Drip Irrigation Basics for Beds and Planters
Emitter tubing vs punch emitters, pressure regulation, filtration, and how to keep drip off the foundation and out of the spray zones.
Drip belongs on planting beds, hedges, and containers — not mixed on the same valve as turf sprays. Precipitation rates differ too much for one runtime to serve both.
Core parts
- Filter ahead of the drip manifold — poly shavings and grit love emitter orifices.
- Pressure regulator sized for drip (often ~25–30 PSI). Spray-zone pressure will mist and blow fittings apart.
- Mainline poly with either inline emitter tubing or punch-in emitters at each plant.
For foundation plantings, keep water at the root ball and off stucco or siding. Temporary establishment tubing can come out after plants root; permanent beds get stapled emitter line under mulch.
Flush every new zone before capping ends. Shop Drip Irrigation or ask us to match fittings to the tubing OD you already have on site.
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