfectionism. If we wait until we are experts to get started, we will never accomplish anything.
Best thing I ever did, and I regretted not doing it sooner was drip in my raised beds! Took about a hour and our water bill went down by a lot! Plus everything thrived after I did it.
Stop over thinking it and listen to Brian and just do it. I'm almost 70 and I ordered all the parts over a year ago after watching Brian's video. I wasted so much time trying to find someone to install it for me with no luck. This year I decided to just do it myself and am so happy with how easy it is that I've ordered more and am going to extend it to all my flower beds and pots! Thanks again Brian for explaining everything in a way that is easy to understand!
I have suggestions. At your anti-siphon stack, you need a full height Support stake, a 2”x2” would suffice. When electronic values close, they can do it extremely fast which can cause water hammer. I would recommend an in-line water hammer device . I would wrap those above ground pipes in foam insulation tape ( cheap) as PVC pipe is not UV protected and it will also prevent water from getting to hot/cold, freezing during frost conditions. I would also build a small 2”x6” box frame around base of those pipes, to protect them from weed eater string lines. Those are pressurized lines, you need to protect them. I ALWAYS use a brass gate valve to control the supply line rather than those plastic ball valves. If those plastic valves break or fail, you are turning off you entire house water supply until it is fixed. Yes it cost $20-$30 more, but you won’t bitch about the money spent as much as the regret for not spending it when the PVC valve breaks. The other thing I do is use one size oversized line for valves and the pressurized lines feeding them from the house supply. It is a little bit more money, but the parts are substantially stronger. You will appreciate it 15 years later when you DON’T NEED to rip out and replace. I put as much “armor” around the pressurized supply lines before the irrigation valves as I can. A full pressure line leak or break can ruin your week. A part I keep in the garage is an emergency pipe section replacement kit for the main pressurized line, an extra 18” and slip connectors and female slip to threaded couplers to fix any midnight emergency leaks when the neighbors German Shepard takes out one of your valves.
Great comments & food for thought when we are designing. Question it brought to my mind: affect on plants when heated 🌞 queued up water in system comes out first. When hand watering- I always spray lawn until water is cool to touch. Man, that water can be hot!
I couldn't wait to watch this! Yes, yes, yes! I have been intimidated for years by drip irrigation. I watered by hand because I didn't think I could do it. Over the past few years watching your videos, you've given me the confidence I needed. I finally laid drip irrigation this year -- and it was so easy! I'm kicking myself for waiting this long, but am so glad I finally bit the bullet. Thanks Brian!
We moved into a home with nothing in the back yard. Started from scratch. With plans from a landscape architect we developed it all ourselves. First. Make drawings of your watering system! It is extremely helpful to not only yourselves, but future homeowners when you move. We ran three 3/4” tubing from the valves to the backyard. Much like what you did in this video. After selecting our plants we set out to run the 1/4” drip tubing lines to the plants and attached whatever liter emitters needed. Yes! It is quite easy. Thank you for this video. It is helpful to beginner gardeners.
I put in drip 2 years ago after watching your video and a couple extra just to see the possibilities. If I, a woman in her mid 60’s, can do it then anyone can. It was as easy as Brian says and I did say thanks after but I’ll repeat it here. Thank you for showing me how easy it would be to do!
Drip systems are the best. I’m in zone 7 in the high desert of Northern Nevada and would spend many hours hand watering without the drip. The Punch and Cut tool you are using is brilliant!!! I plan on ordering one today!
I set up a new drip system last year after watching your videos. We are zone 8b in central California mountains. I have the main drip line set up in the box formation with the 6 in emitter lines connected on both ends. You are so right about the water being more evenly distributed. My beds were always evenly moist even through the crazy heat last year. We expanded our garden this year with 4 new beds, (including deer fencing and lots of gopher wire) and we are working on the drip system expansion now. Shoud be done for planting next week. We plant after Mother's day up here. Thanks for showing us how easy these systems can be to set up. We are in our 70s and this helps us avoid lots of hand watering.
Disabled, so I planted my first 'garden'. I'm limited by the length of my oxygen tubing, so I pretty much covered the back deck with elevated beds! Hey now...my wife told me to! Next, I installed drip irrigation. SOOOOOO much easier than I imagined. Even buried a line up to my sweet potato bed. I put a timer on it and set back and watched it grow! Next, I'm gonna install drip for the front porch planters.(Shhh, don't tell my wife!!LOL!!)
WOW, sure learned a lot and am appreciating my climate more than ever. We may get major snowfalls, have longish winters, shorter growing seasons, but, unless we haven't received rain for more than a couple weeks, we have so much moisture in the soil, especially with heavy mulching, that I don't even need to get out the watering can or hose. Only water when seeds or seedlings go in the ground and potted plants. I have a couple soaker hoses on hand I've laid down during really hot dry summers (for us) but that's it - didn't even use them last year. Your video makes us realize how precious our abundant water supply is and how much we take it for granted. Thanks for the life lesson.
Love drip irrigation for my large deck full of 60+ containers of flowers and vegetables. We have it on a timer and it saves us so much time by not having to manually water every day .
I picked up a 12 zone Rachio at Costco and installed drip lines, drip emitters and sprinklers around my property. I didn't use PVC, I used flexible tube/pipe. I live in a ski town in the Rockies at 6700 feet, so we have to "blow" out our sprinkler lines every autumn to prevent freezing and breakage. Great tutorial to help me change the stuff I did incorrectly, thank you. I going to try container & raised bed gardening and drips will make it easy to keep watered.
Have THOUGHT about installing drip, but no clue how to begin..... until I watched this video. I have only raised beds 30 inches by 25 feet. Now I have a game plan! Thanks ever so much!
Great job. I run my system 3 time a day, early morning, mid-day and afternoon, using a third of the volume I would if I applied it only once. If I irrigate only once a day on a hot day, the water evaporates, and the plants look thirsty at the end of the day. Irrigating appropriately three times a day provides a more even distribution.
