Gardening and Horticulture - drip irrigation basics?

Hi,
I intend to setup a drip irrigation system for a few plants in my front yard. I've been looking at a lot of websites selling different systems and components, and I'm confused by the huge variety of parts available.

1) can anyone clarify as follows:
I have about a 30' strip of plants I want to water. The near end of this strip is about 40' away from the faucet. What's the basic idea here? Do I run a 70' length of 1/2in polyethylene tubing and insert emitters into this line in the last 30'? Do I attach a 30' soaker hose at the end of a 40' length of 1/2in polyethylene tubing? What is the 1/4in polyethylene tubing for?

2) Are the sizes of various fittings standardized? That is, if I buy tubing from one supplier can I buy valves, elbows, etc. from a different supplier?

Regards,
Joe

Hi kfJoey



Give this link a try. http://www.jessstryker.com/

Good luck

Thanks for the reply.
However, I've already seen that site and it is part of what confused me.
Can anyone answer my two questions above?
Regards,
Joe

I understand what you want to do. Like I did 6 years ago, I had to come up with a plan for 2 acres & a Greenhouse. You want a Company who works as hard for the home owner, as they do for the comercial Grower. I'm a Comercial Grower, but my friends who are not,still think Rain Bird is tops.

We use ( http://www.rainbird.com/ ) & only their parts. They find large Home Repair centers, & put on free Drip irrigation workshops for Home owner & Farmers.

They answered my e-mails & sent me info to help me plan out my whole system. I like the personal service they give you, after the sale. I have had no trouble from the system for 6 years & still going strong.

These are the pros in drip irrigation, & they will give you just what you need to buy, to complete your system. I have only good to say about their products.

Hope this helps.

It depends on what YOU want to do. Do you want to run PVC? If it was me I would run a regular under ground water line to the flower bed and install a double faucet, put your drip system on one and have an extra faucet for other uses. Fittings should be interchangeable, but to insure minimal headaches I would stick with one brand.

Matt and Marturo:
Thanks for the advice. I have been looking at more online information and I called up orchard supply hardware and I now have a basic understanding of how drip irrigation works.

Best regards,
Joe