Following our recent garden renovation project and installation of five new planters, we’ve been exploring the most effective ways to water our organic garden. Whilst a watering can or garden hose might suffice for a smaller setup, the scale of our garden prompted us to consider irrigation systems for their efficiency and consistency. As an organic garden, ensuring the water is safe—free from contaminants that could harm the soil, plants, or beneficial wildlife—is especially important. From choosing eco-friendly equipment to maintaining water quality, this article will guide you through implementing and checking your garden irrigation system to support your organic gardening goals safely and effectively.
Watering is one of the most essential tasks in maintaining a thriving garden, and for organic gardeners, it plays an even more critical role. Effective watering not only ensures plants receive the hydration they need but also supports the health of your soil and the delicate ecosystems within it.
The quality of water you use is just as important as how you deliver it. Contaminants in tap water, such as chlorine or salt from softened water, can harm plants and disrupt soil balance. By understanding safe water practices and selecting the right irrigation system, you can create a garden that flourishes naturally and sustainably.
Table of Contents
Understanding Garden Irrigation Systems
What Are Garden Irrigation Systems?
Garden irrigation systems are designed to deliver water efficiently and consistently to plants, helping to ensure their health and growth. These systems are especially useful for maintaining larger gardens or areas with inconsistent rainfall. They automate the watering process, reducing the time and effort required to keep plants hydrated, while also preventing overwatering and water wastage. During the summer months, we find ourselves watering the garden twice daily to ensure the plants survive. Our current watering can system is very time-consuming, although it does give us the opportunity to visit every corner of our beautiful garden.
There are several types of garden irrigation systems, each catering to different needs and garden sizes:
Drip Irrigation
This is a highly efficient system that delivers water directly to the base of each plant through small, controlled tubes or emitters. It’s ideal for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and herb patches.
Sprinkler / Micro Spray System
Micro Spray or sprinkler systems are designed for quick and easy garden watering. These systems deliver a fine spray of water over a radius of up to two metres, making them perfect for areas such as flower beds, vegetable patches, and greenhouses. Unlike drip irrigation systems, micro sprays cover larger areas, making installation faster and more cost-effective.
Soaker Hoses
A flexible, porous hose that releases water along its length, soaking the soil evenly. Soaker hoses are great for flower beds, vegetable patches, and raised planters.
Automatic Watering Systems
These systems are designed for hands-off care, using timers and sensors to adjust watering schedules according to weather conditions, ensuring water is used efficiently.
Choosing the Best Garden Irrigation System in the UK
When selecting the right irrigation system for your garden in the UK, there are several key factors to consider to ensure both efficiency and sustainability:
- Garden Size and Layout: The size of your garden will determine the type of system you need. Smaller gardens may benefit from a simple drip irrigation system, while larger spaces may require sprinklers or an automatic irrigation setup to cover more ground.
- Water Supply: Consider your water source. If you’re using tap water, it’s important to assess the quality and make sure it’s suitable for your plants. For larger gardens, you might want to explore rainwater harvesting as an eco-friendly alternative. We’ve setup three rainwater collection point for this purpose. We have a total of 600 litres of water storage.
- Cost and Maintenance: The initial cost of setting up an irrigation system can vary, with more automated or sophisticated systems generally being more expensive. However, the long-term savings in water bills and reduced plant care effort often make it a worthwhile investment. Maintenance should also be considered, as systems like sprinklers or soaker hoses may need occasional repairs or cleaning.
- Sustainability: As the UK focuses on more sustainable gardening practices, it’s worth choosing an irrigation system that conserves water. Look for systems with timers, moisture sensors, or those that use rainwater to ensure your garden remains water-efficient.
Watering Plants Safely
Is My Water Supply Safe for Watering the Garden?
The quality of the water you use in your garden is crucial for both plant health and maintaining an organic growing environment. Contaminants in tap water, such as chlorine, fluoride, and salts, can negatively affect soil and plant health. For organic gardeners, using clean, chemical-free water is especially important.
