Irrigation systems in the garden – relax instead of sweating

During prolonged summer heat, the garden and its plant inhabitants require extra care. If there isn't enough rainfall, plants have no chance of getting sufficient water. Irrigation is essential.

Especially when hosting a summer party, there are better things to do than carrying a watering can back and forth from the tap to the flower bed. With an automatic irrigation system, this task becomes a thing of the past.

Even though some may complain about a rainy day in summer, nature needs it more than ever during this season. Prolonged drought causes stress for plants, and in the worst case, they wither and die. To prevent this, artificial irrigation is necessary in summer.

For those who don’t want to carry a watering can back and forth twenty times, sprinkler systems offer a convenient solution. These automatic irrigation systems are installed directly in the garden soil or flower beds. Underground supply pipes prevent tripping hazards, and the irrigation system can be easily controlled via a timer or moisture sensors. This way, the plants in the garden receive water automatically from above.

Sprinkler systems have both supporters and critics. A major point of criticism regarding automatic irrigation systems for gardens is that only 65% of the water used actually reaches the plants. The remaining 35% evaporates due to evaporation, wind, and other factors. Drip irrigation systems offer a way to water automatically from below. Pipes and hoses can be integrated directly into the soil during the installation of a new garden, making them completely invisible. This method of irrigation is gentle on the plants because the water comes from below, protecting delicate leaves from moisture and, consequently, from fungal diseases.

The choice of which type of automatic irrigation a garden owner decides on depends entirely on personal preference. When making this decision, it should also be taken into account which plants are growing in the garden and whether they prefer watering from above or below. Generally, the rule in summer is: don’t water from above. Water on the leaves evaporates in the sun, leading to sunburn and leaf death. For the plants to truly benefit from automatic irrigation, it should only be activated early in the morning or in the evening. This way, the garden stays fresh and healthy in the summer – without the hassle of lugging around a watering can in 30-degree heat.