Drip Irrigation
By Leslie E. Stevens UCCE Master Gardener
I want to install more efficient methods to water my yard. Is drip irrigation the way to go? Ellen A. Paso Robles
Drip irrigation can be a highly effective method of meeting many of your landscape's water needs. By directing water to the plant's roots, drip irrigation avoids wasting water via overspray where it's not needed.
With spring just around the corner, it's the perfect time to re-examine and, if necessary, modify your landscape watering systems to make sure you are getting the most benefit out of every precious drop. This year's unusually warm and dry winter has already increased demand for irrigation and the need to conserve water.
Homeowners interested in either a DYI project or professionally installed drip systems are invited to attend Saturday's free Advice to Grow By workshop given by the San Luis Obispo County Master Gardeners. This comprehensive program includes a Power Point presentation covering planning, system options, parts and installation. The second half of the workshop takes place outdoors in the demonstration garden where attendees will have the opportunity to examine various irrigation products and installed drip systems.
The workshop is Saturday March 17th, 10 a.m. to noon at the Garden of the Seven Sisters, 2156 Sierra Way in San Luis Obispo. Meet in the downstairs auditorium next to the parking lot for the Power Point presentation, followed by a tour of installed irrigation products and systems in the onsite demo garden. Docents will be available after the workshop to answer questions until 1 p.m. You may want to bring a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water. Come and join your fellow gardeners under the pergola in the garden.
For more information about UCCE Master Gardeners or to register for workshops, visit their website at http://ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/.