Great information. I hate to sound snarky, but starting the video with underground pvc piping and vertical anti-siphon system probably was VERY intimidating to beginners that have been waiting for this video. Great system you’ve got there- and I will immediately switch to 3/4” tubing now that I’ve seen how much better it is and easier to handle. How about a quickie “from your existing faucet” video for simple, small space drip system (and leave out the confusing stuff) :) Everyone who wants to start with drip has the same problem: Terminology! It’s like speaking Greek - once you know the language, it’s SIMPLE!
you're not wrong. i did a drip system previously, so i'm not a complete beginner, but he hopped straight into some sh*t. pvc and trenching and........ chr*st. trenching ALONE is enough to make a lot of us click off. holy cow. at least don't call it "easy" because that's basically the opposite.
The best thing I ever did was install drip, soaker hose, sprayers on timers to water my beds!!! If we're unusually dry I adjust the timers to water more frequently. It saves me so much time and provides ease of mind. Mine aren't as elaborate as yours but, hey, same concept.
I had drip in the garden and around all my flowerbeds at my old home. It as easy to install (my husband and I did it together). I maintained it and after every winter, I fixed all the holes/leaks. We're going to add drip to my garden beds this year. We would flush it out in the fall since we had snow. Because we are so used to blowing it out every year, even thou we don't have nearly as much snow, if at all, we will still blow it out. I couldn't believe how easy it was to install and maintain!
It was so easy to install. I grow a large percent of my garden in 15-20 gallon pots. I built risers out of 3/4" pvc pipe and Ts. I ran the 1/2" water line through the Ts. Ran the micro tubing from the water line to the pot and attached the omiter(s). Everything is easy for me to disconnect for moving my garden pots around (following the sun). - Rhonda
My frost line is 44", so it's a no go for me, especially for the distance from my water source. I'm thinking of adding an elevated rain barrel I can hook up to the supply lines back in the garden and set it up where I can unhook and drain them for winter. I'd also have it on a timer. That's my plan... we'll see. I actually enjoy watering my garden each morning; it's manageable, but drip would be a dream.
I just saw your video of your health scare. Im glad to see you are doing well. I just went through a health scare on April 10th. Doctor said if I hadn't went to the ER I would'nt be here today. I know how you feel and am so happy you are doing good. I had multiple blood clots in my lungs and left leg. Came from medication i was put on for a year for another issue. Im on blood thinner now and hope they dont move. God bless you.
This video was very helpful to me as I'm getting ready to desigh and install my first drip irrigation system. Thank you. I wanted to mention that I haven't been receiving any notices for your videos. I hope your can get that fixed.
Lol yes, idk how meany times my husband has said "you tube is lying, it's not that easy" so, we do need to hear others say it. Thank you for the encouragement!💓
First year with putting in a veggie garden in my 56 years, I first watched this channel and decided on drip irrigation. I installed it myself with the exception of trenching 85 feet across my lawn. I had my son digging and I did the actual installation to my containers and beds. Super simple!
I have used the drip system for several years now, tweaking and refining each year. It's the best thing ever! And I still learned a few things from this video. Thanks, Brian!
My kids helped me install drip in all of my raised beds (16), and berry plants. I couldn’t have done it with out them. Old hands (70) don’t have the strength to push in all the connectors in 1/2” tubing. Best thing I have ever done. I use to spends hours hand watering.
I finally got a chance to watch this video. Great job! Now I need to access the cost for what I need to get started with drip irrigation. As always, thank you for your time in helping us small garden gardeners improve our gardens. You’re the best!
I use a drip system and a grid system for my larger raised beds. I also have about 30 hanging plants on the fence around the yard that’s on a drip system. Works great!!! Thank you for this video. I was running the drip of the hose facet but going to try this years to do it off the sprinkler system on one side of my system. I’m also sent this video to my sister in California. Blessings❤️🌺
if you are absolutely certain that you will be flushing your waterlines, then you do not need to worry about bury depth to much. Just make sure you have a disconnect from the source at the beginning (where you split off from your main source/ hose bib) and get a pneumatic adapter (search for an RV winterizing kit) and blow out the water from each section separately (you have to take the end cap off) to get all of the water out. You can also get different end caps, Drip Depot sells them as Irritec Perma-Loc Tubing End Cap Flush Valve, and if you slope your drip line slightly, when the water stops it will allow your tubing to empty, you would still need to empty the PVC if it isn't buried enough, but you don't have to worry about your drip lines freezing up. Also, it would probably be easier to put the backflow preventers (anti-siphon devices/vaccum breaker) on each garden bed hose connector, right before the supply tube adapter, you can get really cheap ones for that, around $6 each.
I’m getting my courage up to install drip in my yard. I’ll be converting a zone of my sprinklers. I need to lay it out on paper and determine what supplies I’ll need. Watching this video is getting me to the tipping point! 😊
Great advice! It use to intimidate me as well! I have both drip line and emitter drip and think they are about equal in keeping the garden watered properly. The most unscientific part was figuring out how often and how long to water. Eventually I figured it out but it took awhile😊
My husband and I installed drip in my raised beds after watching Brian’s video a couple years ago. Pretty simple and easy; of course there was some trial and error (and running back to Home Depot for extra parts). Definitely look at the options of parts and emitters, etc., and make a plan first. TOTALLY worth it!! I live in Hawaii and it gets hot here in the summer. Saves time and water for sure!
Love it. You did a great job! I used PVC in a similar way but at my beds they go into a soaker hoses. I tried the drip stuff and I couldn't deal with the tiny parts. I have trigger injury and arthritis in my hands and it was tough going. Returned it all and went with soakers. Side note: I like to keep my timers and valves elevated or under a canopy to act as a control station and for easy programming and use.
Irrigation is my profession. Your Anti-siphon valve can be replaced with a check valve at the same level as your other valves. That will prevent back flow without having the valve 5 ft high. I hope that helps you, I made your tomato trellis so I owe you one.
Important: if you’re taping into a potable water source be sure to use a “backflow preventer”. It offers the best protection against contamination of water supplies.
