Irrigation essentials: drip versus soak | Gardening 101 | Gardening Australia

Josh explains the essentials of the two main types of ground-level irrigation: Dripline and soaker hose. See the latest content from Gardening Australia as it goes live by hitting subscribe: http://ab.co/GA-subscribe Both driplines and soaker hoses are designed to water the roots and be covered with mulch, which is the best way to reduce evaporation, weeds and the risk of plant disease. Dripline is made from poly pipe with regularly spaced drip holes along the length. Inside the pipe at each drip hole is a regulator that controls the amount of water passing through; you need to know the drip rate (say 4 litres per hour) so you can calculate the right length of time for the irrigation to be switched on to ensure your plants get the right amount of water. The regulators are usually self-flushing so are less likely to block up, making it good for permanent installations. It’s worth getting some advice before installing so you get the right sort for what you want to grow, your water pressure and your soil type. Soaker hose is made from porous rubber, which allows water to seep through. It’s easier to install but can block up so is generally regarded as a short- or medium-term solution to get a tree or garden bed established. Josh shows how easy it is to install soaker hose - he simply wraps a coil around his lemon tree, attaches one end to a hose and switches it on. Cover with mulch to reduce evaporation. USEFUL LINKS https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/irrigation-made-easy/9434858 https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/smart-watering/11966152 https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/irrigation-maintenance-and-repairs/12882116 https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/watering-wisdom/12927282 Watch Gardening Australia on ABC iview: http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/gardening-australia About Gardening Australia: Gardening Australia is an ABC TV program providing gardening know-how and inspiration. Presented by Australia's leading horticultural experts, Gardening Australia is a valuable resource to all gardeners through the television program, the magazine, books, DVDs and extensive online content. Connect with other Gardening Australia fans: Like Gardening Australia on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gardeningaustralia Follow Gardening Australia on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/gardeningaustralia Visit the Gardening Australia website: http://www.abc.net.au/gardening This is an official Australian Broadcasting Corporation YouTube channel. ******** Contributions may be removed if they violate ABC's Online Conditions of Use http://www.abc.net.au/conditions.htm (Section 3).