Best Brand of Drip Irrigation System?

[pdxwindjammer]

After several failed soaker hoses of various cost and quality, I am ready to invest in a drip system that will last for several years. Well, actually, I am ready for Santa to invest in it for me!

I have several community garden plots plus I garden in my front and backyard. I need a system that allows some flexibility, both literally and figuratively. I want something that will make my watering easier. I already have some splitters to attach a couple of regular hoses. I will also invest in a timer for the times when I am out of town and the forecast looks dry.

I plant all kinds of veggies so doesn't have to be tomato specific.

I know that Raindrip is a popular one. And also Toro. Any others?

In moving forward to put together my "naughty or nice" list, what brand do you recommend and what are some accessories/must have components that I should include on this list?

[Worth1]

Run 1/2 drip line and get a good filter like a 200 mesh one.
For simple drip systems you should be able to get everything you need at the big box stores or order on line.

For more specific information I will be glad to help you in about 4 days.
The stuff I'm putting in is practically failsafe and foolproof.

Worth

[AKmark]

You can only run a soaker hose for short distances. For a larger plot, use drip lines after a pressure reducer, 10psi or so. You can calculate the needed size of your water source line, and its maximum water output, your pump capacity, and then how many emitters you want and your emitter gpm feed. On a timer these systems are very accurate when fertilizer is injected by something like a dosatron. Check Hydrogardens

[daninpd]

I have been using my drip system with parts I bought from my local Orchard Supply since 2008. I've been adding to it, subtracting from it and remodeling and cussing at it for 6 years and all of the parts I have ever needed have been available from OS or Ace. Never paid much attention to brand, just could I drive over there and get what I need. The tubing and ★★★★★★★★s are basic, stick to either 1/2" or 5/8" and don't mix them up to avoid headaches. The emitters just plug in and you have plugs for the holes if you need to relocate a emitter.

I would not do backflips about the brand but would about a convenient local source for parts.

[dipchip2000]

I use the 1/2 in hose from HD. Most other brands of 1/2 connections will work great with this. All connections are compression fittings and no tools needed but sharp knife or heavy utility scissors. Use the adjustable emitters because they can be taken apart and cleaned when clogged very easily. I run the 1/2 inch main line and come off it with the 1/4 line to individual plants. I have over 100ft of 1/2 in main line with 120 individual emitters on one hose bib and it works great. I do not take it up in winter. I just remove caps from emitters. In spring I just replace emitter caps and repair one or two leaks and it is ready for another season. I do not travel much because my wife is a invalid, so no timer needed but I see no reason it wouldn't work fine with a good timer.

ron

RainBird may be a good product but is a off size and connections will NOT interchange with other brands

[Barb_FL]

I tried soaker hoses first and what a waste of $.

I've experimented with them all and for brands, Mister Landscaper is by far the BEST and easiest to use. I think a kit is a good way to start because your get the hose attachments, etc. I bought the Micro Spray Landscaper Kit to get started. It is excellent;

I have also purchased a couple of DIG kits (for the drippers and the hose attachments). I have 3 zones all fed from hoses attached to an Orbit timer.

For 1/4" tubing, the Mister Landscaper is far better to work with than the competition, I didn't see nearly the difference with the 1/2" tubing.

For the Ts, connectors, goof Plugs and the 1/4" vinyl tubing, get Mister Landscaper even though you will pay more, your hands will thank you.
I also love their adjustable drippers (up to 10GPH) - I used these in the EarthBoxes and plants that need more water.

You can get the ML products from Lowes (or direct from Mister Landscaper). You can get the DIG products from HD but online only; they are not carried in the store.

[Salsacharley]

I have one system of 1/2" tubing from HD that waters 120 plants with 1 gph drippers. I have to keep the water pressure (from the house tap) at about 25% of full on. This system is suspended from overhead and drops down to 30 individual beds of 4 plants each. It is on an orbit timer and works great.

I have another system of 1/4" tubing that waters 88 plants in 5 gal bags, also with 1 gph drippers and orbit timer. It uses close to 400 ft of tubing. I'm going to expand it to almost double this year. The 1/4" system only took me a couple of hours to set up once I decided how I wanted to do it.

I got all the parts for both systems at HD or Lowes. They save me a ton of time.

Charley

[dipchip2000]

The HD store in Tulsa had a complete section in store of DIG irrigation products.
This is what I use and very happy with performance.

ron

[Cole_Robbie]

I order my drip supplies from Morgan County Seed:
https://www.morgancountyseeds.com/st...ewCat&catId=87

It looks like 1000' is the smallest roll they sell.

I haven't noticed a difference in brand names.

You'll need a roll of drip tape, a piece of header line, and the fittings to connect the two. You'll also need a pressure regulator, which is usually attached to a filter where the hose attaches.

The next upgrade is to get an injector. The EZ-Flo is the cheapest. I've gotten a lot of use out of mine.

[pdxwindjammer]

Great info. Thanks so much!

[Maggie 13]

We did a lot of research on drip line 2 years ago for the High Tunnel's raised beds.
The place we found to have really good prices and a site that is easy to navigate to find all of the necessary parts is:
IRRIGATION DIRECT.COM

Check them out !

[crazyoldgooseman]

I got mine from Berry Hill Irrigation in Virginia. a kit had the basic stuff, now I add to that each year. Works great!