@@TooMid Sorry to bother you but, I'm planning to do irrigation from a rain barrel an area of 250 sq ft approx. I know than i have to elevate the barrel so I won't have to buy a pump. Would I still need the back flow valve? Thanks for your kind advice🌺🌻
@@mariap.894 a backflow preventer stops water from being contaminated. If your water source is not connected to your drinking water, you don’t need one.
I just barely (last weekend) finished installing a drip system in my garden, using your previous videos as guides. I cannot thank you enough for simplifying the process and providing such clear instructions. I'm not very handy and I always thought drip irrigation was way beyond my abilities. It really wasn't that bad. I don't have my full garden planted yet and I can already tell that this is an absolute game changer.
Installing a drip system is very easy. Even if you make a mistake, you can easily fix it. It you punch a hole in the pipe and realize that you shouldn't, or you move a plant you can plug the hole. You can run a line off your main line when adding new plants. Like Brian was saying getting started is the hardest part. Take the time to map your lines out before punching or cutting you lines, you will be glad you did. I do have two lines running in my garden because I water the annual daily and some of the perennials not every day. I have the system on a timer with zones and this way I can water on different days. Also, in the heat of the summer on a timer you can water multiple times a day if needed.
I love my drip system. I drew out my garden plan and determined what drip emitters to use. I did my installation over two years tackling a portion at a time. I have long runs so instead of zones I use shut offs to control what gets watered & when. I have simple dial timers because I mostly garden in containers and I never know how frequently I will need to water. Usually in coastal Southern California during the summer I water every 36 hours or so when it’s in the 80’s and every day in 90 degree weather.
You are right. After you get over being overwhelmed and draw up a basic plan then buy the materials it’s easy to do Maybe a little tedious depending on size of project but in the end you will love the free time and not being tied down to watering your wife will love you for it. I did one system a few years ago and now installing another in a new house after being tied down watering for 2 years I said enough is enough.
Loved this video. I have been wanting to do this exact same set up in my backyard and didn't know how to get started until I saw this video. Thank you, thank you , thank you!! I'll use your link for Drip Works and thank you so much for the discount code!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU BRIAN!!! I have a similar setup where I have a 3/4# PVC stub out connected to my sprinkler already (extra zone) and I didn't know what I did or did not need (like a back flow preventer). Also, you verified my thoughts for looping the the 3/4" around the raised bed ( no dead ends) to ensure flow. I've been putting this off...until now! Thank you for getting into detail about the emitter options also. Very helpful! Thanks for your code too. I can't wait until this cottage garden grows this year...I need more perennials!
Definitely an easy process if you plan plan plan out your planting area drip irrigation area. The most difficult process will be what volume emitters and how long and how often to run the system. Most gardens need 1 inch of water per week on average or 0.6 gallons per square foot, so calculate your square feet multiply by 0.6 and that is the gallons to put down per week. Of course you will need to adjust depending on weather, soil and mulch.
I love your hat you look good in pink colors. Wanting drip in your garden as well. I used that same black tubing but wasn't soft enough for bending in 4x8 bed. So I gave up on it. I did lay in sun so not sure if it was just cheaper tubing or what? Nancy from nebraska
Like & concur with your rectangular drip idea. I saw a similar solution for soaker hose system- put a T / splitter on end of supply hose and connect beginning & end of soaker hose. Equalizing pressure, eliminating pressure drop at end. Don’t have soaker hoses😮. Going to try drip
Started my irrigation this year, per your recommendation last season, its not all hooked up or buried but its going well, cant wait to test the system, hopefully no huge issues 🤞. Definitely going to also be on a timer, last year way just way too hot. Plus i missed a day maybe two on my almost finished tomatoes last year and it being so hot then watering, they all developed cracks right before harvest 😪, hoping to avoid that disaster this year, although so far its not as hot yet :)
I just received a big box from Drip Depot with all my goodies for the small garden I have now. I have done drip in the past on a much larger garden but that was years before drip tape or drip tubing was available so I had emitters for every plant, what seemed like hundreds of pressure compensating emitters since it was on a slope.
I have something similar to Orbit 67757 Pro Series Punch Tool. It's similar to pliers. As a woman, with hands not as strong as yours, it made the job of putting connectors much easier.
Thanks for the good drip Lesson Also I kept waiting for you to talk about the arm sleeve protection and your hat I’ve seen those advertised On line Curious if they help protect the arms
That's a good tip about attaching drip to the main at both ends and I wonder if or how much elevation it could level out. Have you ever had multiple terraces on the same circuit?
If you are in the midwest, typically the frost line is 3.5' below ground. Municipalities set water/storm/sewer pipes at a minimum below this line (typically deeper). For irrigation, typically looking at 10"-12" cover with an ability to flush the system in some way before true freezing temps start in the winter. Only ever designed drainage/water systems, but trying an install of my own small drip system now. Will probably be over-engineered, but I refuse to have frozen lines!
In my opinion, connecting the anti-siphon valves to the main water line is the most challenging. We created four stations that run our sprinklers and drip lines throughout our large urban lot, with timers for all of them, which really takes the work out of watering. Connecting the wiring to the anti-siphon manifolds and then to the timers was another challenge. Thankfully my husband knows a bit about wiring. It's not a job for the complete novice and maybe best left to an irrigation specialist. The average homeowner can then run the 1/2" or 3/4" tubing and emitter lines with no trouble after the layout is planned. We have found that the cap to the anti-siphon valve can become clogged (biggest problem is spider webs) which causes the valve to leak. We made spider-proof "bonnets" for the valve caps by cutting squares of fiberglass screening and taping it to the cap with electrical tape. Also, over time the rubber ring that seals the cap can become brittle and leak, but they are easy to replace. Another problem I've noticed is that drip needs to be checked every month or so to look for clogged or broken emitters. Drip makes watering easier, but you can't just install it then sit back on your patio with a margarita and never think about it again! If you are planning to be away for some time, make sure to test all the circuits before you go so that you catch leaks and clogs before you come back to find a dead or flooded mess.
