This project was created to get my plants on a more regular water schedule that allowed them to grow and thrive. It would make use of a rain barrel or bucket to gather water that could then be used to water the plants automatically on a set schedule.
Project Inspiration
In Deuteronomy, we see Moses’ command to the Israelites to serve God and follow his commandments. God promised them the land of Canaan for obeying these commands. This land would provide for all of their needs. Reading this book, we are reminded as Catholics that following Jesus’ commands in the New Testament yield a similar promise for us as that of the Israelites in the Old Testament. We are offered Jesus’ and the Father’s endless love, grace, and blessings. Like plants receiving a constant supply of water and sun to thrive, Jesus provides us with his abundant graces when we choose to follow him.
“If you will only heed his every commandment that I am commanding you today—loving the Lord your God, and serving him with all your heart and with all your soul— then he will give the rain for your land in its season”
Tools Needed
- Drill (Optional)
- Wrench (Optional)
- Hose Cutter or Scissors
Materials
- Water Pump
- 5 Gallon Bucket and Lid
- Drip Irrigation Kit
- Outdoor Smart Plug
- Garden Hose Barb Fitting (Male)
- Piece of 1/2″ ID Hose (~6″)
STEP 1
The first step was to plan out how all of the plumbing would work. I created a plan to use a submersible water pump that splits off into two separate irrigation streams. This would balance out the streams so a higher water demand plant did not steal flow from the others downstream.
STEP 2
The next step was to place a prepare the drip irrigators. These irrigators can be set by screwing the cap open or closed for more or less flow. It is a good idea to set up more than one around higher demand plants to ensure even watering.
Each nozzle will require a stake to place in to the soil that holds it in place. These are all included in the kit. Alternatively, the mist nozzle could also be used. You should attach about a 4 inch section of the black tubing to each nozzle. This hose just pushes onto the barb. The stake has a pocket for this tube to fit in that holds the nozzle in place. This 4″ tube will connect to a tee that links all the other nozzles. This will ensure the whole system receives flow. An example of this installation is shown below. The last nozzle in your line could either be direct plumbed or you could use a tee and cap the end to expand the system later. The first nozzle of each line will have a long tube running back to your rain bucket. Cut these once you have the system measured out completely.
STEP 3
We will now set up the pump. The pump operates by submerging in the bucket of water and you just run the cord out of the top of the bucket to the smart plug. Very simple and the smart plug allows you to set multiple timers for duration and time of day to give you complete control over the system. I drilled some holes for the cord and tubing in the lid and had some push fittings lying around to clean the tubing up a little bit. The lid is optional, but helps to keep the water clean and free of critters.
The kit includes a two barb fitting that connects to a brass male garden hose thread. We screw the male garden hose fitting into the 2 barb kit fitting. A 1/2″ ID hose connects from the pump to the barbed garden hose fitting. Our tubing for each irrigation line then runs out to the nozzles. These connections are shown in the picture.
STEP 4
The last step is testing the system. There is an on/off button on the smart plug that you can turn the system on the set all your drip rates and estimate how long you want to set up your watering for. I run my system for 60 seconds every morning. The smart plug schedules can be set up in the Kasa app, Google Home, or Alexa. Refer the instructions on your specific plug. The system yielded great results and was a blessing when I needed to be away for three weeks. Below is a 3 month before and after of watering manually every few days vs. watering with the drip irrigation every morning.
This system could be adapted to work with many different rain harvesting setups or you can use it for an area with limited water supply like an apartment patio. Using the basic principles of a water pump with a smart plug, you can create a low cost irrigation system that keeps your plants happy.