According to Wikipedia, Drip irrigation is "an irrigation method which saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either onto the soil surface or directly onto the root zone through a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters." Drip Irrigation is also referred to as trickle irrigation and micro-irrigation.

It is believed that drip irrigation has been used since ancient times. Clay pots were filled with water and buried into the ground and they would gradually seep into the soil. When modern plastics became more accessible during and after World War II, major improvements in drip irrigation were seen. Greenhouses in the US and Europe began using plastic micro-tubing and various types of emitters.

Plastic emitters allow water to be released through longer and larger passageways by using velocity to slow water inside a plastic emitter. This works better than releasing the water through tiny holes, which can easily be blocked by tiny particles.

These days landscapers typically use drip irrigation products when it doesn’t make sense to water by hand or use sprinklers or sprays. Drip irrigation not only cultivates landscapes, but it can also conserve water, reduce cost and avoid any problems that may stem from water run off or unwanted water placement.

Here are a few more reasons to consider drip irrigation kits on your lawn and garden:

1. Water wind drifts do not occur because water is not applied in the air.

2. The chance of over watering is minimal which can lead to plant disease.

3. Water waste can be prevented because the water is confined to the target plant’s roots.

4. Pumping costs can be reduced since water is applied at low pressures.

5. They are durable. They are made to withstand outdoor conditions.

So now that you have done your research and know a bit more about garden drip irrigation, how do you decide on a kit that is best for you? There are several types of irrigation kits available so you will need to decide which one will work best for you. Kits are created based on different application needs. Will you be using it on your landscapes, your trees or perhaps row crops? When choosing a kit size, it is important to know how many feet of mainline tubing you will need. Most professionals who sell irrigation kits will be able to help you with this.

It can also be very helpful to make a drawing of the area you intend to irrigate. When making your drawing be sure to consider the path you want to lay the mainline tubing, how far away is your water source, how many plants you need to water and what are their water requirements? The answer to these very basic questions will help you determine which irrigation system is right for you.

Another good source of research is friends and family. Do you know any one who is presently using an irrigation system? What are they using it for? What has their experience been? Would they recommend the system they are presently using? Finding someone who is using an irrigation system can be extremely helpful to you.

As stated earlier, drip irrigation is not only a means to having lush, beautiful landscapes and gardens, but they can decrease water, labor and energy costs. Drip irrigation technology has become a very popular way for landscapers to maximize the quality and beauty of their landscapes. Today it is more important than ever to use our water resources wisely so consider a drip irrigation system for your lawn and garden.