I think one of those straight up, round, open at the top, obelisk towers would slide easily over the anti syphon valve that stick so high out of the ground, then early annual climber could easily wrap around and hide it.
You are right Brian, it is hard to get started, but once you do it's a breeze. I think all the different parts you need are confusing. What is the tool you used to punch into the 3/4 inch supply line and insert the 1/4 inch connecter? I would love to get one but I couldn't find it in your favorite things. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!
Are you or have you done this to your tomato beds yet? And what is your set up in your tomato beds for the drip irrigation? Thank you so much for this video. It was so educational and inspiring.
It looks like it would be so much easier to use sprays for that kind of area. About your drippers it seems they're not pressure regulated... Also you usually shouldn't mix shrubblers with drippers because their flow rate are really différent (~1gph vs ~20gph). If I was considering planting the whole area and have to use drippers, I would use some rainbird XFD tubing.
Questions: Most of my garden is off the floor, containers and 1 raised bed. 1.-Can I use drip on all sizes and height containers? 2.- Can I use drip if my water comes from a Rain Barrel? I'd love to give it a go but I'm intimidated to be honest🙈🤷
@@NextLevelGardening hahahaha 🤣🤣🤣😁👍 Thanks for the vote of confidence but I'll have to ask hubby if I get into trouble. I will have my rain barrel off the ground, how tall off the ground will be the question because I'll need enough pressure to irrigate at least the farthest side of my house, which is roughly 250 sq. Feet. So, that is what i find intimidating...but I'll definitely give it a go. It'll beat watering the garden in 90° weather!🥵😮💨😓
One minute in and I'm already left behind. Lol, ohhhh so easy; I get it! Just dig a long trench (uuuhhhh) and put together a bunch of PVC pipes (oh no. No.) After "dig a trench", I don't even need to know more to know I'm out. Lol. Now, when you come up with something a low income 68 yr old woman can do by herself, I'm listening. Haha! Don't get me wrong; you and your family are adorable, love your content, even though it makes me jealous mostly, and a long time subscriber. Just sayin. I wish I could do all that and bless you all who can. Enjoy it now because it flies by so darn fast. I have to edit this because I see lots of women my age are doing this! I don't know how but I guess I'm just a wuss! Lol. Wusses stuck with hoses.
*If you've installed drip... was it easier than you thought? Was it worth it?*
It’s totally worth it, I have to do my new place and new garden and I can’t wait to stop hand watering!!! My only tip would be buy extras of everything. More tubing then you think more connectors etc. it good to have on hand when something need to be fixed or you plant a new plant and need to add it to the system! You will quickly want to get everything on drip and a timer because it’s just so convenient and easy!
True or false: Drip irrigation benefits all big or small gardens? New sub here. And thank you.
@@kalebli5502'm a small gardener, I love my drip irrigation! But I only buse drip tape irrigation in my veggie garden so nothing is buried.
@@kalebli5502 small is subjective imo. Even small gardens are time consuming to water during peak season. You won't be able to keep up sometimes. I use trip tube with buckets and a small pump to water my balcony.
My husband spent most of yesterday on it and in one area he connected scrap soaker hose for spinach seed bed. We got straw around tomatoes and even round a circle around cantaloupe hills. Such a time saver.
71 years old. Addicted to installing drip. One of the easiest and most satisfying jobs in the garden with HUGE payoff in the end.
Yes! It is! Good for you 👍🏼
How? How do you dig those trenches and buy all that pipe?
@@joycemiller7908 Hi! Most of the work is connected to existing systems, although when I do need to dig, my soil is mostly builder's fill and very sandy. I use a Nomad Root-Slayer shovel so it's very easy. However, (and Brian will cringe at this) I don't bury all the pipes immediately. As I started changing the existing (45- year-old) system over I was blowing old fittings so had to call a sprinkler repairman to fix things right. Now I just leave stuff out until I'm sure that's not going to happen. And I am lucky to be financially stable in retirement and can get the pipe in bits and pieces over time.
@@grammasworld Ahhhhh. Yes; I invested in the root slayer, too. It's a great shovel. That's a good idea, how you leave it open at first.
I’ll send you my address so you can install mine.😂🌷💚🙃
66 yrs old. Learned how to install drip irrigation last year from your videos. You were at your old place. You made the learnin' easy and the labor light. No kidding, you are great! And drip is the only way to go!!
I live in Northern Nevada close to Carson City. Our local garden center warns us to never transplant warm weather veggies until after May 31st, so I am preparing my beds while I wait. I have been using a drip system for years and my knowledge has evolved overtime. Since I rotate crops every year I revise my raised garden bed’s drip system to accommodate seeds or the individual spacing of transplants. It was a pain! Now I use Brian’s method of running 1/2” tubing around perimeter of the bed and the installing 1/4” drip tubing across the bed every 12” and attaching it to the 1/2” tubing on the opposite side. To make the system more customizable, I added inline 1/4” shutoffs on each end of the 1/4” line before to goes into the 1/2” line. Now I can open or close off each 1/4” line according to what I am planting and I have no more revisions to my drip system every spring! It’s tedious, but it will save water when lines can be shut off that aren’t needed and I’ll never have to revise my drip system again!
I used to repair irrigation systems and I would educate my customers so they could make their own repairs/additions. I love how you encourage us to drop the perfectionism. If we wait until we are experts to get started, we will never accomplish anything.
Best thing I ever did, and I regretted not doing it sooner was drip in my raised beds! Took about a hour and our water bill went down by a lot! Plus everything thrived after I did it.
Stop over thinking it and listen to Brian and just do it. I'm almost 70 and I ordered all the parts over a year ago after watching Brian's video. I wasted so much time trying to find someone to install it for me with no luck. This year I decided to just do it myself and am so happy with how easy it is that I've ordered more and am going to extend it to all my flower beds and pots! Thanks again Brian for explaining everything in a way that is easy to understand!
Love the arm guards and matching sun hat.
