Step 5: Position sprayers for ground cover

Position sprayers
Photo: Shelly Strazis
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Where the plantings are so dense it's difficult to snake tubing at the roots, branch out with micro sprayers.

Pierce the ½-inch tubing with a hole punch, then insert a small straight connector. Attach a length of unperforated ¼-inch tubing long enough to reach the location of the micro sprayer. Connect the other end of the ¼-inch tubing to the micro sprayer.

Clip the sprayer to a stake and position it in the ground cover.

Use a similar method to branch out with single emitters (to rose bushes, for example), foggers, or other specialized drip heads.
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    Tools List

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    • tubing cutter
      Tubing Cutter,
      bypass pruner or scissors would suffice, but the thick tubing can dull the blades, making them less effective in the garden
    • 11-inch steel punch
      Hole Punch,
      comes with tubing

    Shopping List

    Close
    1. 1/2-INCH DRIP TUBING

    comes in 50-, 75- 100-, or 500-foot rolls, either with or without factory-installed emitters. Calculate the square footage of the area you want to irrigate, then figure on one foot of tubing per square foot of plant bed.




    2. 1/4-INCH DRIP TUBING

    use this smaller tubing to branch off from the main line and reach specific bushes, trees, or containers.



    3. TUBING CONNECTORS

    elbow, tee, and straight connectors allow you to turn the tubing without kinking it, or add on more lengths of tubing.



    4. WATER SOURCE CONNECTION KIT

    for attaching the tubing to an outdoor faucet. Kit should include a vacuum breaker, pressure regulator, a filter, and a connector for attaching the tubing.

    5. SPRAY AND DRIP ACCESSORIES

    including micro sprayers, small emitters, and foggers for reaching different plants around the garden.



    6. BARK MULCH