Food growing · Build soil, beds and infrastructure · food-15

Install irrigation and mulch

Install the drip system designed in food-11, test it, and mulch the beds to cut evaporation.

How

Install the components in order from the supply: valve, backflow preventer (where required), filter, pressure regulator, then mainline and laterals.
Flush the lines before fitting end caps, as WSU Extension advises before each season.
Run each zone and check every emitter is dripping. Catch the output of a few emitters in a measuring jug for one minute to check flow.
Fit a timer or controller if you have one; plan to adjust it at least monthly, as WSU advises.
Mulch over the soil. WSU notes mulch over laterals protects them from sun and damage but makes clogged emitters harder to find, so leave some emitters visible or check regularly.
If using ollas, bury them to the neck near plants. Arizona extension notes the wetted zone is roughly twice the pot's diameter, and new transplants need extra watering for a month or more until roots reach the pot.

Drip Irrigation for the Yard and Garden. Washington State University Extension, accessed 2026-11
Irrigating with Ollas (AZ1911). University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, accessed 2026-11