I have suggestions. At your anti-siphon stack, you need a full height Support stake, a 2”x2” would suffice. When electronic values close, they can do it extremely fast which can cause water hammer. I would recommend an in-line water hammer device . I would wrap those above ground pipes in foam insulation tape ( cheap) as PVC pipe is not UV protected and it will also prevent water from getting to hot/cold, freezing during frost conditions. I would also build a small 2”x6” box frame around base of those pipes, to protect them from weed eater string lines. Those are pressurized lines, you need to protect them. I ALWAYS use a brass gate valve to control the supply line rather than those plastic ball valves. If those plastic valves break or fail, you are turning off you entire house water supply until it is fixed. Yes it cost $20-$30 more, but you won’t bitch about the money spent as much as the regret for not spending it when the PVC valve breaks. The other thing I do is use one size oversized line for valves and the pressurized lines feeding them from the house supply. It is a little bit more money, but the parts are substantially stronger. You will appreciate it 15 years later when you DON’T NEED to rip out and replace. I put as much “armor” around the pressurized supply lines before the irrigation valves as I can. A full pressure line leak or break can ruin your week. A part I keep in the garage is an emergency pipe section replacement kit for the main pressurized line, an extra 18” and slip connectors and female slip to threaded couplers to fix any midnight emergency leaks when the neighbors German Shepard takes out one of your valves.
Great comments & food for thought when we are designing. Question it brought to my mind: affect on plants when heated 🌞 queued up water in system comes out first. When hand watering- I always spray lawn until water is cool to touch. Man, that water can be hot!
I'm doing my Eagle Project soon, and this really helps! Thanks!
I couldn't wait to watch this! Yes, yes, yes! I have been intimidated for years by drip irrigation. I watered by hand because I didn't think I could do it. Over the past few years watching your videos, you've given me the confidence I needed. I finally laid drip irrigation this year -- and it was so easy! I'm kicking myself for waiting this long, but am so glad I finally bit the bullet. Thanks Brian!
So glad to hear it!
We moved into a home with nothing in the back yard. Started from scratch. With plans from a landscape architect we developed it all ourselves. First. Make drawings of your watering system! It is extremely helpful to not only yourselves, but future homeowners when you move. We ran three 3/4” tubing from the valves to the backyard. Much like what you did in this video. After selecting our plants we set out to run the 1/4” drip tubing lines to the plants and attached whatever liter emitters needed. Yes! It is quite easy. Thank you for this video. It is helpful to beginner gardeners.
I am 73 and it was a piece of cake! So simple. And yes it is worth it.
Yes! Great to hear!
What the heck is wrong with me? I'm 68 and can't even imagine digging big long trenches. How do you do it?
@@joycemiller7908 Don't feel bad Joyce, I'm 57 and I'm intimidated by all this 😮😅😅😂
You don't need trenches unless you need water supply.
@@NextLevelGardening LOL, huh? I thought the whole point of this was to get a water supply to your garden?
I put in drip 2 years ago after watching your video and a couple extra just to see the possibilities. If I, a woman in her mid 60’s, can do it then anyone can. It was as easy as Brian says and I did say thanks after but I’ll repeat it here. Thank you for showing me how easy it would be to do!
Drip systems are the best. I’m in zone 7 in the high desert of Northern Nevada and would spend many hours hand watering without the drip. The Punch and Cut tool you are using is brilliant!!! I plan on ordering one today!
I set up a new drip system last year after watching your videos. We are zone 8b in central California mountains. I have the main drip line set up in the box formation with the 6 in emitter lines connected on both ends. You are so right about the water being more evenly distributed. My beds were always evenly moist even through the crazy heat last year. We expanded our garden this year with 4 new beds, (including deer fencing and lots of gopher wire) and we are working on the drip system expansion now. Shoud be done for planting next week. We plant after Mother's day up here. Thanks for showing us how easy these systems can be to set up. We are in our 70s and this helps us avoid lots of hand watering.
Disabled, so I planted my first 'garden'. I'm limited by the length of my oxygen tubing, so I pretty much covered the back deck with elevated beds! Hey now...my wife told me to! Next, I installed drip irrigation. SOOOOOO much easier than I imagined. Even buried a line up to my sweet potato bed. I put a timer on it and set back and watched it grow! Next, I'm gonna install drip for the front porch planters.(Shhh, don't tell my wife!!LOL!!)
WOW, sure learned a lot and am appreciating my climate more than ever. We may get major snowfalls, have longish winters, shorter growing seasons, but, unless we haven't received rain for more than a couple weeks, we have so much moisture in the soil, especially with heavy mulching, that I don't even need to get out the watering can or hose. Only water when seeds or seedlings go in the ground and potted plants. I have a couple soaker hoses on hand I've laid down during really hot dry summers (for us) but that's it - didn't even use them last year. Your video makes us realize how precious our abundant water supply is and how much we take it for granted. Thanks for the life lesson.
Love drip irrigation for my large deck full of 60+ containers of flowers and vegetables. We have it on a timer and it saves us so much time by not having to manually water every day .
You are so right, Brian. The hardest part of any job is just getting started. Great tutorial!
I picked up a 12 zone Rachio at Costco and installed drip lines, drip emitters and sprinklers around my property. I didn't use PVC, I used flexible tube/pipe. I live in a ski town in the Rockies at 6700 feet, so we have to "blow" out our sprinkler lines every autumn to prevent freezing and breakage. Great tutorial to help me change the stuff I did incorrectly, thank you. I going to try container & raised bed gardening and drips will make it easy to keep watered.
Have THOUGHT about installing drip, but no clue how to begin..... until I watched this video. I have only raised beds 30 inches by 25 feet. Now I have a game plan! Thanks ever so much!
Because of your previous videos I was confident enough to install my own drip irrigation. Now I’m obsessed with it😎
Great job. I run my system 3 time a day, early morning, mid-day and afternoon, using a third of the volume I would if I applied it only once. If I irrigate only once a day on a hot day, the water evaporates, and the plants look thirsty at the end of the day. Irrigating appropriately three times a day provides a more even distribution.
