Specifications
Today, manufacturers of garden tools offer customers models of watering cans made of different materials - metal and plastic. Each individual variety has a number of advantages and some disadvantages. Before making a choice in favor of a particular design, you should get to know each representative of watering can in more detail.
The general name of the metal watering can implies the use in the production of various metals.
It can be galvanized steel or regular sheet metal. It is quite easy to distinguish them, it is enough to look with the naked eye at the offered product. Galvanized models have a natural shine of metal. But the hand sprinkler, made of sheet iron, is always painted as a protective cover against corrosion.
But unfortunately, such processing cannot completely protect the device from rusting. After a certain time, from the combination of water and metal, the watering can leak and flow. The most vulnerable spots in metal watering cans are the connecting seams. Despite the strong welding, it is in these parts that the first holes mostly occur. But if such problems appear, the metal structure can be repaired, for example, an additional seam can be made.
The plastic model, unfortunately, cannot be repaired; it will need to be replaced with a new one.
Another drawback that a metal sprinkler has is its weight. The device, made of metal, already has a large mass, and if you pour water into it to the maximum level, the watering can will become physically unmanageable.
Against the background of metal devices, a plastic watering can may seem very preferable, but this is only at first glance. Many gardeners quite often faced the problem of deformation of the irrigation device, and all due to excess weight of water and changes in climatic temperature.
In the production of these products, different types of plastic are used. It can be polypropylene and polyethylene. Polypropylene is exposed to an external negative factor. The deformation of this material occurs even from direct sunlight. It follows from this that you should not give your preference to such watering cans. Polyethylene, in turn, is the highest quality material and is much more reliable in terms of technical progress.
In order not to be mistaken and to be able to distinguish between polypropylene and polyethylene products in the store, it should be remembered that products made of polypropylene are marked with the letters PP, and the polyethylene material is underlined with the letters HDPE.
Next, you should pay attention to the size of the watering cans. Of course, the model is selected individually for each person, but as a universal watering device that will be used by all family members, you should pay attention to the volume. It is very easy for a healthy and physically strong man to carry a 10 or 12 liter container in his hands, but it is best for a woman to use models with a maximum volume of 9 liters.
The most acceptable diameter of the spout should be 2.5 cm, otherwise the water pressure will be very strong, accordingly, watering will be done carelessly
It is very easy for a healthy and physically strong man to carry a 10 or 12 liter container in his hands, but it is best for a woman to use models with a maximum volume of 9 liters.The most acceptable diameter of the spout should be 2.5 cm, otherwise the water pressure will be very strong, accordingly, watering will be done carelessly.
Subsoil irrigation system for greenhouses
Intrasoil irrigation is carried out using an irrigation system, which is located under the soil layer at a depth of 30 cm. Mini-holes are made throughout the pipe area, through which water flows to the plant roots. Such a system is most rational for green spaces such as trees, fruit bushes, and grapes. It is also successfully used in greenhouses where regular digging is not performed. However, it can also be used in a summer cottage, planting annual plants, depending on the location of the system.
Surface irrigation systems are commonly used in greenhouses.
This option promotes good oxygen access to the roots and does not require constant loosening of the soil. Underground irrigation is organized in areas with a shortage of water, since this option reduces its consumption by half in comparison with the surface option. Watering can be carried out from an irrigation container in the country.
On a note! A filter should be installed at the start of the irrigation pipe to minimize the chance of clogging the holes in the piping.
The system can be stacked vertically at the time of planting a perennial plant. The planting pit is made 30 cm deeper and 20-25 cm wider than required for rooting the culture. The bottom is covered with a layer of crushed stone 20 cm high. The pipe is inserted vertically, plunging into the thickness of crushed stone by 7-10 cm. The length of the segment is selected taking into account the protrusion of a part of the product above the earth's surface by 10-12 cm. The pillow is covered with soil 10-15 cm thick. Open end closed with a plug.
Underground irrigation saves water and at the same time evenly moisturizes the soil from the inside.
