Gravity Feed Drip Irrigation Kit for Vegetable Gardens Model K015
A gravity feed drip irrigation system is an inexpensive and effective way to irrigate a small-sized vegetable area. It would be especially cost effective if the climate of the area provides enough precipitation to consistently keep a rain barrel (50 to 100 gallon) filled using rain water harvesting techniques. The basic hand operated system is very simple, consisting of an elevated rain barrel with a drip hose as the main line coming out the bottom to feed water into the drip line system.
The most important item for a healthy and productive vegetable garden is the irrigation system. During years of normal rainfall, rains usually wet the soil and provide a good supply of deep soil moisture. What happens later will depend upon the efficiency of the gravity feed irrigation system. Adequate soil moisture is important for seed germination, uniform growth, and productivity. Correct use of a drip irrigation system should keep vegetable plants actively growing in dry periods yet cause no problems when rain occurs following irrigation. The system, when properly operated, keeps soil at the base of the plant (root zone area) moist. This may require operating the system two to four times a week during dry weather. Never allow the soil to completely dry.
One of the most important features of a drip irrigation system is the creation of a totally new and more favorable root zone environment within the planting. Drip irrigation sustains this environment by using low flow rates to maintain constant soil moisture levels. This encourages better growth and disease resistance by reducing plant stress.
The Gravity Feed Drip Irrigation Kit has all the parts needed to install a drip irrigation system from a rain barrel.
Operating pressure: the height of the rain barrel (higher height, higher flow rate from the drippers)
Information that can help in the installation of the system
If the rain barrel has a 3/4" MPT connector skip the following; if not, drill a 3/4" hole in the side of the bucket about 1" from the bottom. From inside the bucket insert the 3/4" x 1" nipple with o-ring (model SWF013) with the 3/4" side facing outside or, if an outlet is available, see next step.
To the nipple, thread the 3/4" FPT adapter (model A029).
Connect the 3/4" filter (model F303) to the adapter. See arrow for screen filter direction when installing. Use 3-5 rounds of Teflon tape on the male thread of the filter.
Connect the ball valve (model A123) into the filter. To the ball valve barb side connect a 4 to 10" piece of 1/2" drip tubing.
To the drip tubing connect the 1/2" elbow (model LF007.) To the elbow add another piece of 1/2" tubing and at ground level add the last 1/2" elbow.
At ground level connect the 1/2" drip tubing (model T004) to the elbow (by wiggling the drip tubing and forcing it in) then lay out the drip tubing perpendicular to the vegetable rows. The 1/2" drip tubing is used as the main line to deliver the water to the drip line, assuming you will have a number of parallel rows with the same spacing between the rows. Make sure to extend the 1/2" drip tubing a few extra feet past the last row.
Lay out the 1/4" drip line (model T047) near each row of vegetables or between two close rows (6"-10" apart). Extend the drip line a few extra feet past each row and secure to the ground.
For each row and close to the drip line, punch a hole in the 1/2" drip tubing using the punch (model A019).
Insert the 1/4" barb connector (model SF001) into the 1/2" drip tubing and then insert the 1/4" drip line over the barb connector.
Turn the ball valve on and flush the line. After you flush the line, close the end of the drip hose using one of the figure "8" hose ends (model A006) and the end of the 1/4" drip line using the goof plugs (model SF007).
Use the 1/2" holder stake (model S006) to secure the 1/2" drip tubing to the ground.
How much time to water:
Turn the water on for 5 to 10 minutes, and check the system. If you need less or more water adjust the irrigation controller time duration. The goal is that all the potted plants regardless of size will drain at the same time. Program the irrigation controller for about 2 to 4 minutes less than the time it took you to test the system. Run the system every one or two days, depending on your location and the soil type. After a week or two check the pots, soil, the health of the plants, and adjust the irrigation time, as needed.
How much time to water:
Turn the water on for 45 minutes to 1 hour every two days, depending on your location and the soil type. After a week or two check the soil and the health of the plants, and adjust the irrigation time as needed. If you have an irrigation controller and you need to add more time, adjust the time on the controller or program the controller with additional start-times.
Supplier: The Drip Store
Part#: K015
Price: $34.87 $31.38