Great information. I hate to sound snarky, but starting the video with underground pvc piping and vertical anti-siphon system probably was VERY intimidating to beginners that have been waiting for this video. Great system you’ve got there- and I will immediately switch to 3/4” tubing now that I’ve seen how much better it is and easier to handle. How about a quickie “from your existing faucet” video for simple, small space drip system (and leave out the confusing stuff) :) Everyone who wants to start with drip has the same problem: Terminology! It’s like speaking Greek - once you know the language, it’s SIMPLE!
you're not wrong. i did a drip system previously, so i'm not a complete beginner, but he hopped straight into some sh*t. pvc and trenching and........ chr*st. trenching ALONE is enough to make a lot of us click off. holy cow. at least don't call it "easy" because that's basically the opposite.
Here’s a tip. When you cut your drip line soak it in hot water. It softens the cut end making it easier to slide in any type of connector
I use my lighter, just heat it up a tad, softens right up!
@@sharonrickards3297 You answered the question I was going to ask!
The best thing I ever did was install drip, soaker hose, sprayers on timers to water my beds!!! If we're unusually dry I adjust the timers to water more frequently. It saves me so much time and provides ease of mind. Mine aren't as elaborate as yours but, hey, same concept.
I had drip in the garden and around all my flowerbeds at my old home. It as easy to install (my husband and I did it together). I maintained it and after every winter, I fixed all the holes/leaks. We're going to add drip to my garden beds this year. We would flush it out in the fall since we had snow. Because we are so used to blowing it out every year, even thou we don't have nearly as much snow, if at all, we will still blow it out. I couldn't believe how easy it was to install and maintain!
It was so easy to install. I grow a large percent of my garden in 15-20 gallon pots. I built risers out of 3/4" pvc pipe and Ts. I ran the 1/2" water line through the Ts. Ran the micro tubing from the water line to the pot and attached the omiter(s). Everything is easy for me to disconnect for moving my garden pots around (following the sun). - Rhonda
My frost line is 44", so it's a no go for me, especially for the distance from my water source. I'm thinking of adding an elevated rain barrel I can hook up to the supply lines back in the garden and set it up where I can unhook and drain them for winter. I'd also have it on a timer. That's my plan... we'll see. I actually enjoy watering my garden each morning; it's manageable, but drip would be a dream.
That's what my plan is also. Can you share your setup, if you do use a rain barrel?
I just saw your video of your health scare. Im glad to see you are doing well. I just went through a health scare on April 10th. Doctor said if I hadn't went to the ER I would'nt be here today. I know how you feel and am so happy you are doing good. I had multiple blood clots in my lungs and left leg. Came from medication i was put on for a year for another issue. Im on blood thinner now and hope they dont move. God bless you.
Yes. I learned it from you tube. I took notes and went out there to my garden and did it. It was my first time ever doing something like that.
Brian you are like a drip irrigation Ninja!!
🤣👍🏼
This video was very helpful to me as I'm getting ready to desigh and install my first drip irrigation system. Thank you. I wanted to mention that I haven't been receiving any notices for your videos. I hope your can get that fixed.
Lol yes, idk how meany times my husband has said "you tube is lying, it's not that easy" so, we do need to hear others say it.
Thank you for the encouragement!💓
First year with putting in a veggie garden in my 56 years, I first watched this channel and decided on drip irrigation. I installed it myself with the exception of trenching 85 feet across my lawn. I had my son digging and I did the actual installation to my containers and beds. Super simple!
I have used the drip system for several years now, tweaking and refining each year. It's the best thing ever! And I still learned a few things from this video. Thanks, Brian!
I brought supplies last year and still have not installed it. This video has helped me.
Thanks
My kids helped me install drip in all of my raised beds (16), and berry plants. I couldn’t have done it with out them. Old hands (70) don’t have the strength to push in all the connectors in 1/2” tubing. Best thing I have ever done. I use to spends hours hand watering.
Wow that is some irrigation setup. I don't need anything like that. Great job! Love your hat
I finally got a chance to watch this video. Great job! Now I need to access the cost for what I need to get started with drip irrigation. As always, thank you for your time in helping us small garden gardeners improve our gardens. You’re the best!
I love your garden hat and sleeves! I’ve even ordered my own before seeing yours. Very helpful in our high UV Arizona Sun!
I use a drip system and a grid system for my larger raised beds. I also have about 30 hanging plants on the fence around the yard that’s on a drip system. Works great!!! Thank you for this video. I was running the drip of the hose facet but going to try this years to do it off the sprinkler system on one side of my system. I’m also sent this video to my sister in California. Blessings❤️🌺
if you are absolutely certain that you will be flushing your waterlines, then you do not need to worry about bury depth to much. Just make sure you have a disconnect from the source at the beginning (where you split off from your main source/ hose bib) and get a pneumatic adapter (search for an RV winterizing kit) and blow out the water from each section separately (you have to take the end cap off) to get all of the water out. You can also get different end caps, Drip Depot sells them as Irritec Perma-Loc Tubing End Cap Flush Valve, and if you slope your drip line slightly, when the water stops it will allow your tubing to empty, you would still need to empty the PVC if it isn't buried enough, but you don't have to worry about your drip lines freezing up.
Also, it would probably be easier to put the backflow preventers (anti-siphon devices/vaccum breaker) on each garden bed hose connector, right before the supply tube adapter, you can get really cheap ones for that, around $6 each.
I’m getting my courage up to install drip in my yard. I’ll be converting a zone of my sprinklers. I need to lay it out on paper and determine what supplies I’ll need. Watching this video is getting me to the tipping point! 😊
Great advice! It use to intimidate me as well! I have both drip line and emitter drip and think they are about equal in keeping the garden watered properly. The most unscientific part was figuring out how often and how long to water. Eventually I figured it out but it took awhile😊
My husband and I installed drip in my raised beds after watching Brian’s video a couple years ago. Pretty simple and easy; of course there was some trial and error (and running back to Home Depot for extra parts). Definitely look at the options of parts and emitters, etc., and make a plan first. TOTALLY worth it!! I live in Hawaii and it gets hot here in the summer. Saves time and water for sure!
