farming writers

Tag: Drip irrigation

  • How to Design a Water-Efficient Garden: Save Water, Grow Green,Garden Series Part- 12

    Water-Efficient Garden

    Introduction

    Welcome to Part 12 of our 30-part Garden Series! Today’s post is about creating a water-efficient garden — an essential gardening skill for a planet facing climate change and freshwater scarcity.

    With smart planning, you can maintain a thriving garden while drastically reducing water usage. Whether you’re in a drought-prone region or just want to garden more sustainably, this guide offers powerful tips to help your garden grow greener — and smarter.

    Why Save Water in Gardening?

    🌎 Water scarcity is increasing worldwide

    💧 Freshwater resources are limited and precious

    💰 Reduces water bills and utility costs

    🌱 Promotes stronger, more resilient plants

    ✅ Helps maintain soil health and structure

    Principles of Water-Wise Garden Design

    Plan by Zones: Group plants with similar water needs together

    Choose Native & Drought-Tolerant Plants

    Improve Soil Structure with compost and organic matter

    Mulch Everything — it locks moisture and suppresses weeds

    Design for Water Flow: Use sloping, swales, and rain channels

    Top Drought-Tolerant Plants for Home Gardens

    TypePlant NameWater NeedsHerbRosemary, ThymeVery LowFlowerLavender, MarigoldLowSucculentAloe Vera, SedumMinimalTreeNeem, MoringaSeasonal WateringShrubBougainvilleaVery Low

    Water-Saving Techniques

    1. Drip Irrigation System

    Delivers water directly to roots

    Reduces evaporation loss

    Ideal for vegetable beds and flower patches

    1. Mulching

    Use straw, dry leaves, or bark mulch

    Prevents evaporation and keeps soil cool

    1. Water Early or Late

    Reduces water loss due to evaporation

    Best times: Morning before 9 AM or after 5 PM

    1. Rainwater Harvesting

    Collect rain using barrels, tanks, or rooftop systems

    Use this for hand-watering or drip systems

    1. Greywater Recycling

    Reuse clean wastewater from sinks or baths (with organic soap)

    Use for ornamental plants and non-edibles

    Smart Garden Layout for Water Efficiency

    Place thirsty plants in shady areas

    Use potted plants with trays to catch excess water

    Design rock gardens with succulents in dry corners

    Use shade cloth or pergolas to reduce heat stress

    Mistakes to Avoid

    MistakeWhy It’s BadBetter ApproachOverwateringRoots rot, promotes fungal diseasesWater only when soil is drySprinklers at noonHigh evaporation lossWater in early morning/eveningUsing non-porous soilPrevents absorption & drainageMix sand or compost for airflow

    Bonus: Water Audit Checklist

    ✅ Do you use a watering can or drip system instead of a hose?
    ✅ Are your pots equipped with trays to collect extra water?
    ✅ Have you mulched at least 2 inches deep across the beds?
    ✅ Is your soil loose and organic-rich?
    ✅ Do you reuse any rainwater or kitchen greywater?

    Final Thoughts

    A water-efficient garden is a gift to the Earth — and to your wallet. From the choice of plants to how and when you water them, every action adds up.

    Embrace sustainability not just as a gardening method but as a mindset. With mulch, native plants, and smart irrigation, your garden can thrive — even during drought.

    ✍️Real Neel

    Founder -Farming Writers

    Read A Garden series Full guide Part -11👇

    https://worldcrop.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/build-mini-greenhouse-home/

  • “Low cost, high profit: New era of farming with drip irrigation”

    Intro: If you want to make farming a profitable deal in today’s time, then you will have to move forward from old methods. Drip irrigation is a method that helps in giving more production with less water. Let’s know how.

    Key points:

    —

    What is drip irrigation?

    Drip irrigation is a method in which water is delivered drop by drop directly to the roots of the plants. This does not waste water and the plant takes water as per its requirement.

    —

    Main benefits:

    1. Water savings up to 50-70%

    2. Production increases up to 20-40%

    3. Fertilizer consumption is reduced (with fertigation)

    4. Use in more crops is possible

    5. Grass and weeds are reduced

    6. Work is done with less labor

    —

    Main parts of drip system:

    Water Source: Tank, borewell or pond

    Main Line: Thick pipe through which all the water is supplied

    Sub-Main & Laterals: Thin pipes that are laid in the field

    Emitters/Drippers: These are fitted on the pipe, which release water drop by drop

    Filter & Fertigation Unit: For cleaning water and mixing fertilizer

    —

    In which crop should drip irrigation be done?

    Vegetables: Tomato, Chillies, Brinjal, Onion

    Fruits: Grapes, Banana, Pomegranate, Mango

    Cash Crops: Cotton, Sugarcane

    Medicinal Crops: Aloe Vera, Ashwagandha

    —

    Cost and Subsidy:

    Cost per acre: ₹25,000 to ₹45,000 (depends on quality of pipe)

    Government Subsidy:

    Central + State Governments provide subsidy up to 50-90%

    Apply under Agriculture Department or PMKSY Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana)

    —

    How to get drip system installed?

    1. Contact the agriculture department

    2. Get the land surveyed

    3. Get government approval (Aadhar, Khatauni, bank passbook, farm map etc. will be required)

    4. Get it installed from an authorized dealer

    5. Subsidy will be paid later in the account

    —

    Precautions:

    Clean the pipe from time to time

    The filter should not be dirty

    There should be no mud or particles in the water

    Maintain the pressure correctly (1-1.5 bar)

    1. Benefits:

    30-60% water savings

    20-40% increase in production

    Savings of both fertilizer and labor

    2. Cost and subsidy:
    The central and state governments provide subsidy of up to 50-90% on drip systems.

    Conclusion:
    If you want to get more profit from farming at low cost, then drip irrigation is an excellent option. Get information today and make your fields smart.