Flower Production Driptape Guide
In this guide, we will discuss the driptape irrigation system for a flower production.
Driptape
Driptape is an effective way to irrigate your flower garden beds. With a thin-walled tube and built-in drippers, Driptape can be rolled out at the start of the season and easily recoiled when beds need to be cleared, replanted, or maintained. Driptape is well suited to a wide range of flower plantings, helping deliver consistent moisture directly to the root zone while reducing water waste.
The thin-walled tubing makes installation simple and allows for easy coiling and storage when the season ends or when garden layouts change.
When designing your system, factors such as the number of rows, litres per hour, dripper spacing, coil length, and flower types should all be considered to ensure optimal irrigation.
Contact our experts on 0800 130 905 for advice on setting up the right system for your flower garden.
Read our Driptape Guide here to learn more
Manual System
A manual driptape requires the user to manually open and close the ball valve to irrigate the produce. The 16mm driptape Valve is ideal for this situation. If you have a 25mm lateral line, you can use the 16mm driptape valve x 8mm Barb connection inserted directly into the lateral line. Branching off horizontally, the driptape can be screwed onto the fitting and rolled out along your rows.
This system requires you to open and close each valve manually to operate.
Automatic System
Automatic systems allow for the system to be controlled via a controller and solenoid valves. It is always recommended to have a brass ball valve before your solenoid valve in case of repairs. The solenoid valve will control the water that branches out in a 13mm lateral line to your driptape rows. The 16mm driptape valve x 13mm barb is ideal for this situation as you can further control the water and shut the water flow to certain rows in case of repairs or leaks.
An automatic irrigation system provides precise water flow to your flower beds, saving time and labour compared to manual watering. The available water flow will determine how many rows or garden areas can be controlled by a single solenoid valve.
Driptape Fittings
Driptape fittings are easy to install and come in a variety of options. The most common on a market garden system is the valves and end hooks. End hooks are handy as you can hook them onto the rig to help to roll out the dripline.
Driptape valves are not necessary but are helpful if you have breaks or leaks in your line, you can quickly turn off the line with the break and still have the rest of your rows operational.
Tips:
- Driptape is a thin-walled tube
- Hand tighten the nut over top of the tape
Presssure Regulator
A pressure reducing valve is recommended for systems with high pressure. The Senninger pressure regulator is an ideal valve for the driptape system, reducing the pressure to either 15 or 10 psi with a 20mm female BSP thread.
Senninger regulators maintain a constant preset outlet pressure with varying inlet pressures, which alleviates pressure differences that can cause an applicator’s coverage area to change.
Tips:
- Can be installed above or below ground
- designed to handle flows from 114 to 3407 L/hr
Controller
AC or DC is the first option to consider for the orchard controller. If you have a power supply nearby, then AC is the better choice. AC controllers and valves tend to be cheaper. If you have no power options then a DC controller running 9V batteries may be your only option.
Have a read of our Controller Guide here to learn more.