Love it. You did a great job!
I used PVC in a similar way but at my beds they go into a soaker hoses. I tried the drip stuff and I couldn't deal with the tiny parts. I have trigger injury and arthritis in my hands and it was tough going. Returned it all and went with soakers. Side note: I like to keep my timers and valves elevated or under a canopy to act as a control station and for easy programming and use.
Irrigation is my profession. Your Anti-siphon valve can be replaced with a check valve at the same level as your other valves. That will prevent back flow without having the valve 5 ft high. I hope that helps you, I made your tomato trellis so I owe you one.
Thank you!
All that technical talk😮 is intimidating 😬🤔🤷
Important: if you’re taping into a potable water source be sure to use a “backflow preventer”. It offers the best protection against contamination of water supplies.
@@TooMid Sorry to bother you but, I'm planning to do irrigation from a rain barrel an area of 250 sq ft approx. I know than i have to elevate the barrel so I won't have to buy a pump. Would I still need the back flow valve? Thanks for your kind advice🌺🌻
@@mariap.894 a backflow preventer stops water from being contaminated. If your water source is not connected to your drinking water, you don’t need one.
I just barely (last weekend) finished installing a drip system in my garden, using your previous videos as guides. I cannot thank you enough for simplifying the process and providing such clear instructions. I'm not very handy and I always thought drip irrigation was way beyond my abilities. It really wasn't that bad. I don't have my full garden planted yet and I can already tell that this is an absolute game changer.
Excellent instruction as always. Thanks so much. This will be my game plan for my 10 raised vegetable beds
More instructions, great. I need all your videos on this. thank you Brian, this is perfect.
Installing a drip system is very easy. Even if you make a mistake, you can easily fix it. It you punch a hole in the pipe and realize that you shouldn't, or you move a plant you can plug the hole. You can run a line off your main line when adding new plants. Like Brian was saying getting started is the hardest part. Take the time to map your lines out before punching or cutting you lines, you will be glad you did. I do have two lines running in my garden because I water the annual daily and some of the perennials not every day. I have the system on a timer with zones and this way I can water on different days. Also, in the heat of the summer on a timer you can water multiple times a day if needed.
I love my drip system. I drew out my garden plan and determined what drip emitters to use. I did my installation over two years tackling a portion at a time. I have long runs so instead of zones I use shut offs to control what gets watered & when. I have simple dial timers because I mostly garden in containers and I never know how frequently I will need to water. Usually in coastal Southern California during the summer I water every 36 hours or so when it’s in the 80’s and every day in 90 degree weather.
You are right. After you get over being overwhelmed and draw up a basic plan then buy the materials it’s easy to do Maybe a little tedious depending on size of project but in the end you will love the free time and not being tied down to watering your wife will love you for it. I did one system a few years ago and now installing another in a new house after being tied down watering for 2 years I said enough is enough.
I am redoing my drip and this was a great refresher and inspiration. I have done it before but it intimidates me! Thank you!
Love your outfit Brian!!!❤❤❤ Almost as cute as all your gorgeous flowers❤❤❤
This is Next Level ❤. Thumbs up for gardening 👍
I have used drip following Brian’s advice and it works!
Loved this video. I have been wanting to do this exact same set up in my backyard and didn't know how to get started until I saw this video. Thank you, thank you , thank you!! I'll use your link for Drip Works and thank you so much for the discount code!
Believe Brian -- installing drip is super easy once you get started!
I have drip in all of my pots, raised beds and in ground plants. It is fantastic and easy once you figure out what you need
😊
I think connecting a bed all the way around is key!🙌🏻
We just installed drip in the blacberries. My husband was amazed at how easy it was to install.
Thank you soooo much for this video!! This was so informative for me. I feel confident that I can do this on my own.
Great! You're welcome!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU BRIAN!!! I have a similar setup where I have a 3/4# PVC stub out connected to my sprinkler already (extra zone) and I didn't know what I did or did not need (like a back flow preventer). Also, you verified my thoughts for looping the the 3/4" around the raised bed ( no dead ends) to ensure flow. I've been putting this off...until now! Thank you for getting into detail about the emitter options also. Very helpful! Thanks for your code too. I can't wait until this cottage garden grows this year...I need more perennials!
Definitely an easy process if you plan plan plan out your planting area drip irrigation area. The most difficult process will be what volume emitters and how long and how often to run the system. Most gardens need 1 inch of water per week on average or 0.6 gallons per square foot, so calculate your square feet multiply by 0.6 and that is the gallons to put down per week. Of course you will need to adjust depending on weather, soil and mulch.
I love your hat you look good in pink colors. Wanting drip in your garden as well. I used that same black tubing but wasn't soft enough for bending in 4x8 bed. So I gave up on it. I did lay in sun so not sure if it was just cheaper tubing or what? Nancy from nebraska
In a word - Excellent! Thank you Brain
I bought my drip kits two weks ago and am having decision paralysis on how to set them up! Thanks for the video
What a great video, Brian! Almost temps me to take all my drip system apart, 11:02 and redo it again with all the added upgrades you have.
Gotta give you props Brian for the 90's album cover thumbnail on this video! Great information. Hoping to get to having drip installed this year.
Thank you
Like & concur with your rectangular drip idea. I saw a similar solution for soaker hose system- put a T / splitter on end of supply hose and connect beginning & end of soaker hose. Equalizing pressure, eliminating pressure drop at end. Don’t have soaker hoses😮. Going to try drip
Thanks for the demonstration! Of course mine will be very small and simple compared to yours. Love your cottage garden!