Watering is carried out from a watering can or a hose directly into the pipe. Water flows directly to the root system of the plant, eliminating the need to moisturize the topsoil. The irrigation rate depends on the climatic zone of the area. For many plants of the same type, you can organize automated watering.
Ceramic cones
Ceramic cones are popular among flower growers. These are a kind of "carrots" from which plastic tubes depart. The "carrot" is stuck into a pot, and the end of the tube is lowered into a container of water. In this case, the process of water supply is not controlled manually. Moisture is drawn from the pressure vessel each time the earth dries out.
IN THE PHOTO: Ceramic cones are not very reliable, because often clogged and do not always provide the required pressure.
In the absence of free space to install a vessel with water near the plant, use a ceramic nozzle on the bottle. The advantage of this method is its ease of use. Attach the nozzle to a regular plastic water bottle, insert it into the pot and forget about watering. The device will control the water supply by itself, and the plant will receive exactly as much water as required. This is a great economical option: when using large 2-liter bottles, you can forget about watering for a whole month.
ON THE PHOTO: Ceramic nozzle for a bottle is a simple and economical option for automatic irrigation.
There are decorative variations of ceramic cones in the form of animals, birds, butterflies, etc. They look very cute and can liven up the interior. But, unfortunately, such "toys" are not suitable for watering: due to the small volume, you will often have to add water.
Features of rain automatic irrigation
Rain irrigation is mainly used for watering lawns, strawberry plantations and large areas with their own hands. Such a system can be installed in greenhouses for crops that like a humid microclimate. Sprinkling water, which is dispersed by sprinklers, gets under the root and on the ground part of the plant.
The sprinkler system can be laid by air or subsoil. The latter option is more accurate and durable. It is installed with confidence in the permanent location of green spaces. Sprinklers with nozzles are also located underground. At the moment when the pressurized water system starts to work, the sprinkler moves upward, supplying water to the site. When organizing an autowatering rain system for greenhouses, an air method of laying communications is used.
Note! Sprinkling can operate at a water pressure in the pipeline of at least 2 atm.
The system can be connected to a centralized water supply pipeline or take water from a barrel. The latter option involves the installation of a pump, the operation of which is controlled by the controller.
The automatic sprinkling system can be of both surface and underground types.
The main advantages of the system are the following factors:
promotes gradual, uniform absorption of moisture;
humidifies the air, which is especially important in greenhouses;
washes leaves and fruits of shrubs and trees from dust and insects.
The disadvantages of the sprinkler system include the formation of a crust on the surface of the earth, which prevents the flow of oxygen into the soil. In addition, such automatic irrigation requires a large consumption of water and electricity. Constant imitation of rain can be detrimental to some crops due to the fact that it contributes to the development of various diseases. However, this is the most rational system for automatic irrigation of lawns and beds with frequent plantings.
The automatic sprinkler system consists of a pump, hoses and special spray nozzles that spray water around itself in a certain radius. Sprinklers for watering the garden can be fan or rotary. The first option is suitable for a small area. The operating radius of such sprinklers is up to 5 m. The fan-shaped sprinklers can be equipped with different nozzles, thanks to which the irrigation sector is regulated.
Schemes for automatic sprinkling of greenhouses under the control of the controller.
To moisten large areas, it is better to choose rotary sprinklers, which, dynamically rotating around their axis, spray water over long distances - up to 10 m. For root irrigation, the system can be equipped with bubblers. Different types of sprinklers should not be installed in the same area, as they provide different irrigation rates.
On a note! For irrigation of roadside lawns, the do-it-yourself irrigation system is completed with fan sprinklers that work in one direction.
Watering plants with a garden watering can
Watering plants with a garden watering can is the simplest type of care for summer cottages. As you can imagine, in this case the watering of the plants is done manually using the most popular gardening equipment for watering the plot - a small garden watering can.
