• A drip irrigation system supplies water directly to the soil, where it helps plants the most. Little water is lost to evaporation with this form of irrigation. Drip systems also don't wet plant foliage, which helps prevent many fungal problems on flowers and foliage. Proper design and use allows you to get the most out of your drip system.
  
  

Drip Placement

• The placement and size of the drip emitters depends on the size of the plant. Set the emitters so the drip occurs right above the root ball of the plant. When possible, set an emitter on either side of the plant so the watering is guaranteed even if one emitter breaks or becomes clogged. Generally, small plants need one to two .5 gallon-per-hour emitters. Small shrubs and trees require two 2 gph emitters and large trees need four or more 4 gph emitters.
  
  

Installation Tips

• Install the drip system before laying landscape fabric or plastic mulch so that the drip emitters are under the mulch. This ensures the water actually permeates the soil. Hook the system up to an easily reached faucet. Even if you plan on running the system through a timer, easy access to the faucet allows you to run the system even if the timer is temporarily unavailable.
  
  

Proper Scheduling

• The best drip irrigation system is useless if it isn't turned on at the right times. While a timer system allows your drip system to run even if you forget about it, you should still check soil moisture in the garden beds at least once a week to ensure the soil isn't becoming too wet or dry. A tensiometer monitors soil moisture, ensuring plants receive the amount of moisture they need. Set drip systems to run for the length of time required to supply the required amount of moisture to each plant. For example, if a plant requires 2 gallons of water a week and has a .5 gph emitter, the system must run for four hours a week to supply the 2 gallons.
  
  

Proper Upkeep

• Drip irrigation systems need flushing just like any sprinkler system. Flushing forces out dirt in the lines, which prevents blockages that lead to breakage. Emitters should be cleaned once yearly and inspected for damage. Replace damaged emitters, otherwise your plants may not get the water they require. Drain the entire system in the fall so that water doesn't freeze in the irrigation lines and break them.