Contaminants in Public Water Supply:
Sometimes, contaminants can enter the public water supply unnoticed, and this can be a cause for concern. One notable example is the contamination of drinking water with AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam), which has been linked to harmful health effects, including cancer, thyroid issues, immune system suppression, and more. While AFFF is typically used in firefighting, its chemicals have found their way into water supplies, potentially affecting not just human health, but also the quality of water used for gardening. For more on this, check out these trusted AFFF lawsuit resources, where you can also learn about water safety.
How to Assess Your Water Quality:
Beyond specific contaminants, it’s important to regularly assess the overall quality of your water. You can test for chlorine, chloramine, and other chemicals using affordable water testing kits, which can help you determine whether your water is safe for your garden. If your local water quality report indicates high levels of contaminants, you might consider alternatives, like using rainwater or installing filtration systems.
How to Make Tap Water Safe for Plants (UK Guide)
For gardeners relying on tap water, there are a few steps you can take to make sure it’s safe for your plants:
- Removing Chlorine and Chloramine:
Chlorine and chloramine are commonly added to public water supplies to disinfect it, but they can harm plants by damaging root systems and beneficial soil organisms. You can remove chlorine by letting the water sit for 24 to 48 hours to allow it to evaporate. Chloramine, however, is more stable and requires the use of dechlorination tablets or activated carbon filters. - Adjusting pH Levels:
Tap water can vary in pH, which may not be suitable for all plants. If your water has an unusually high or low pH, it’s important to adjust it. For example, you can raise the pH with lime or lower it with vinegar, but make sure to adjust gradually to avoid shocking the plants. - Filtering Impurities:
If you’re concerned about any lingering contaminants in tap water, using a filter—such as activated carbon or reverse osmosis—can help purify the water and make it safer for your plants.
We try and use rainwater where possible but for any tap water used we filter through a Berkey filter to remove any unwanted chemicals..
How to Remove Salt from Softened Water for Plants
Softened water, which is commonly used in households to reduce hardness, often contains higher levels of sodium. Excessive salt can build up in the soil, negatively affecting plant health. Here’s how to manage softened water for gardening:
- Use Non-Softened Water:
If possible, avoid using softened water for plants. Rainwater or untreated tap water is typically a better option. - Dilution:
If you must use softened water, consider diluting it with untreated tap water or rainwater to lower the sodium content. - Switch to Salt-Free Softening:
A salt-free water softener system uses descaling methods instead of adding sodium to the water, making it a better option for gardening.
By managing softened water effectively, you can protect your garden from the harmful effects of excess sodium.
How to Dechlorinate Tap Water for Plants Naturally
Chlorine in tap water can be harmful to plants, but there are natural ways to remove it:
- Aeration:
Simply let your water sit for 24 to 48 hours to allow the chlorine to naturally dissipate into the air. Aerating the water by stirring it occasionally will speed up this process. - Activated Carbon Filtration:
An activated carbon filter can effectively remove chlorine and other impurities from the water, making it safe for your plants. - Dechlorination Tablets:
Special dechlorination tablets are available for gardeners and can be added directly to your watering system or container. These tablets neutralise chlorine, ensuring your plants receive clean water.
Plants That Hate Tap Water: What to Watch For
Some plants are particularly sensitive to chemicals found in tap water, and regular exposure can stunt their growth or cause damage. Here are some plants that don’t tolerate tap water well:
- Sensitive Ferns (e.g., Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern):
Ferns are especially vulnerable to chlorine and fluoride, which can cause browning of the leaves and stunted growth. - Cacti and Succulents:
These hardy plants are still susceptible to the salts found in softened water, which can lead to poor growth or leaf burn. - Tropical Plants (e.g., Calatheas, Peace Lilies):
Tropical plants tend to thrive on rainwater or distilled water. Chlorine or chemicals in tap water can cause curling leaves and yellowing.
If you have sensitive plants in your garden, consider using filtered or rainwater to keep them healthy.
