Learn the pros and cons of drip irrigation vs. soaker hose systems for the most water-efficient garden.
Both save time,conserve water, reduce weeds, and eliminatefungal diseases like powdery mildew.
However, each has pros and cons for watering vegetables,raised beds, andcontainer gardens.
Credit:(L)Bill Oxford/ Getty Images, (R) Peter Krumhardt
Pros of Drip Irrigation
Versatile.Compared to soaker hoses, drip irrigation systems are much more versatile.
Durable.Unlike soaker hoses, drip lines are much more resistant to UV damage and last for many seasons.
Precision watering.Drip systems can be fully customized with individual water emitters directed to specific plants or pots.
Credit:Ed Gohlich
Efficient.While soaker hoses use less water thanstandard garden hosesandsprinkler systems, they arent as efficient as drip irrigation.
If you want to conserve water, a drip irrigation system is the way to go.
Cons of Drip Irrigation
Cost.Drip irrigation systems have a higher initial startup cost than soaker hoses.
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
However, because these systems are long-lasting and repairable, they can be worth the extra investment.
An excellent choice for ornamentals andsmall garden spaces, soaker hoses are budget-friendly and easy to install.
Position the soaker hose beneath the plants you want to irrigate and turn on the water.
This makes soaker hoses less useful for watering individual small plants and more likely to encourageweed growth.
Less efficient.Because soaker hoses emit water throughout their entire length, they take longer to deeply water garden beds.
This makes these systems less water efficient than drip irrigation but still more efficient than sprinklers and hand watering.
Not as long-lasting.Soaker hoses are more susceptible to UV damage and cant be easily repaired like drip irrigation lines.
Soaker hoses are also ineffective on slopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are not compatible systems.
Using these systems together drops water pressure and renders both watering systems ineffective.
Drip irrigation lines require regular maintenance, but they arent a lot of fuss.
Damage to drip systems is easily remedied with splicing and plugs.