Watering plants with a garden watering can
As for the capacity of the watering can, today there are many types of garden watering cans of various sizes. It is recommended to opt for 10-liter plastic watering cans, because they are relatively light and capable of moistening at least 1 bed at a time.
When choosing a garden watering can, you need to pay attention to its design features. Often, the cheaper the watering can, the more inconvenient it is to use.
It is recommended to choose garden watering cans with a comfortable handle and a long spout for watering. Also, pay attention to the fact that the watering can is balanced when filled.
Among the advantages of watering with a garden watering can there are:
- The main advantage of garden watering cans is that the irrigation stream is targeted, which means that it is possible to water specific plants in a specific location.
- The next advantage of garden watering cans is cheapness.In addition to the fact that the price of a watering can is scanty in comparison with the prices of the types of irrigation below, this method of irrigation also implies a significant saving of water resources, because you will not water the bare soil, which happens when irrigating with sprinklers.
The disadvantage of watering plants with a garden watering can is completely manual labor. If you have a large plot of land, then watering with a watering can will take a lot of time every day, especially since carrying a 10-liter watering can for several hours is unnecessary physical activity.
Summing up, we can say that watering plants with a watering can is only suitable if the territory of your garden plot is small, and rest in your summer cottage is in the background for you.
2 Types of irrigation units
All sprinklers are divided into main groups by location: above the ground or in the soil. The simplest solution is to water the area by dragging a watering can or using a hose. But on planting potatoes, however, you can't run over with a bucket. It is even more difficult to provide garden trees with water: all the liquid spreads over the surface, and the roots in the depths remain dehydrated. The optimal moisture system is selected depending on the type of planting.
If the terrain is dry and the water dries up before it is absorbed, it makes sense to consider underground drip delivery. The same solution can be on the surface of the soil, if the roots do not go deep, or in a greenhouse, where the issue of moisture is not worth it. Hand-held or stand-mounted spray hoses are handy for small areas.
Rain watering system for the garden: features of the option
When organizing a sprinkling system, water in the form of drops gradually moistens the soil near the plant at a certain angle. This process is carried out using special sprinklers and sprinklers, which are installed in certain places of the summer cottage at some distance from each other. For areas completely covered with vegetation, such as lawns and flower beds, rotating sprinklers are provided that evenly moisturize the soil around them.
Drip irrigation: watering for summer cottages at no cost (read more)
Sprinkling contributes to a gradual, high-quality and deep soil moistening, so that its structure is not damaged. With this method, the aboveground parts of the plant are saturated with moisture, which contributes to an increase in yield. This is especially true for strawberry plantations. If the sprinkler heads are located under the tree crowns, watering and flushing of dust and insects from the leaves will be carried out at the same time. In addition, if lawn grass is planted under the trees, this is the most rational way to moisturize it.
Sprinkler irrigation is often used for lawns and long beds.
When setting up the device, you should focus on maintaining a balance between the intensity of rain and the ability of the soil to absorb water. Moisture must have time to be absorbed into the soil in order to exclude the formation of puddles and dirt. This can lead to the flooding of the surface of the earth, which, after drying, will be covered with a crust, which will impede the access of oxygen to the roots of plants.
Among the shortcomings, one can single out the fact that water is sprayed unevenly with strong gusts of wind and insufficient pressure in the main system. Also, water can fall not only on the beds, but also on the paths.
The sprinkler system can be stationary or portable. In the first version, the pipes for irrigation are laid on top of the soil or mounted in the ground to a depth of 30-40 cm. In the places where the sprayers are installed, the vertical sections of the pipelines are brought out to the required height. Sprinklers are attached at their ends.
Sprinkler irrigation system can be ground and underground type and consist of several sprinklers evenly moistening the area.
When organizing portable irrigation, hoses are used for irrigation in the country. The best products are made of thermoplastic elastomer or PVC. Sprayers are installed at the ends of the hose. Products are stacked in the required place for watering horticultural crops. For this system, it is convenient to organize autowatering, which will be programmed to turn on at the most suitable time for watering - in the evening. By the morning, the water will be absorbed, and during the day you can loosen the soil to provide oxygen to the roots of the plant.
