MICRO-IRRIGATION FOR SCHOOL GARDENS

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAY Benefits of using micro-irrigation in your school garden Types of micro-irrigation Maintenance requirements of a micro-irrigation system How to assemble a micro-irrigation system with a hands-on demonstration Free stuff!

WHAT IS MICRO-IRRIGATION? Carries water to plants under low pressure (30 gph or less) Can install micro-irrigation above, on or below the surface of the soil Inexpensive compared to many types of irrigation systems and you can retrofit many systems to accommodate micro-irrigation

WHY USE MICRO-IRRIGATION IN EDIBLE GARDENS? Will reduce water use—save money, conserve water! It has been shown that micro-irrigation is 90% efficient vs % efficiency of traditional sprinkler systems Can reduce disease problems as foliage stays dry Can reduce weeds as rows are not watered Easy to install Requires little water pressure to run Can easily automate with a battery-operated timer Easy to use in odd-shaped gardens

WHY USE MICRO-IRRIGATION IN EDIBLE GARDENS? Unrestricted by watering codes Be mindful to water only as needed and never in the middle of the day! Easy to expand and adapt over time Flexibility to meeting varying water needs

TYPES OF MICRO-IRRIGATION In-line dripDrip emitterMicro-sprayer Bubbler

DRIP EMITTERS Used where plants are spaced farther apart or used for potted plants and hanging baskets. The emitters can be punched directly into the "header" tubing-and/or attached to "spaghetti tubes" that lead to plants.

IN-LINE DRIP TUBING Placed on or below the soil surface or mulch, drip tubing is ideal for vegetable gardens where plants are in rows. The flexible tubing can also be easily wound through a plant bed.

BUBBLERS Installed on short stakes or directly on distribution tubing. Usually water 180 or 360 degree with an adjustable flow. Use bubblers to establish or maintain larger plant material.

MICRO SPRAYERS Used just above the surface, micro-sprayers wet a larger portion of the ground and emit more water than other types of micro- irrigation systems.

WATERING YOUR EDIBLE GARDENS Connecting micro-irrigation to hose bib

WATERING YOUR EDIBLE GARDENS Connecting micro-irrigation to hose bib

WATERING YOUR EDIBLE GARDENS Connecting micro-irrigation to existing system or underground pipes Simple to transition Underground lines in place Need to attach a new valve for micro-irrigation Conversion kits available

LAYOUT

MAINTAINING A MICRO-IRRIGATION SYSTEM Frequent inspection is key! Check for signs of dry/wet soil or decline in plant health It can be difficult to tell if a drip emitter or in-line drip system is clogged If a micro-sprayer is not working, you may have a clogged filter Parts can easily be damaged by mowing and maintenance equipment

HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATION

24 Attach backflow prevention device and pressure regulator to your spigot. Attach hose fittingAttach poly tubing HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATION

25 Lay poly tubing in desired path Flush out debris Decide where you want your sprinklers HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATION

26 Install the adapter into the tubing and put the stake into the ground Crimp the end of the poly tubing Check your system for leaks, spray patterns and direction of spray HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATION

QUESTIONS? Anne Yasalonis Residential Horticulture Agent Master Gardener Coordinator UF/IFAS Extension Polk County 1702 US HWY 17 South, Bartow Follow us on social Sign up for workshops at