Drip irrigation is an efficient and cost-effective way to water your plants and vegetables. Not only does this method allow for precise watering, it also helps to conserve water by reducing evaporation and runoff. But if installing the tubes, connectors, drippers and timer seems daunting, don't worry. You don't have to be a DIY expert to install a basic drip irrigation system. In fact, we've rounded up these five easy drip irrigation projects that you can complete in an hour or less, no matter your experience level.

1. Small Vegetable Garden

Drip irrigation is an excellent option if you're looking for a simple and eco-friendly way to water your small vegetable garden. With its ability to provide targeted watering right to the root zone of the plants, drip irrigation can help you use less water and save money on your water bill.

An easy to use kit with everything you need in one box, including hose, connectors, stakes, and drippers, the Rain Bird Landscape & Garden Drip Watering Kit is a quick and easy way to get started installing your drip system. 

2. New or Transplanted Tree

It's essential to provide newly planted trees with a consistent and deep soak to keep them healthy and hydrated. This can be challenging, particularly with newly planted or transplanted trees. A drip irrigation system delivers water directly to the tree's root zone in specific spots.

3. Flower Boxes and Containers

Flower boxes and other containers are great for enjoying flowers in small spaces. But watering them can be a challenge, as these containers tend to dry out quickly due to their shallow depth. A drip irrigation system offers an easy and efficient solution for keeping container gardens hydrated with minimal effort.

The Container Plant Watering Kit from Rain Bird has a selection of common parts to help you easily set up a drip system for your patio container plants.

4. Landscaped Area

Watering your lawn or landscaped area is important for maintaining healthy grass and plants. However, it can sometimes be challenging to ensure that every corner is correctly watered, especially with larger yards. Drip irrigation is an effective solution for lawn and landscaping maintenance, as it delivers water directly to the plants' roots and conserves water.

5. Convert a Sprinkler Head

If your lawn already has an in-ground sprinkler system, you can convert one or more of the existing sprinkler heads to a drip irrigation system. Switching from a traditional sprinkler that sprays water over a large area, to drip irrigation that delivers water directly to the plants that need it, can be a more efficient way to water your lawn or garden.

The Rain Bird Drip Emitter Conversion Kit contains the parts and tools you need to convert a sprinkler head to drip.

How to Set Up Drip Irrigation

Installing a drip irrigation system can be a simple do-it-yourself project. With the right supplies and these basic instructions, you can easily have your drip system set up with ease in any of the projects above. Here's how to get started:

Plan your irrigation system

The first step is to plan your system. Take note of the layout and plant types and determine where to run drip tubing. And since different garden plants require varying amounts of water, decide what emitters to place for each plant.

Rain Bird offers our Homeowner Sprinkler Design Service to create your personalized plan with just a few simple steps. Learn more and download our free design worksheet here.

Gather your supplies

Once you've planned your drip irrigation system, it's time to gather your supplies. You will need tubing, emitters, connectors, a pressure regulator, and a timer. You can purchase all the parts you'll need at your local hardware store. The Drip Irrigation Kit from Rain Bird includes a variety of drippers, hose and connectors to help you get started easily.

Install the tubing

Connect the tubing to your water source and unspool it across the area you will be irrigating.

• For a garden bed, loop 1/4 inch tubing around your plants where you want to deliver water. Cut the tubing to the desired length using scissors.
• For trees, place the tubing around the base of the tree. Lightly cover the tubing with dirt or mulch to hide it from view. Cut the tubing long enough to cover and wet the root zones, and make sure no dry spots exist.
• For flower boxes, lay the tubing as a loop, winding it around the sides of your flower box to reach all the plants, then cover with dirt or mulch to hide it from view.
• For larger landscaped areas, place 1/2 inch tubing around the perimeter of your lawn or landscape beds, then connect smaller, 1/4 inch tubing to run to individual plants.

Install the emitters

Emitters, or drippers are connectors that release water in drops. Insert an emitter into the tubing at every location where water needs to be delivered. The Rain Bird offers a variety of emitters for this step.

Add a timer

Finally, add a timer to your system to automate your garden watering system. A Rain Bird Hose End Timer is simple to program to automatically schedule your watering cycles, saving you time and keeping your plants well-hydrated.

Test your system

Once you have installed everything, turn on the water and test your system. Check that water is being delivered where you want it and in the right quantity. Adjust the emitter positioning if necessary.

A drip irrigation system is a great way to water your lawn or garden efficiently and effectively. With a good plan and the right supplies, you can easily install an automated drip system yourself, or our Rain Bird Sprinkler Design Service is here to help you get started with a personalized plan. Whether converting a sprinkler head or installing emitters around your landscape beds, setting up a drip irrigation system is a simple way to save time in watering plants while conserving water.