- 1). Group the containers according to your esthetic preference and play with the arrangement until you are satisfied; you won’t want to move them often once the watering system is in place. Determine the most efficient and least conspicuous route to run the main water line. One main line is simpler, but you can add branch lines if desired.
- 2). Measure the distance from the water faucet to the farthest plant to determine the amount of main line tubing needed. Likewise, estimate the amount of smaller feeder tubing and the number of connectors and emitters required to reach every container. Drip irrigation system components can be purchased at most garden centers or home-improvement stores.
- 3). Starting at the faucet, install the timer, backflow preventer, water filter and pressure regulator in that order. Connect the main line tubing with the hose adapter and route it to the plants. Cut the tubing with a hacksaw to add branch lines using tee fittings, if needed.
- 4). Using a hammer and nail-in C-clamps, attach the line to the house siding or deck. Run water to flush the line and test the fittings for leaks, and tighten connections with pliers if needed. Cut off excess tubing, then close the line with a hose-end fitting or clamp.
- 5). Use the punch tool or a nail to pierce the main line and insert a connector for the first feeder line. Slide 1/4-inch tubing on the connector and run it to the container, using scissors to cut the tubing to the length needed. Put a drip emitter into the end of the tubing; then insert a stake into the soil to hold the emitter in place. Install a separate line for each plant, or use tee connectors to run a line of emitters from plant to plant.
- 6). Consider using 1/2-gallon-per-hour (GPH) emitters for small containers and one or more 1-GPH emitters for large containers so that bigger plants get adequate water during the running time without overwatering smaller plants. Experiment to determine the amount of water pressure and time needed to adequately irrigate all the plants. Watering deeply and less often is better for plants. Aim to irrigate at least 50 percent of the root ball at each watering.
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