DIY irrigation solutions using locally available materials. Includes clay pot irrigation, bottle drip systems, wicking beds, and simple gravity-fed drip irrigation for small plots.
Efficient irrigation is essential for garden success, especially in regions with water scarcity or seasonal rainfall. This fact sheet presents practical, low-cost irrigation solutions that can be built using locally available materials, helping gardeners conserve water while maintaining healthy plants.
This ancient technique uses unglazed clay pots buried in the soil to provide slow, consistent moisture directly to plant roots.
Use unglazed terracotta pots with a narrow neck. Traditional ollas work best, but standard clay pots with the drainage hole sealed can also work.
If using a standard clay pot, seal the drainage hole with a cork, clay, or waterproof sealant. For two-pot ollas, seal two pots rim-to-rim with waterproof sealant.
Dig a hole and bury the pot so that only the neck or opening remains above soil level. Position it centrally among plants that will benefit.
Fill the pot with water and cover the opening with a lid or stone to prevent evaporation and mosquito breeding.
Refill pots as needed (typically every 2-5 days depending on weather and soil conditions). Clean periodically to prevent mineral buildup.
This simple system uses recycled plastic bottles to deliver water slowly to plant roots.
Clean a plastic bottle (1-2 liter size works well) and remove the label. Cut off the bottom of the bottle.
Make 3-4 small holes in the bottle cap using a heated needle or small drill bit. Alternatively, leave the cap off and stuff the neck with a piece of cloth to slow water flow.
Dig a hole near your plant and bury the bottle cap-end down, leaving the cut bottom end above soil level.
Fill the bottle with water through the exposed bottom end. Cover with a stone or lid to reduce evaporation and keep out debris.
This system uses capillary action to draw water from a reservoir below the soil to plant roots.
Use a raised bed, large container, or in-ground trench lined with plastic sheeting. Ensure it's waterproof.
Create a water reservoir at the bottom (10-15cm deep) using gravel, crushed bottles, or perforated pipes. Include a vertical pipe for filling the reservoir.
Cover the reservoir with a layer of wicking material like burlap, old cotton fabric, or coconut coir.
Place a layer of newspaper or cardboard over the wicking material, then add your soil mix on top (at least 20-30cm deep).
Fill the reservoir through the vertical pipe until water just begins to reach the wicking layer, then plant as usual in the soil layer.
These systems use gravity to distribute water from an elevated container through a network of tubes.
Place a bucket, barrel, or other container at least 1 meter above your garden. The higher the container, the better the water pressure.
Drill a hole near the bottom of the container and insert a hose connector or spigot. Seal around the connection to prevent leaks.
Attach a hose or pipe to the outlet that will serve as your main water line.
Connect smaller tubes or recycled drip tape to the main line using T-connectors. Position these near plant roots.
Make small holes in the distribution lines near plants, or use commercial drip emitters if available. Space holes according to plant needs.
This ultra-simple system uses rope or fabric to move water from a container to plants through capillary action.
Use cotton rope, strips of cotton fabric, or other absorbent natural fiber material.
Fill a bucket or container with water and place it slightly above or at the same level as your plants.
Place one end of the rope in the water container, ensuring it reaches the bottom. Run the other end to the base of your plant and bury it slightly in the soil.
Keep the container filled with water. Replace ropes periodically as they deteriorate or become clogged with minerals.
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