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How to set up automated irrigation for garden?

I’m setting up an automated irrigation system for my backyard and would like some advice on my layout and parts list. I’ve attached a marked-up photo showing the planned pipe routing, garden bed emitters, and pot feeds.

My plan is to run a 13 mm poly main line around the garden bed, install PC shrubblers directly into the poly for each plant, and then run 4 mm lines to spike shrubblers for the pots. I already have a single-outlet tap timer.

Before I buy everything, I want to confirm whether this setup makes sense, whether I should use poly or drip tube for the garden bed, and whether I need a pressure reducer for this configuration.

Additionally:

Which brand is best to go for?
Which connectors are most efficient and reliable? I don’t want connectors that become loose or disconnected under pressure.
I’ve seen some poor reviews for certain connectors from Holman — is it okay to mix and match fittings from different brands (for example, using parts from Pope or Toro instead)?

Any feedback — especially from people who’ve built similar systems — would be much appreciated. backyard copy.jpg topview copy.jpg

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Comments

EricL

Hello @SouthFieldSnoop

Thank you for sharing your question about your irrigation plans. I propose future proofing your set up by using the 19mm tube so that you have room to expand and change the layout. I recommend installing a pressure reducer to prevent the system from overloading. As for the brand, all I can suggest is looking at the "star rating" of the product. it will tell you that this product has been purchased, installed and is performing very well in the garden.

It's ok to mix and match irrigation parts unless stated by the manufacturer that certain parts may only be used in conjunction with parts specified. I always suggest drawing it on paper so that you know exactly how it will be set up and what part goes with the hoses provided.

Here are some helpful previous discussions:

How to install a simple irrigation system by @srobinson
Understanding a drip irrigation watering system by @Adam_W
Watering system for my backyard by @DryGarden
Garden irrigation system by @GardenerJohn
Watering system by @Brian
Holman BTX1 watering system review by @TheSaltyreefer
DIY irrigation system by @lushgardener.
How to install a drip irrigation watering system By @Adam_W

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

SouthFieldSnoop

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/60291#Comment_60291

Thankyou @EricL
Is there a reason why 19mm is preferred over 13mm? Is it because 19mm can withstand more pressure and is less prone to disconnect?

Can I mix both poly pipe and irrigation pipe in the same setup? If so, what would be the best way to do this? Alternatively, would a poly pipe with spaced-out drippers be the best solution? Do you see any possible issues if I mulch over the poly pipes with dripper attachments?

I can get a pressure reducer and install it at the source. Would I need another one if I’m opting for separate drip irrigation lines for the garden beds?
Thanks
topview copy 2.jpg

MitchellMc

19mm has higher capacity and flow than 13mm @SouthFieldSnoop. Depending on the number of emitters and feeds, you would likely find that a 13mm pipe can't carry enough water for the size of your setup.

Could you please provide details of the products you're referring to as poly pipe and irrigation pipe, and how you would like to mix them? Typically, you would use poly pipe and your choice of emitters, etc. Mulching over or even burying poly pipe is perfectly fine, just be careful if you then use a shovel or fork in the garden. Drippers will continue to emit even under mulch.

A pressure reducer reduces the pressure over the whole system. For your drippers, I would get the variable flow versions so you can control the amount of water at certain portions of the garden bed.

Here's a helpful guide: How to install an irrigation system. Also, I'd encourage you to check out Pope's irrigation webpage.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

SouthFieldSnoop

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/60300#Comment_60300

Thankyou @MitchellMc
Ill stick to the 19mm poly pipes, and place emitters where needed.

let me go thought my part list and update it to be compatible with 19mm poly pipes

Cheers
@SouthFieldSnoop

SouthFieldSnoop

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/92623#Comment_92623

Hi @MitchellMc
So opted for the 19mm fittings.
Not sure if i would need a pressure reducer, but i opted for one based on the linked posts.
let me know if i overlooked any components or fittings for mysetup.
Thanks

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/112441#Comment_112441

That's looking good @SouthFieldSnoop.

Are you going to automate it with a timer?

Mitchell

SouthFieldSnoop

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123742#Comment_123742

Thanks for confirming @MitchellMc
I do have a old Pope Single digital tap timer, that i was planning to use.

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