resource conservation, ecosystem health, sustainability

The word "irrigation" can sound so industrial. But irrigation is simply providing water to supplement the rainwater for plants outdoors, or provide all the water for indoor plants such as those in a greenhouse or high tunnel (unheated greenhouse).

There are many ways to irrigate. The most sensible way is to deliver just the right amount of water, to exactly where it is needed.

Weather factors and plant preference affect what the right amount of water is. Dry, hot, or windy days are going to mean that plants will lose more water from their leaves (transpiration). Larger plants need more water than smaller plants, and so forth.

Plants pull water in through their roots, so water needs to be delivered close to the roots. Overhead sprinkling is inefficient because some water evaporates as it falls through the air and some water catches on leaves and stems and then evaporates, never hitting the soil.

If you are going to irrigate, choose a system that is easy for you to maintain, that makes the most efficient use of water. The basic unit is perforated tubing. Beyond that, you can get valves and timers and measuring devices, if you wish.

Gadgets can make the process easier, but there is no substitute for paying attention. Pay attention to the way the plants look, to the way the soil feels, and to the weather. You will be rewarded for all that attention with healthier plants.