Munchers, we could write a book about drip irrigation.
To cover the highlights, drip irrigation is the generic name for a series of watering tools that deliver moisture (and sometimes fertilizer) right to where the plants are.
Actuall parts range from the black soaker hoses you can buy almost anywhere, to simple drip tapes with built-in emmiters, to very sophisticated, electronically controlled tubes, timers, and emmiters.
There are several benefits to drip irrigation. First, and foremost, is water conservation. Instead of blanketing the garden with water, as with a traditional hose or sprinkler, you deliver it right to the plant. Along with that is quantitiy. You can monitor exactly how much each plant (or zone, if you get that sophisicated) receives.
You can actually run your drip system under your mulch, and double dip that way.
All in all, you conserve water both by the amount used, and the fact you have minimized losses due to evaporation.
Next is health of the plants. It's taken as a given the the worst thing you can do is water from overhead (yeah, yeah, I know that's how God does it). This wets the foliage, which can lead to all sorts of fungal and other diseases. Hosing at the base of the plant can cause soil splashback, which, again, can lead to diseases.
If you google "drip irrigation" you'll get all sorts of info, ranging from suppliers to detailed instructions for setting up a system.  |