By Rami Moorosi
Efforts such as preparing the soil and selecting plants are important, but a healthy lush garden also needs to be watered properly for it to truly thrive.
An effective irrigation system, correctly installed, means you don’t have to spend time watering. A timer adds to convenience. It can also be used for protection against frost as affected areas can be watered before sunrise, and can ensure that your garden is kept watered during the hot summer months, especially if you are going away for any length of time. Tiaan Hattingh of EcoLand Irrigation explains that an irrigation system can water areas as needed, or can be set to water seasonally. Generally speaking installing a system in winter is better as it will enable you to get it ready in time for spring.
In terms of maintenance, Jonathan Newton of Water Plant says: “The maintenance of a correctly installed irrigation system is very minimal. There are seals on sprinklers and valves that will require changing after time, as there is wear and tear on the moving parts.” Regularly check your system during the summer months to ensure you are not wasting water with an unnecessary leak or have plants dying due to a blocked pipe. There are a variety of irrigation systems available to the home owner, but it is vital to choose the one that best serves your needs.
Gone are the days when you or your gardener had to water with a hose pipe or move the sprinkler around the garden. An efficient irrigation system means this activity is a thing of the past, and it will undoubtedly add value to your home.
