Irrigation Systems

About Irrigation Systems

Irrigation systems provide automated watering solutions for gardens, lawns, allotments, and commercial landscaping projects. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of irrigation components from leading manufacturers including Gardena and Hozelock, encompassing everything from complete starter kits to individual system components like drippers, sprinklers, supply hose, controllers, and installation accessories. These modular systems can be configured to suit any application, from small patio containers to extensive horticultural operations, delivering precise amounts of water exactly where it's needed whilst conserving water and reducing maintenance time.

Modern irrigation systems offer exceptional flexibility, allowing you to start with a basic setup and expand as requirements grow. Whether you need drip irrigation for vegetable beds, micro irrigation for containers, pop-up sprinklers for lawns, or programmable controllers for fully automated operation, MyToolShed stocks the components to create bespoke watering solutions. Systems typically connect to standard outdoor taps and operate at reduced pressure (around 1.5 bar) for optimal performance, with programmable timers enabling scheduled watering even during extended absences.

Applications

Irrigation systems are essential equipment for:

• Professional Landscapers: Installing automated watering for client gardens and maintenance contracts
• Garden Maintenance Companies: Providing reliable watering solutions across multiple properties
• Nurseries and Garden Centres: Maintaining healthy stock plants and retail displays
• Allotment Holders: Ensuring consistent watering of vegetable plots during hot weather and holidays
• Greenhouse Growers: Controlled irrigation for tomatoes, cucumbers, and greenhouse crops
• Groundskeepers and Estate Managers: Maintaining public gardens, sports facilities, and commercial landscapes
• Commercial Horticulture: Large-scale automated crop watering systems
• Serious Home Gardeners: Achieving professional results with minimal daily effort
• Holiday Home Owners: Automated garden maintenance during extended absences

Choosing The Right Irrigation Systems

Garden Size and Layout: Measure your growing areas and sketch a basic plan showing tap locations and planted zones. Gardens under 50 square metres typically work well with single-zone systems, whilst larger spaces benefit from multiple independently controlled zones.

Water Source and Pressure: Most UK homes have mains pressure between 2-5 bar. Irrigation systems require pressure reduction to approximately 1.5 bar using a pressure reducer. Consider connection options including outdoor taps, through-wall connectors, or water butts with suitable pumps.

Plant Types and Watering Requirements: Match system components to your planting scheme. Vegetable beds suit drip lines, containers need adjustable drippers, lawns require sprinklers, and borders often benefit from combination approaches.

Brand Compatibility: Stick with one manufacturer (Gardena or Hozelock) throughout your system to ensure all components fit together properly and maintain warranty protection. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks comprehensive ranges from both brands.

Automation Level: Choose between manual operation, basic mechanical timers, or sophisticated programmable controllers offering multi-zone scheduling and advanced watering programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect an irrigation system to a water butt?

Yes, but you'll need a pump to provide adequate pressure, as gravity-fed water butts typically don't generate sufficient pressure for most standard irrigation systems. Alternatively, select low-pressure drip systems specifically designed for water butt operation.

Do I need to remove my irrigation system in winter?

Drain your irrigation system before the first frosts to prevent freeze damage. Disconnect from the tap, drain all water, and store controllers and pressure reducers indoors. Above-ground pipes can remain in place if fully drained, though some users prefer complete removal and storage.

Can I mix components from different brands?

It's not recommended. Different manufacturers use slightly different pipe diameters and connection systems, which can cause leaks and poor performance. For optimal results and warranty protection, maintain a single-brand system throughout.