A flower bed (raised or grounded) transforms the overall surroundings with its natural green beauty. If you have planted some stunning flower beds and are looking for options to water them, no need to worry. We have compiled various flower bed watering systems with their pros and cons because each watering system has its flaws and advantages, and one watering system is not suitable for all flower beds. There are multiple factors, such as your routine, the total space you will work with, and the budget, that affect your choice of watering system.
The Factors Affecting Your Choice of Watering System
Total time spared—If you keep busy and stay away for weeks for work, choose the watering system that helps your plant stay alive with minimal effort and stress. If you prefer to monitor the watering schedule and spend weekends with plants, opt for a manual system for more personal involvement.
Budget: If budget is not a constraint, you can opt for any system that perfectly fits into your requirements without thinking much about the budget.
Space: The watering system also depends on the amount of space you have to use for a flower bed.
Points to Consider for Watering the Flower Beds
Spend More Time in the Garden
Your presence in the garden will enable you to monitor the detailing and check for problems, such as a dead battery, broken timer, flaws in the watering balance, and leaking lines. This will prevent water wastage and ensure the health of the plant.
Keep Track of the Weather
The climate changes the water requirements of the flower beds. During hot and dry weather, plants need everyday watering, and for the rest of the season, they need once or twice a week.
Keep an Eye on the Water Requirements
Crops need adequate moisture to thrive because plants use water for photosynthesis and also to transport sugar and nutrients from one part of the plant to another. You can also notice any sign of under-watering stress(leaf curl, brown or yellow leaves, and slow growth) and take the necessary steps.
Water the Plant Deeply and Less Frequently
Deep watering ensures that the root system gets enough moisture for robust growth.
Water in the Early Hours
An early watering schedule allows the plant to absorb moisture. As the temperature increases, water evaporates, drying the soil. Morning watering also prevents pests and water-borne diseases.
Select the Automatic Watering System
The automatic watering system is an effective way to water the flower beds. You can select a drip system, soaker hoses, or sprinkle system based on your requirements.
Various Types of Watering Systems
Watering Can/garden Hose
If you want to spend the minimum, a simple garden hose is the best choice for the flower bed watering system. Most of the hardware stores sell a range of hose lengths and a variety of nozzles. Select a hose that can stretch as much as you need it, and the nozzle should gently spray water like rainfall. A hand-held watering can is another option for watering the flower beds gently. Try to water the plant early in the morning to retain moisture and get absorbed by the roots. When the temperature rises, moisture evaporates, so watering late in the day is not a good idea.
Pros
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The watering can, and garden hose gently spray water on the flower beds.
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It's cost-effective.
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Watering the soil below the flowers and foliage gets easier.
Cons
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A hand-held watering system consumes more time.
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If you keep buying, it becomes a hassle to water the plants.
Drip Irrigation System
A drip system is an effective system for watering flower beds. It has a flexible, thin tube laid on top of the soil with emitters that slowly drip a slow and consistent drop of water directly to the roots. The system comes with manual or automatic valves to provide flexibility to allow drip in one part and stop it in another part. It also has pressure regulators to ensure the proper flow of water in the soil.
Pros
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It is easy to install and easy to move around.
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The chances of fungal and mildew issues are less because the drip system waters the soil below the foliage.
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Water wastage is minimized. It saves 305-50% more water than other watering systems.
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You get both manual and automated systems to turn it on and off.
Cons
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It requires maintenance due to clogs in the filter.
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Placement of emitters need proper attention to ensure water hits the right spot for flowers to thrive.
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Tubing is prone to damage if you are not careful while walking in the yard with power tools.
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High foot traffic and direct exposure to sunlight cause wear and tear of the tube.
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It is prone to animal damage because, during drought, pests and rodents identify the source of water and try to make the faucet hole bigger by digging their teeth, resulting in damage.
Soaker Hose
A soaker hose is a simpler and cheaper version of a drip system with limited capabilities. It looks like a hose with holes after every few inches. Use a soaker hose on the level ground because once the hose is coiled, it's a task to straighten out.
Pros
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This is an excellent option for beginners to learn gardening with minimal investment.
Cons
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There's no pressure adjustment facility.
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The flexibility to close a few sections and run water in other parts is missing.
Spray System/Sprinkler System
The spray system comes with a single unit attached to the hose, which you can move around according to the requirement. The other option is to seek help from an irrigation specialist to install an in-ground system with flexible heads that come up when water is turned on and goes down when it is turned off. The system works on valves, pipes, sensors, and timers to ensure that irrigation works properly. You can program the sprinkler head according to the water requirement. A spray watering system is the best choice if you have a large garden with a variety of plants and vegetables spread across.
Pros
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The flexibility of the head to go down and come up saves it from getting caught in lawn mower blades.
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Sprinkler system waters a large area in less time.
Cons
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Installation costs are higher.
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It sprinkles water on the leaves, and the soil remains deprived of water. Moist leaves are prone to plant diseases.
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It is not suitable if your yard has an inclined or sloped area.
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It is not ideal for certain soil types, such as thick clay and compacted sandy soils.
Rotor System
The Rotor system works in a similar pattern as the spray system, but the difference lies in the sprinkling pattern. Rotor heads distribute water in a rotating stream, allowing the sprinkler body to spin around in fixed arcs.
Pros
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It distributes water evenly.
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It is suitable for larger areas.
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It works effectively on uneven slopes and inclinations.
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It works well on non-absorbent soil, too.
Cons
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It doesn't work effectively if the water pressure is low.
Rain Barrel System
Another watering system that depends on the amount of rainfall your area gets is the rain barrel system. All you have to do is buy a rain barrel pump system that allows you to connect the garden hose to the barrel and a jet pump on the outside to pull water. Another option is a submersible set inside the unit to pull water. You have to assess the frequency of watering and then decide which pump to buy. If you have to water the flower bed occasionally, a jet pump will do what is needed, but it's louder. However, if you have to water frequently, you should buy the silent submersible.
Pros
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It is simple to use.
Cons
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It needs pressure to water large flower beds.
Self-watering Raised Beds
This is a self-watering system in which plants absorb water from reservoirs under the beds through capillary action. This system can care for plants for a minimum of one month. These units have water level indicators and overflow valves. Self-watering beds can be easily bought from the market.
Pros
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Water doesn't touch the leaves, preventing fungal and bacterial diseases.
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It is mobile. You can move it wherever you want.
Self-watering Flower Pots
This is similar to self-watering raised beds. In this watering system, you will have to put water in a tube to fill the reservoir below. Arrange the flower beds in smaller pots within the range of the garden hose for easy reservoir filling. Self-watering pots are best for colder zones for proper flower maintenance throughout the cold weather.
Conclusion
There are different flower bed watering systems to suit your flower bed. Always select the one that meets all your requirements. Each flower bed has distinct requirements depending on the total space, budget, and time you can spare. Consult a professional to help with installation because money saved today by installing it yourself may cost you more in the future due to a flaw in the installation system. Once installed properly, it will run for years to come with basic maintenance.
