A wide range of watering equipment is available to home gardeners, ranging from a simple watering can to an automatic, underground irrigation system. A common watering tool for gardens and lawns is the portable sprinkler. There are several different types of sprinklers, each producing a characteristic spray pattern. These irrigation tools can be used in a variety of places in the landscape. While the lawn may be their most common use, they can also be used to water perennial gardens, vegetable gardens, as well as trees and shrubs.
Advantages & Disadvantages | Types of Sprinklers | Using Sprinklers | More Information
Advantages & Disadvantages
Portable sprinklers are inexpensive and readily available. When used properly, they do a good job of watering wide areas. They wet entire areas efficiently which can be beneficial for lawns but can be a disadvantage for places like the vegetable garden. Watering the entire soil surface promotes weed growth in between the plants. Sprinklers typically spray water high into the air which allows for evaporation. Any water that evaporates is not available for plants to use. Additionally sprinklers will wet the foliage which can encourage more disease issues - this is of particular importance in the vegetable garden where disease issues can be problematic.
Types
Oscillating Sprinklers
The most commonly used portable sprinkler is the oscillating sprinkler. An oscillating sprinkler consists of a horizontal tube which has several outlets along it. The tube turns slowly back and forth, applying water in a rectangular pattern. Oscillating sprinklers apply water to medium-sized areas. The spray pattern of many models is adjustable. Oscillating sprinklers tend to apply more water to the outer edge of the pattern than toward the center.
Impulse Sprinklers
Impulse sprinklers send out a stream of water that strikes a pin or hammer, breaking the water into droplets and causing the sprinkler head to turn in a full or partial circle. They are frequently put on stands to elevate the sprinkler head so it is not disrupted by low vegetation and can cover a wider area. While the impulse sprinklers cover a large area, they often apply more water near the center of the pattern than at the outer edge. Also, the water is distributed with considerable force.
Fixed Sprinklers
Fixed sprinklers (sometimes called spot sprinklers) are generally used to water small areas. When in operation, fixed sprinklers don't move. They deliver water in a specific pattern. Many fixed sprinklers, however, do contain several different heads. Possible patterns include a circle, semicircle, square, or rectangle.
Traveling Sprinklers
Traveling sprinklers are generally used to water lawns. They follow a cable or cord on a predetermined path, the sprinkler applying water as the device creeps over the turf. (One such device resembles a toy tractor.)
Sprinkler Hose
Another watering device is the sprinkler hose. The plastic sprinkler hose emits water from tiny, round holes along its length. These devices can help water irregular areas, but their water distribution can be difficult to predict. These hoses can also be used much like a soaker hose by turning it upside down with the holes pointing downward. Turn the water on slowly so the water soaks directly into the soil.
Using Sprinklers
Regardless of the type of sprinkler you select, the spray pattern and the distribution of water will vary. In order to water efficiently, it is best to test your sprinkler to determine the size of the spray pattern and the rate of distribution. Place several small, straight-sided cans on the ground within the spray pattern. Attach the sprinkler to the same length and size hose you will be using when irrigating and turn on the sprinkler at the pressure it would normally be operated. After a set amount of time, measure the amount of water in each can. This will give you a good idea of the amounts of water distributed within the spray pattern. While the amounts of water accumulating in the containers may vary considerably, uniform water amounts can be achieved by overlapping the water patterns.
When using sprinklers remember the spray pattern can disrupted by tall vegetation. This can potentially change the spray pattern or area. Always orient sprinklers so they don't wet sidewalks or driveways where water will just run off. Water in the morning to allow wet foliage to dry quickly in the morning sun. Morning watering also ensures the plant is fully hydrated as it goes into the hottest part of the day. If evaporation is a concern ovoid using sprinklers that spray a lot of water high into the air. Instead, use sprinklers that keep water lower to the ground and water in the cooler part of the day to limit evaporation. Finally set an alarm or timer on your phone so you remember to turn off the sprinkler. Water timers can also be purchased to avoid running water unnecessarily.
More Information
- Watering Tips for the Garden, Lawn, and Landscape
- Using Drip Irrigation in the Garden
- Watering Home Lawns
- Watering the Home Vegetable Garden
Photo credits: 1: Bruce Peter Morin/AdobeStock; 2: stenkovlad/AdobeStock; 3: Vladimir Feofanov/AdobeStock; 4: ronstik/AdobeStock; 5: arenaphotouk/AdobeStock; 6: Michael/AdobeStock; 7: PEPPERSMINT/AdobeStock; 8: coco/AdobeStock