Seasonal Watering Tips for Gardens
What Is the Best Time to Water Plants in Hot Weather?
During heatwaves or hot weather, the best time to water plants is early in the morning or late in the evening. Watering in the cooler parts of the day reduces evaporation, allowing plants to absorb more moisture. Avoid watering during midday when the sun is at its peak, as this can lead to water loss through evaporation and may stress the plants.
Tips for Hot Weather:
- Water deeply to encourage deep root growth.
- Use mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce water usage.
Watering Plants in Winter (UK Guide)
In winter, plants are dormant and need less water, but it’s essential not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Check the soil moisture regularly—if it feels damp, wait a few days before watering. Outdoor plants in the UK often benefit from rainwater, but make sure to protect pots from freezing conditions.
Winter Watering Tips:
- Water sparingly, particularly if there’s frost or snow.
- Ensure that outdoor pots have drainage to prevent waterlogging.
How Often Should You Water Outdoor Plants?
The frequency of watering depends on the type of plants, soil conditions, and the weather. Well-drained soils may need watering more frequently, while clay soils retain moisture longer. For our plants, we tend to water once or twice a day during the summer when there is no rainfall, During the autumn and spring months this is reduced to a weekly or twice weekly task. Winter is a very quiet time for us in terms of plant growth and most of the watering is handled by the heavens.
General Guideline:
- Water deeply and thoroughly to encourage healthy root development.
- Check soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering.
Myths and Facts About Watering Plants
Does Watering Plants in the Sun Burn Them?
A common myth is that watering plants in direct sunlight causes them to burn. While it’s true that water droplets on leaves can act like magnifying glasses, intensifying the sunlight and potentially causing burn spots, this is generally rare. The real concern with watering in the sun is that the water evaporates too quickly, making it less effective.
Fact: Watering plants in the sun won’t typically burn them, but it may result in inefficient watering. The best practice is to water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation and ensure the plants can absorb the moisture.
The Worst Time to Water Plants: Avoid These Mistakes
The timing of watering is crucial for plant health. Watering at the wrong time can hinder water absorption, waste water, and even harm your plants. The worst time to water is during the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. This causes rapid evaporation and reduces the amount of water the plant can take up.
Key Tips:
- Avoid midday watering: Watering during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm) leads to water loss through evaporation, leaving plants with less moisture.
- Best times to water: Early morning or late evening are ideal because temperatures are cooler, and plants can absorb more water before the heat of the day.
By watering at the right time, you ensure that your plants stay hydrated and healthy while reducing water waste.
Sustainable and Organic Gardening Practices
Eco-Friendly Irrigation Solutions for Organic Gardens
When it comes to organic gardening, sustainability is key. Using eco-friendly irrigation methods not only helps conserve water but also supports healthier, more resilient plants. Two excellent ways to achieve this are rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling.
Rainwater Harvesting:
Rainwater is naturally soft and free from the chemicals often found in tap water, such as chlorine and fluoride, making it an ideal choice for watering organic gardens. Setting up a rainwater harvesting system involves collecting rainwater from your roof through gutters and downspouts, storing it in barrels or tanks. This provides a free, sustainable water source that’s perfect for plants and reduces reliance on mains water.
Greywater Recycling:
Greywater is the relatively clean water from baths, showers, sinks, and washing machines. With proper filtration and treatment, greywater can be safely reused for irrigation, offering a sustainable solution for watering your garden. Installing a greywater system allows you to recycle water that would otherwise go to waste, making it an eco-friendly option for reducing household water consumption.
Conclusion
Effective and sustainable watering practices are essential for maintaining a healthy garden, especially in an organic setting. By choosing the right irrigation system, using safe water, and timing your watering appropriately, you can ensure that your plants thrive while conserving resources. Implementing eco-friendly solutions like rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling not only benefits a greener garden but also supports the environment. With a little knowledge and attention to detail, you can enjoy a flourishing, water-efficient garden all year round.
