STEP 1

Lay out your garden

Start by making a plan of your garden. I used Sketchup but you could easily just use pen and paper. Lay out how you would like your watering system to fit, then go buy the PVC supplies you will need.

Lay the pipes on the ground to see how it will all fit together after you buy them.

STEP 2

Measure and cut

Measure any of the lengths of PVC that need to be trimmed, and then cut them to fit.

STEP 3

Add end caps

Any ends of your pipe that will not fit into couplings should be capped off to prevent the water from spilling out at those points. Push the caps onto the ends to secure them. On the end where you will connect your hose, add the hose adapter fitting.

STEP 4

Drill water holes

Using an 1/8-inch bit, drill holes in one side of your PVC pipes to allow water to escape. Try to uniformly space the holes for even watering.

STEP 5

Assembly

Begin pushing all the pipes into their fittings to build your final structure. Make sure all of the watering holes that you drilled are facing down into the dirt.

STEP 6

Attach your hose

Screw your hose into the adapter fitting, then turn on the water. You don’t want to turn it on full blast — a low, even-pressure stream of water is all you need. Watch as your garden begins to soak up the crucial moisture it needs.

WHAT'S NEXT?

This system will be better for your garden than a normal sprinkler because it delivers the water where the plants need it — to the roots. Sprinklers soak the leaves, which wastes water (plants don’t drink through their leaves!) and can cause rot and damage. To help improve the system, you could add a timer to ensure the water comes on everyday. How about a sensor that waters your garden when it gets too dry? Instead of using the hose, you could install a rain barrel to collect rain from your home’s gutters and use that water to irrigate your garden.

Please Note

Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. Power tools, electricity, and other resources used for these projects are dangerous, unless used properly and with adequate precautions, including safety gear and adult supervision. Some illustrative photos do not depict safety precautions or equipment, in order to show the project steps more clearly. Use of the instructions and suggestions found in Maker Camp is at your own risk. Maker Media, Inc., disclaims all responsibility for any resulting damage, injury, or expense.

Farmstead

Garden Irrigation System

2 Hours depending on the garden size

TO COMPLETE

WHAT WILL YOU MAKE?

A garden watering system that gives your plant the water it needs as efficiently as possible. This is a more difficult project for the more experienced makers in your Camp.

WHAT WILL YOU NEED?

3/4 inch PVC to fit the garden
Assortment of 3/4 inch fittings, T and + shaped
3/4 inch PVC end caps
3/4 inch PVC-to-garden-hose adapter
Marker
PVC cutter or saw