Automatic irrigation is an investment that pays off in one season, especially during summer holidays, when the greenhouse must not dry out. The drip system saves 40-60% of water and increases yield by 20-30%.
Why drip instead of classic
Classic irrigation with a hose has 3 big problems:
- High water loss (evaporation, runoff)
- Wet leaves, environment for mold
- Unevenness, some get too much, others too little
The drip system solves all three: water goes directly to the root system, slowly and evenly. Result:
- Less mold and leaf diseases
- Stronger roots (grow deeper)
- Less weeds (soil surface remains dry)
- Shortened daily time by 30+ minutes
Equipment and components
The basic system for a 6 m² greenhouse requires:
- Main pipe (PE, 16 mm), 10-15 m
- Distribution pipes (4 mm), 1-1.5 m per plant
- Drip irrigation (2 L/h or 4 L/h), 1-2 per plant
- Filter (120-150 mesh), mandatory
- Pressure reducer (1-1.5 bar)
- Timer with battery or electric
- Connectors, T-pieces, end caps
Total cost: 50-100 € for 6 m² greenhouse, 150-250 € for 20 m² greenhouse.
Installation step by step
Procedure for a hobby 6 m² greenhouse:
- Lay the main pipe along the north side of the greenhouse (more shade = less UV aging)
- Secure it to the ground with U-wires every 50 cm
- Make holes for distribution pipes (every 50 cm along the row)
- Insert connectors (push-in type, no tool required)
- Distribute 4 mm pipes to each plant
- Insert drip irrigation 5-10 cm from the stem
- Close the end of the main pipe with a cap
- Connect filter and timer to the water source
- Test pressure and flow
Installation time: 2-3 hours for the basic system.
Timers and automation
Three levels of automation:
- Basic (20-30 €): mechanical timer (water every X hours for Y minutes)
- Better (50-80 €): electronic with programs (1-7 days, 4-8 windows)
- Pro (100-200 €): WiFi with app (weather forecast, remote control)
Typical program for summer (tomato):
- Morning 6:30-10 minutes (2-3 L per plant)
- Afternoon 17:30-10 minutes (only in heat >28°C)
Total: 15-25 L/day on 6 m² greenhouse at the peak of the season.
System maintenance
The drip system is not "install and forget". Monthly checks:
- Filter, clean every month (lime and dirt)
- Drip irrigation, check for clogging
- Pressure, should be even throughout the system
- Pipes, check connections for leaks
Winter: drain the system with air and store the timer in a dry place. Pipes can stay in the greenhouse, but remove the drip irrigation (can freeze and crack).
"Automatic irrigation is the difference between going on a 2-week vacation or not. But only if you maintain it.", my neighbor Štef
Before installation, check the water pressure in your water supply, the drip system works best at 0.5-1.5 bar. At higher pressure, use a pressure reducer.
Greenhouse + automation = peace
With Termoplast greenhouses and drip systems, you have summer self-sufficiency without daily worries.
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