Feature
system available to small producers. Instead of soaking the entire soil surface, drip lines deliver water slowly and directly to the base of each plant. This reduces evaporation, limits weed growth and promotes healthier root systems.
Ideal Uses Drip is best suited for:
• Row crops and market gardens.
• Orchards and vineyard rows.
• Raised beds and hoop houses.
System Basics A basic drip setup includes:
• Water source( tank, well or spigot).
• Filter and pressure regulator.
• Main line( poly tubing).
• Lateral lines or drip tape.
• Emitters or holes spaced for plant placement.
You can install these systems with simple tools, and some farmers even build them from recycled materials and gravityfed barrels. University extension publications offer step-by-step guides tailored to different crops and climates.
Maintenance Tips
Clogging is the most common problem in drip systems. Regularly flush your lines and check filters for algae, sediment or mineral buildup. Ultraviolet degradation can also weaken tubing
Maintenance Matters
Even simple systems need attention:
• Flush lines at the start of the season.
• Check filters weekly during peak use.
• Inspect valves, fittings and barrels for leaks or pests.
Good irrigation isn’ t just about getting water to plants— it’ s about doing it with intention, consistency and care.
over time, so consider burying or shading lines where possible.
Gravity-Fed Watering Made Simple
Before pumps and plumbing, irrigation was accomplished through gravity and, like many“ antiquated” techniques, it still works! Gravity-fed systems use elevation changes to move water from storage to field. They can be as simple as a raised barrel connected to a hose, or as complex as a network of ditches and siphons.
Types of Gravity Systems
• Furrow irrigation: Shallow trenches between rows that carry water through the field.
• Border strip: Water floods a sectioned plot, held in by
22 | 515-574-2206 | 515-574-2189 | July 2025