Flow Rate

Flow Rate

Once you’ve determined the plants and soil you have, you can figure out the plants’ water needs and choose the correct emitters.

Even plants with low water needs can suffer in fast-draining, fast-drying soils. In this case, you’ll need to increase the size of point-source emitters or use in-line tubing with closer emitter spacing. Consider a 1 GPH emitter or 9-inch spacing for these scenarios. You might even consider amending the soil with fertilizer or peat moss to increase nutrients and slow the drainage.

Plants with high water needs in poorly drained soils can also suffer if overwatered. If this is the situation in your garden, you may be better off purchasing half-gallon emitters or 12-inch spaced in-line tubing to help keep your plants from drowning. You might want to work some sand into the soil as well to increase drainage.