Started my irrigation this year, per your recommendation last season, its not all hooked up or buried but its going well, cant wait to test the system, hopefully no huge issues 🤞. Definitely going to also be on a timer, last year way just way too hot. Plus i missed a day maybe two on my almost finished tomatoes last year and it being so hot then watering, they all developed cracks right before harvest 😪, hoping to avoid that disaster this year, although so far its not as hot yet :)
I just received a big box from Drip Depot with all my goodies for the small garden I have now. I have done drip in the past on a much larger garden but that was years before drip tape or drip tubing was available so I had emitters for every plant, what seemed like hundreds of pressure compensating emitters since it was on a slope.
Thanks for this video. Putting raised beds out, with companion plants.
I have something similar to Orbit 67757 Pro Series Punch Tool. It's similar to pliers. As a woman, with hands not as strong as yours, it made the job of putting connectors much easier.
Those are great tools
Thanks for the good drip
Lesson
Also I kept waiting for you to talk about the arm sleeve protection and your hat I’ve seen those advertised On line Curious if they help protect the arms
Excellent and informative video . So timely as I will start tomorrow.
That's a good tip about attaching drip to the main at both ends and I wonder if or how much elevation it could level out. Have you ever had multiple terraces on the same circuit?
If you are in the midwest, typically the frost line is 3.5' below ground. Municipalities set water/storm/sewer pipes at a minimum below this line (typically deeper). For irrigation, typically looking at 10"-12" cover with an ability to flush the system in some way before true freezing temps start in the winter. Only ever designed drainage/water systems, but trying an install of my own small drip system now. Will probably be over-engineered, but I refuse to have frozen lines!
In my opinion, connecting the anti-siphon valves to the main water line is the most challenging. We created four stations that run our sprinklers and drip lines throughout our large urban lot, with timers for all of them, which really takes the work out of watering. Connecting the wiring to the anti-siphon manifolds and then to the timers was another challenge. Thankfully my husband knows a bit about wiring. It's not a job for the complete novice and maybe best left to an irrigation specialist. The average homeowner can then run the 1/2" or 3/4" tubing and emitter lines with no trouble after the layout is planned.
We have found that the cap to the anti-siphon valve can become clogged (biggest problem is spider webs) which causes the valve to leak. We made spider-proof "bonnets" for the valve caps by cutting squares of fiberglass screening and taping it to the cap with electrical tape. Also, over time the rubber ring that seals the cap can become brittle and leak, but they are easy to replace. Another problem I've noticed is that drip needs to be checked every month or so to look for clogged or broken emitters. Drip makes watering easier, but you can't just install it then sit back on your patio with a margarita and never think about it again! If you are planning to be away for some time, make sure to test all the circuits before you go so that you catch leaks and clogs before you come back to find a dead or flooded mess.
Awesome! You made it look easy. I never done this before. So testimony will follow 😃
I absolutely love your hat!
The brown tube with emitters every 6 inches looses pressure if it is more than 30 ft. long. You may want to use drip tape for a run longer than that.
I think one of those straight up, round, open at the top, obelisk towers would slide easily over the anti syphon valve that stick so high out of the ground, then early annual climber could easily wrap around and hide it.
Awesome video! I rent so I can't install this, but I find the process fascinating for some reason lol So I watched the whole video 👍🏼👍🏼
Well thanks!
Drip is easy peasy 🙌🏻 It allows you more time to focus on the health of your plants💖
This is so cool. You make installing this system look so easy.
You are right Brian, it is hard to get started, but once you do it's a breeze. I think all the different parts you need are confusing. What is the tool you used to punch into the 3/4 inch supply line and insert the 1/4 inch connecter? I would love to get one but I couldn't find it in your favorite things. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!
If you use a little piece of 1" thick wood and slide it under the hose, it makes it much easier to use the puncture tools.
Great tip!
Love your flowery hat! Btw, I have a question on the drip for the tree…doesn’t it need more drip heads along it’s drip line?
Do you ever bury your brown drip emitter tubing in your vegetable garden or leave on top under mulch? Thanks great 👍 videos
Awesome - thank you for this! I’ve been contemplating a drip system!
Do it!!
Woooow. That a really really good job. Thanks for sharing
Are you or have you done this to your tomato beds yet? And what is your set up in your tomato beds for the drip irrigation? Thank you so much for this video. It was so educational and inspiring.
I use the emitter tape and make a circle which is attached to the 1/4" line for each of my tomato plants
It looks like it would be so much easier to use sprays for that kind of area. About your drippers it seems they're not pressure regulated... Also you usually shouldn't mix shrubblers with drippers because their flow rate are really différent (~1gph vs ~20gph). If I was considering planting the whole area and have to use drippers, I would use some rainbird XFD tubing.
Questions: Most of my garden is off the floor, containers and 1 raised bed. 1.-Can I use drip on all sizes and height containers?
2.- Can I use drip if my water comes from a Rain Barrel?
I'd love to give it a go but I'm intimidated to be honest🙈🤷
1. Yes
2. Only if the barrel is much higher. Or you have a pump that can reach 25-30 psi
3. DONT BE INTMIDATED!! 😊
@@NextLevelGardening hahahaha 🤣🤣🤣😁👍 Thanks for the vote of confidence but I'll have to ask hubby if I get into trouble. I will have my rain barrel off the ground, how tall off the ground will be the question because I'll need enough pressure to irrigate at least the farthest side of my house, which is roughly 250 sq. Feet. So, that is what i find intimidating...but I'll definitely give it a go. It'll beat watering the garden in 90° weather!🥵😮💨😓
One minute in and I'm already left behind. Lol, ohhhh so easy; I get it! Just dig a long trench (uuuhhhh) and put together a bunch of PVC pipes (oh no. No.) After "dig a trench", I don't even need to know more to know I'm out. Lol.
Now, when you come up with something a low income 68 yr old woman can do by herself, I'm listening. Haha! Don't get me wrong; you and your family are adorable, love your content, even though it makes me jealous mostly, and a long time subscriber. Just sayin. I wish I could do all that and bless you all who can. Enjoy it now because it flies by so darn fast.
I have to edit this because I see lots of women my age are doing this! I don't know how but I guess I'm just a wuss! Lol. Wusses stuck with hoses.