In the spring, when it was time to plant tomatoes and peppers in the greenhouse, I decided to use an unusual watering method. After buying several ⌀ 110mm sewer pipes, I cut them into 40cm long pieces and drilled several holes with a diameter of 12mm on both sides.
I then dug these pieces of pipe into the ground so that the top of the pipe was above ground level and the distance between the pipes was about 40cm. The holes were directed towards the planted seedlings.
In the first 2-3 weeks after planting tomatoes and peppers, I watered them with a watering can from the root and also through the pipes. I then went on to pipe water twice a week, pouring about 3.5 liters of water into each pipe each time. I maintained soil moisture levels by watering again only after the first portion of water had been fully absorbed.
This irrigation method has brought me several notable benefits:
- Excess moisture and condensation do not accumulate in the greenhouse, which reduces the risk of developing many plant diseases, such as late blight and others.
- The water goes directly to the roots of the seedlings, which ensures effective hydration and feeding.
- Fertilizers added to the tubes are also sent directly to the root system of the seedlings, providing optimal nutrition.
- The soil around the plants remains dry, which reduces weed growth and makes it easier to remove them.
- No dense crust forms on the earth’s surface, which significantly reduces the need to loosen the soil.
Therefore, the buried pipe irrigation method is based on moving moisture from a wetter environment to a drier environment using a moisture gradient and the gravity of the water. This approach minimizes the risk of soil becoming too dry or waterlogged, ensuring optimal moisture levels for plant growth and development.
With this irrigation method, the water is evenly distributed over the root zone, providing the plants with the necessary nutrients.
