DIY Irrigation System
Am hoping to get some irrigation advice.
For a few years, I've been planning on designing and installing an irrigation system.
The goal, unsurprisingly, is to cover the basics for lowest price.
Years ago, I did all sorts of research, and came up with a pseudo plan.
Did not implement it because I decided I would redo the backyard landscaping first, which is now almost complete (started last summer, but did not finish before winter).
I'm a fairly handy DIYer, but have no experience with irrigation systems.
The property is average sized (for Etobicoke house built in 60s).
The priority is the vegetable garden - herb garden + containers - flowers - grass.
Watering the grass is the lowest priority, and this functionality would only be used in extreme cases of lengthy drought. My plan was to use a basic 4 zone system with a fairly basic controller/splitter attached to hose spout.
Question #1 - is it OK to mix drip and lawn spray systems, so long as they are on separate zones?
Zone 1 - Heavy Watering Vegetables in backyard (zone which will be used the most)
Zone 2 - Lighter Watering Vegetables (in backyard, including containers)
Zone 3 - Various Trees/Shrubs/herbs
Zone 4 - Lawn/flowers for both front and backyard.
Question 2 - As mentioned, watering grass would be infrequent. Zone 4 distribution would T split to front and back. In both front and back, I have grass, and flower garden. Would it be possible to install a split valve which would allow you to choose grass or flowers? To clarify - pipe would go to front of house, and then have a t splitter with a shutoff valve that would determine whether grass or flowers are watered. It would mostly be left and used for flowers, but if needed, could turn the valve and have grass watered instead of flowers? If possible, I would do this instead of dedicating an entire zone for grass (which would almost never be used)
Is the above a good idea, or am I missing something?
When I get a chance, will post my blueprint, which will have measurements and offer a better visualization.
Lastly - once I figure out what I want and what I need, was planning on ordering with IDC (Irrigation Direct Canada). Any other places to consider? Does anyone have experience with them? Are they helpful for DIYers, or annoyed when inexperienced noobs ask for help?
Presently, thanks to Covid, it is not possible to place order and pick up in Burlington. Delivery would be the only way, which seems to be more expensive. I still will need a few more weeks to finish landscaping, and am hoping emergency restrictions might lighten to allow for pick-up. If not, will just bite the bullet and order delivery.
Would very much appreciate feedback and advice from anyone with experience....
For a few years, I've been planning on designing and installing an irrigation system.
The goal, unsurprisingly, is to cover the basics for lowest price.
Years ago, I did all sorts of research, and came up with a pseudo plan.
Did not implement it because I decided I would redo the backyard landscaping first, which is now almost complete (started last summer, but did not finish before winter).
I'm a fairly handy DIYer, but have no experience with irrigation systems.
The property is average sized (for Etobicoke house built in 60s).
The priority is the vegetable garden - herb garden + containers - flowers - grass.
Watering the grass is the lowest priority, and this functionality would only be used in extreme cases of lengthy drought. My plan was to use a basic 4 zone system with a fairly basic controller/splitter attached to hose spout.
Question #1 - is it OK to mix drip and lawn spray systems, so long as they are on separate zones?
Zone 1 - Heavy Watering Vegetables in backyard (zone which will be used the most)
Zone 2 - Lighter Watering Vegetables (in backyard, including containers)
Zone 3 - Various Trees/Shrubs/herbs
Zone 4 - Lawn/flowers for both front and backyard.
Question 2 - As mentioned, watering grass would be infrequent. Zone 4 distribution would T split to front and back. In both front and back, I have grass, and flower garden. Would it be possible to install a split valve which would allow you to choose grass or flowers? To clarify - pipe would go to front of house, and then have a t splitter with a shutoff valve that would determine whether grass or flowers are watered. It would mostly be left and used for flowers, but if needed, could turn the valve and have grass watered instead of flowers? If possible, I would do this instead of dedicating an entire zone for grass (which would almost never be used)
Is the above a good idea, or am I missing something?
When I get a chance, will post my blueprint, which will have measurements and offer a better visualization.
Lastly - once I figure out what I want and what I need, was planning on ordering with IDC (Irrigation Direct Canada). Any other places to consider? Does anyone have experience with them? Are they helpful for DIYers, or annoyed when inexperienced noobs ask for help?
Presently, thanks to Covid, it is not possible to place order and pick up in Burlington. Delivery would be the only way, which seems to be more expensive. I still will need a few more weeks to finish landscaping, and am hoping emergency restrictions might lighten to allow for pick-up. If not, will just bite the bullet and order delivery.
Would very much appreciate feedback and advice from anyone with experience....
"When someone is burning a book, they are showing utter contempt for all of the thinking that produced its ideas, all of the labor that went into its words and sentences, and all of the trouble that befell the author . . .” ― Lemony Snicket