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RedDirt · 09-02-2008, 11:42 AM

Rob,
I am just a beginner with irrigation too, big learning curve. There is a good web primer I have found valuable but it is bookmarked on another computer; I'll post later. I also pick up the freebie handouts at the box stores from Toro, Lawn Genie, etc, little how-tos to get you started.

As far as low pressure irrigation I think most of the auto irrigate stuff wants about 35psi, 25psi minimum, even the drip emitters. Most (many)irrigation controllers have a pump connection that will turn on an axillary pump when you are irrigating. You may need something like this.

But maybe you can just spot irrigate with open-ended irrigating tubing with no emitter. This would take a bit of experimentation to get the volumes correct. The drip emitters make this relatively easy as you they are sized at various GPMs. You can increase of decrease volumes to individual plants on the same timed station by changing emitters, or adding or deleting emitters. This is a factor to consider, especially in start up landscaping, as the demand will change as the plants mature.

I know what you mean by another project on the plate. I'm constantly amazed at how many "side jobs" are needed every time I start something. Right now I'm preparing to put in a 6 tree orchard in the fall. The ground is tight clay, no drainage. So before the 3x3x3 tree holes go in (what I started to do) I'm spending 6 weeks of weekends putting in a drainage system. Then, since the orchard is relatively close to the house, might as well run the drain line farther and connect that pesky roof downspout that puts a stream across the front yard in the winter. The 15ft tree spacing layout needed to push them too close to the existing berries, so move the berries. But the best place to move them needs an irrigation line...another job to the list. Always reminds me of the alligator in the swamp, "When you are up to your axx in alligators it is hard to remember what you started to do was drain the swamp."

The good thing is lots of seat time. These are jobs I've wanted to do for the past few years since we moved in but never wanted to tackle with a pick, shovel and wheelbarrow. Having a great time with the BX.

09-02-2008, 11:42 AM	#797 (permalink)
RedDirt Gold Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sierra Nevada Mtns Posts: 447	Re: 3R Home and Barn Project Rob, I am just a beginner with irrigation too, big learning curve. There is a good web primer I have found valuable but it is bookmarked on another computer; I'll post later. I also pick up the freebie handouts at the box stores from Toro, Lawn Genie, etc, little how-tos to get you started. As far as low pressure irrigation I think most of the auto irrigate stuff wants about 35psi, 25psi minimum, even the drip emitters. Most (many)irrigation controllers have a pump connection that will turn on an axillary pump when you are irrigating. You may need something like this. But maybe you can just spot irrigate with open-ended irrigating tubing with no emitter. This would take a bit of experimentation to get the volumes correct. The drip emitters make this relatively easy as you they are sized at various GPMs. You can increase of decrease volumes to individual plants on the same timed station by changing emitters, or adding or deleting emitters. This is a factor to consider, especially in start up landscaping, as the demand will change as the plants mature. I know what you mean by another project on the plate. I'm constantly amazed at how many "side jobs" are needed every time I start something. Right now I'm preparing to put in a 6 tree orchard in the fall. The ground is tight clay, no drainage. So before the 3x3x3 tree holes go in (what I started to do) I'm spending 6 weeks of weekends putting in a drainage system. Then, since the orchard is relatively close to the house, might as well run the drain line farther and connect that pesky roof downspout that puts a stream across the front yard in the winter. The 15ft tree spacing layout needed to push them too close to the existing berries, so move the berries. But the best place to move them needs an irrigation line...another job to the list. Always reminds me of the alligator in the swamp, "When you are up to your axx in alligators it is hard to remember what you started to do was drain the swamp." The good thing is lots of seat time. These are jobs I've wanted to do for the past few years since we moved in but never wanted to tackle with a pick, shovel and wheelbarrow. Having a great time with the BX.