Easy DIY Irrigation System for Container Plants and Flower Boxes
One of my all-time favorite elements of outdoor decor is a pretty flower box full of blooms. I’ve had them at each house Dave and I have had so far, and I probably always will! And over the years, I’ve learned that one of the secrets of keeping the containers full and healthy is consistent watering.
We had discussed making an irrigation system for our flower box in the past, but this year we finally just bought some supplies and got it done! And the flowers in the box have never looked better!
About a month ago, Dave and his dad put together the irrigation system for the flower box in about 30 minutes, and it works like a charm!
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In fact, it was so quick and easy, we decided to set up another system for our deck plants, so I documented all the steps for y’all because I know some of y’all are going to want this!
We started with this basic irrigation kit, which included more than enough pieces for our projects. It’s perfect for window boxes, containers plants, or even flower and garden beds. This one came with 50 feet of tubing (which will obviously go a long way), and you can also purchase extra pieces of the kit if you need them.
On our deck, we have several pots grouped together along our railing, so we decided to run a line behind them that could supply all the pots with water.
The first step is to run a trunk line, which will come from the regular hose. (We set up our system first, then hid the trunk line under the deck after it was done.)
This adapter comes with the set and connects the tubing to the standard-size hose. These adapters can be purchased separately here if you are doing more than one system like we did.
After you measure out the trunk line, you can determine where you want to run the different “legs”. Cut the tubing where you want to connect the leg and use a t-connector to create the leg.
Here’s a great tip: dip the ends of the tubing in hot water before connecting and they slip on very easily!
Repeat the process to create a leg for each pot or container…
At the end of each leg, add a spout! Each spout is also adjustable, so you can adjust the watering to the plant’s needs!
If you want the spout to stand up in the plant to create an “umbrella” effect, add another t-connector and an end stopper, put together with small pieces of tubing, to create an upright spout. One of the spikes in the kit will hold it in place perfectly!
Voilá!
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The icing on the cake for this project is a timer for the hose! We bought this one and it is so simple, anyone can use it! This way, my plants get watered consistently, even if I happen to get busy and forget. The timer even has a skip button if you don’t want them watered that day.
The only other step is to sprinkle on some plant food every few months! This Miracle Gro Shake ‘n Feed is a great deal and I only have to buy it once a year!
I hope this helps those of you all who have wondered about an irritation system for your containers and flowers boxes! I am loving mine and wishing I would have done this sooner! If you need me, I’ll be overhere not watering my plants! Seriously–if youhave a question, let me know and I’ll try to help.
Rachel
May 11, 2018 @ 9:56 am
I love this idea! We travel quite a bit and a neighbor waters our plants for us. We could do this instead and save so much time and I wouldn’t worry about forgetting to water too. Thank you!
ROBIN
July 9, 2021 @ 9:51 am
I’d like to run the water line to my deck and porch plants from my already-installed in-ground watering system, so the potted plants will be watered when the in-ground system runs. Have you tried this approach, rather than connecting the tubing to a traditional hose/faucet?