How To Irrigation System For Cut Flower Planting Beds

In this how to illustration, the customer wanted a simple drip irrigation solution for cultivating cut flowers in four planting beds. The following factors were taken into account for this watering solution:

1. Owner would be present at time of watering.  This would enable the owner manually switch between the four zones created using a manual shut off valve.  

2. Each planting bed was 100 ft x 4 ft in size with plantings every six inches.  Rows were 6" apart.  The customer wanted a general watering of the entire area and the decision was made to use drip tape between each row of plantings.  

3. Due to the number of rows in each box, water consumption was an issue.  Designed with the ability to water 9 rows at a time, 12" drip tape was recommended to ensure adaquate volume of water was available using 3/4" poly tubing as a header.  The following calculation was used to calculate the water consumption for each planting bed:

-Drip Tape water consumption for 12" Drip Tape =.42 GPM/100Ft

-Total Length of Drip Tape for each planting bed = 900

-Water Consumption per minute for each planting bed = 3.78 GPM (900 ft x .42 gpm/100ft)

-Water Consumption per hour for each planting bed = 226.8 GPH (3.78 GPM x 60 Minutes)

Maximum flow rate for 1/2" poly tubing is approx. 280 gph, however the decision was made to use 3/4" poly tubing (approx. flow rate of 480 gph) to allow for the possibity of watering two planting beds at the same time.  

We provided two option to the customer, a non or semi-automated, and fully automated solution. Both solution with costing are shown below.  To download the pdf for both options click on the link below.

Click Here For pdf of both layouts and costing

Non-Automated Layout Illustration

Costing For This System - Non-Automated

Fully Automated Layout Illustration

Costing For This System - Fully-Automated

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