Well water versus city water depends on the quality of both and in most cases is six of one, half dozen of another. As far as emitters, high flow emitters generally will result in the water not watering evenly as it just runs through the pot. A couple solutions are use lower flow emitters for a longer time period or use emitters that disperse water over a greater area such as the misters or mini sprinklers (inverted types). Another solution is to add more drip type emitters (of lower flow). Example, a 1gph emitter delivers the flow you want, but not the coverage. Use 2 1/2 gph emitters. It does take some experimentation to get things dialed in the way you want. For larger pots you might prefer the drip hoses with emitters prebuilt in with 6" spacing. Wrap them around the pot to get a more even dispersal of water. Also keep in mind that just because the surface isn't evenly wet this doesn't mean a couple inches below the surface the same is true. The water tends to fan out horizontally as it goes downward.

Hi, I want to set up a couple of water barrel, gravity fed drip irrigation systems for a large food and herb garden. We have a gentle slope with raised beds (about 120X100 feet total). The raised beds aren't all in the same place thus the need to set up at least four of these systems. The barrels will look something like the ones in this article http://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articles/adams/audrey/water_barrel.htm We have no power on this site, thus the need to set it up via gravity. As far as controlling flow I'm hoping to find the proper valve that can be set accordingly so it drips slowly around the clock (and can be turned off in case of rain). I know very little about drip irrigation, what kinds are available, materials and such. So far it seems drip tape is a good way to go however. I don't know if I'll need a regulator valve since this will be gravity-fed (will I have enough or too much pressure?) Any suggestions, advice and/or sources of good information for a beginner? Low cost but good value is desired. I've been reading various sites on line, including this one: http://dripworksusa.com/index.html, also visiting a local garden/farm supply that specializes in organic and sustainable gardening/farming for ideas. The local supply has rows of materials but not many employees who know what it does and how to put it together. I'm on a tight budget so any $ needs to be spent wisely. Thanks very much!

Chris, Check with an irrigation store or plant nursery or even a plumbing supply store. They will be much more knowledgeable about what would work. Pumping water 30 feet takes 20 psi pressure. Add the pressure to support the system for drip(25 psi), you are looking at a pump that delivers 50 psi( I am adding a factor of safety for you). I find one that produces that water lift and with the flow rate you desire. Look at the pump curves for the various pumps or believe the Salesman's literature and add 20%. JMHO. Aloha

Lucas, Here are some calcs to ponder. You would need to water your grass 1,200 to 1,800 gallons per week to keep your grass hydrated (2,000 sf). You would need about 500 gallons per week for the planting section(2,000 sf). Here is the breakdown: Grass assume 1 to 1.5" per week x 2,000 sf = 170 to 250 cf of water. 200 cf x 7.481 gallons/cf =1,500 gallons per week. Plants assume 2,000 sf @ 2 sf per plant = 1,000 plants. 1,000 plants @ 0.5 gallon per plant per week =500 gallons/wk. 4 Barrels @ 55 gal/bbl = 220 gallons. 2,000 gal/wk divided by 220 gal/bl = filling the barrels 9 time each week. Do you get enough rain to fill your barrels 9 time each week. Do you enough rain water to fill 38 barrels each week. Do you know what your Mom's water usage for landscaping is per month. Place a irrigation water meter in your landscaping system and measure the quantity for a month or even a week and multiply by four. I know this is not what you expected but this is reality unless some can show me I am in error. 4 barrels or 220 gallons would irrigate a garden about 800 sf only(good size garden). Check with your local experts about how much water per week your garden needs to survive and plug that into my calcs. A submersible pump would work fine. Aloha