Manufacturing methods
The easiest way, perhaps, is to make a homemade watering can from a plastic bottle. Narrow holes are made in the lid using an awl, a sharp needle or a soldering iron tip. But such designs look too mundane. You can make a more original sprinkler by using non-standard bottles. You can find them in the store without any problems, you just need to spend more time.
Pasting a structure of complex shape is very difficult. The solution is often staining. But it is used only when the surface is dense and does not bend. On a loose, unstable base, any paint will crack quickly. By itself, such an appearance may look original - but this solution is acceptable mainly for summer cottages.
A watering can for flowers can be made from the most ordinary glass. Such a workpiece is more difficult to process. But difficulties of this kind are justified by long-term operation and attractive appearance. Sometimes they also take large ceramic mugs. It is no longer necessary to punch the irrigation holes with needles, but with a drill.
Drilling should be done as carefully as possible. If the material bursts or cracks, the workpiece will be hopelessly damaged.
Therefore, it is better to spend an extra few minutes than spoil your plan. When the holes are punched, proceed as follows:
- take a plastic tube of the same thickness as the hole;
- cover the tube and glass with the same paint;
- insert the tube into the glass;
- glue them so that there are no places left through which water can flow.
It is best to use mugs with a narrow neck. Excessive water will flow through the wide outlet. As a result, you will have to use the already modest capacity only partially. When a large amount of water needs to be poured out for indoor plants, it is advisable to use a different design. The enlarged watering can is prepared from bottles for detergents.
To make it more beautiful, randomly spaced lines are applied with the most common paints. This will create the impression of an avant-garde garden tool. A pleasant side effect is that the dirt will be less visible. You can exclude the washing off of the picture by covering the watering can with a layer of varnish. If done correctly, it will even be possible to leave the sprinkler in the yard as a decorative element.
Some people prefer to make watering cans from cans. All oily liquids and flammable substances must be washed out of there in advance. Otherwise, plant safety is not guaranteed. The pipe is often formed from tin. It is recommended to prepare a scrupulous drawing in advance in order to exclude accidental errors.
The folded edges of the sheet metal must be carefully attached to each other. For this operation, beaters or mallets are used. The tube must be placed in the prepared hole. Next, the tube is pulled over the tap, and another section of it is placed at the other end of the tap.
The rigid tube must be carefully pulled over the protruding part of the flexible channel, the docking must be airtight, therefore, pull until it stops
Once the tubing is complete, hook the strap to the handle of the canister. The selection of the belt length is at your discretion. To create a nozzle that sprays water, you usually take old containers from photographic films. In the lid of such containers, it is necessary to punch a hole of the same diameter as the rigid tube.In the other part, a mass of holes is prepared.
You can learn more about how to make a watering can for watering seedlings with your own hands.
Do-it-yourself drip irrigation for a vegetable garden from plastic pipes
You can organize a drip irrigation system on the site from plastic pipes.
The advantages of using the material include:
- insignificant weight, even the weight of the already assembled system is small;
- affordable price;
- no need to contact experts for the design, the process is easy and simple;
- condensation does not accumulate on plastic pipes, as well as deposits do not accumulate inside the pipes;
- high resistance to fungi and mold;
- durability, ultimate service life of more than 50 years.
To assemble and install spot irrigation, you need to purchase pipes for bends with a diameter of 20 to 40 mm and for the main line - from 50 to 100 mm. Pipes are connected to each other using fittings, this is all done manually without the introduction of tools. In addition, you will need a soldering device for joining pipes of the same diameter.
If the irrigation system will take place on the ground, then the installation will take less time. And the assembly of irrigation from plastic pipes looks like this:
- We remove the rubber hose from the container with water.
- On the site we place the irrigation system itself, we carry out bends along the beds in the root zone of the plants.
- We mount the droppers directly in those sections of the pipes that are adjacent to the roots. If there are no droppers, then using a thin drill we make small holes right in the pipes.
If you need to perform a deep installation, then the assembly will be a little more complicated:
- The first step on the site is to make marks where the highway and bends will pass.
- Depending on the diameter of the pipes, we dig trenches with a depth of 30 to 70 cm.
- Place the pipes in the grooves prepared in the soil. We cut the taps into the line, and also we bring a rubber hose to it, which will supply water from the container. Each branch can be equipped with an individual valve to better control the irrigation system.
- We install droppers in the taps or make holes through which water will enter the soil.
- The system can be equipped with special sensors for automatic water supply.
The main features of the rotary sprinkler
In appearance, these products resemble static devices. Their design has much in common with stationary sprinklers. The main difference between rotary models is the presence of a rotating part. Thanks to this, their range of action is much higher than that of the previous type of devices.
Rotary sprinklers are equipped with rotating parts, so the irrigation area can be up to 30 m².
The area that a single rotary sprinkler for a vegetable garden, garden or lawn can irrigate can reach 30 m². This functionality is an absolute advantage. To purchase a suitable model, it is necessary to focus on the area that the device can humidify during operation.
When installing such a device, it is immersed in the ground. Most of these sprinklers are adjustable. This means that, if desired, you can select a specific area on the site that this device will irrigate.
Separately, it should be said that rotary models, like many other types of sprinklers, save water during operation. As a result, the cost of controlled irrigation is reduced compared to manual irrigation. The sprinkler is a simple and effective device that does not require constant monitoring and allows you to create an acceptable microclimate for plants.
Popular models
Karcher CS 90
This sprinkler irrigates within a radius of nine meters. The model is equipped with an additional attachment. With its help, you can water narrow areas. The product is compact, so it does not take up much space.
GARDENA 2079-32
The device is perfect for a plot that has a rectangular shape. A regulator is provided by the developers in the device. It allows you to control the economical water consumption. The user is given the opportunity to independently determine how much liquid will be consumed. The sprinkler is capable of watering within a radius of seventeen meters. Even a user without special knowledge can use the device. To start it, you will need to connect the supply line and open the shut-off regulator.
GARDENA 2062-20
With the help of such equipment, it is possible to irrigate the plot, which occupies 310 square meters in area. The structure adheres well to the surface of the ground, as the kit includes a stand. The irrigation device shows excellent parameters in work. The appliance spins quickly but does not make any noise. Also, the sprinkler has a long service life due to its robust housing. In the process of watering, you will not have to deal with puddles, since liquid leaks are excluded. Stylish design will allow the equipment to harmoniously fit into the landscape.
GARDENA 1973-20
This model belongs to the oscillating type. This device is perfect if you need to water a rectangular area. The user has the ability to adjust the irrigation radius using the pressure of the jet. Fans of modern fashion trends will love the orange execution of the equipment. Even a user who does not have special skills can use the device.
FISKARS 1023658
The manufacturer is known to consumers as a supplier of quality gardening accessories. Their equipment is reliable and efficient. This device is of the pulse type. Due to this, the process of spraying water is significantly accelerated. The device can be used to irrigate an area of 500 square meters. The equipment is easy to use due to its low weight of only 520 grams. The user will be able to choose the pressure of the jet at his own discretion.
RACO 4260-55 / 662C
The model released by this company is great for areas that have a small footprint. The manufacturer took care of the reliability of the device by making a housing made of impact-resistant plastic. This appliance will distribute moisture evenly. Such indicators are maintained even if the water pressure is small.
HOZELOCK PLUS (2510)
The design is equipped with eight separate nozzles. With their help, the site is irrigated evenly. This model serves as an excellent assistant if you need to take care of the lawn. You can fix the device on a pointed peg, which even a user who has never done this can handle. The device is made on the basis of the highest quality plastic. Due to this, it is stable on any soil. On the market, equipment is sold at an affordable cost.