ᐅ Full-surface irrigation with geotextile fabric for sod installation
Created on: 17 Mar 2024 23:08
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Baufrau95
Hello everyone, we are currently working on the irrigation system for our garden. We live in an area with sandy soil, which is very permeable, and we are planning to install 400 sqm (4,300 sq ft) of turf. We have a 6 cubic meter (6,000 liter) cistern and suspect that this will not be sufficient for irrigation during prolonged drought periods if we go with a “conventional” irrigation system using pop-up sprinklers. We have received a quote for this, and overall the materials are relatively affordable.
However, we were advised at a garden center to consider a fabric-based irrigation system. In this setup, a honeycomb fabric is laid down, and then a drip hose wrapped in fabric, similar to an underfloor heating system, is placed on top.
The problem is that this type of irrigation costs about five times more.
Unfortunately, our budget doesn’t allow for that, but the concept itself is excellent. Therefore, I have thought about trying to replicate it. For this, I found water-retaining fabric.
Does anyone have experience with something like this?
However, we were advised at a garden center to consider a fabric-based irrigation system. In this setup, a honeycomb fabric is laid down, and then a drip hose wrapped in fabric, similar to an underfloor heating system, is placed on top.
The problem is that this type of irrigation costs about five times more.
Unfortunately, our budget doesn’t allow for that, but the concept itself is excellent. Therefore, I have thought about trying to replicate it. For this, I found water-retaining fabric.
Does anyone have experience with something like this?
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Bertram10018 Mar 2024 18:58Baufrau95 schrieb:
Yes, that’s why we are looking for an efficient system, and supposedly the honeycomb fleece saves 50-70% water.Water is saved by choosing native plants that suit the soil and climate.To be honest, regardless of water consumption, lawns don’t really make a garden beautiful. At best, they are unobtrusive. A varied planting with flowering shrubs at different levels, one or more winding paths, an extra seating area—that’s what makes a garden attractive. Add a small vegetable garden for those who enjoy it. That’s a natural paradise. You find relaxation by watching and listening to nature. The lawn doesn’t offer much in that regard, in my opinion.
Gardening magazines are a great source for viewing truly beautiful gardens, no matter their size.
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WilderSueden18 Mar 2024 19:34Baufrau95 schrieb:
I find that surprising. Most neighbors around here had their gardens dry out one after another during the summer because they couldn’t keep up with watering, even though drought-resistant lawn mixes were used. Some had sod, others had seeded lawns.
I spoke with a few people in the neighborhood, and they water at least 3 times a week during the hot summer months if it doesn’t rain.
Because of water savings, capillary irrigation is being considered. Let me guess… mainly pasture grasses, kept 2–3cm (about 1 inch) low, mowed weekly or even more often by a robot mower, heavily fertilized, and growing in full sun? Also, a thin layer of topsoil spread directly over compacted soil? That won’t work, and of course you end up constantly trying to keep alive something nature never intended.
A lawn doesn’t need to look like a golf course. Use a herb-rich lawn, let it grow taller, and mow only when it really gets high. The roots will grow much deeper, and it can then handle up to three weeks without rain. Don’t forget a few trees for shade. It also looks far nicer than a hostile, high-maintenance grass desert.
WilderSueden schrieb:
A lawn doesn’t have to look like a golf course.Baufrau95 schrieb:
Well, for me it’s about the appearance. The lawn should look nice even in summer.Apparently, for the original poster, that’s the case. “Nice” is of course relative, but here it’s probably about the ideal green look.Baufrau95 schrieb:
I spoke with a few people in the neighborhood who water their lawns at least 3 times per week during the hot summer months when it doesn’t rain.Baufrau95 schrieb:
I’m surprised that some users here say you don’t need to water your lawn at all?We are among those: normal lawn, it will eventually burn in summer. Why do we allow that? Because we have changed our mindset. Water resources shouldn’t be wasted just because of us garden enthusiasts—that’s something people have learned over the years. The lawn recovers anyway. Nowadays, we are even proud to just let the lawn be and focus on more important things in summer than chasing after a perfect green lawn, which just steals precious time.I don’t think much of these mulch snippets in natural areas. Maybe potted plants, raised beds, or similar benefit from it, but I don’t like burying something in nature that doesn’t decompose. I’ve made some mistakes myself, but what matters is learning from them. We already ingest enough microplastics from plastic that ends up in the environment.
I don’t want to raise a finger though. Everyone has the right to learn from their own mistakes.
Schorsch_baut schrieb:
Sometimes I wonder how far people can distance themselves from nature that in 2024 they are still fighting against it for a certain garden look.Basically, Schorsch is saying exactly what it is with his words.
I completely agree. Our situation is the same as the original poster’s, sandy soil that loses water within minutes. In summer, the lawn gets some water from the rainwater tank, but that’s about it. I wouldn’t consider burying plastic in the ground. And regional bans on lawn irrigation are likely to increase, not decrease.
In public spaces and forest management, efforts are being made to “restructure” green and forest areas to adapt them to the changing climate. Perhaps this is something that could also be applied in private settings.
In public spaces and forest management, efforts are being made to “restructure” green and forest areas to adapt them to the changing climate. Perhaps this is something that could also be applied in private settings.
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WilderSueden19 Mar 2024 09:51ypg schrieb:
Apparently it is for the original poster. Beauty is of course relative, but here it seems to refer to the ideal of lush green landscaping. They talk about something being “beautiful” without specifying what that means exactly. Usually, such statements reveal a lack of awareness about alternatives. The neighbor only has a green lawn, while right now daisies and crocuses are blooming in my yard. Soon, many other flowers will follow. People are influenced by images in certain magazines, garden shows, and city parks. Everywhere looks like a golf course. But this standard of beauty is as much a learned habit as the aggressive, pseudo-off-road styled vehicles that are currently popular. You should always ask yourself whether that really matches what you personally want.
With sandy soil, you need to water constantly. Six cubic meters won’t get you very far on 400 sqm (4,300 sq ft). The 6 cubic meters are enough for just one watering. If using the fleece actually saves enough water to allow you to water three times, you can manage for about 1-2 weeks during summer.
With the net you mentioned, you still need to water, so it’s really just a supplement to a traditional irrigation system.
The permanent net will eventually release a significant amount of microplastics into your garden. Perhaps soil improvement with bentonite could help achieve a longer-lasting higher water retention capacity—without passing on a plastic problem.
To get and maintain a lush, green lawn requires more than just water. It takes a lot of work. The irrigation system and robot only handle part of the job. Fertilizing—what, when, how much? Blades need to be in good condition. Weed removal, and so on.
With the net you mentioned, you still need to water, so it’s really just a supplement to a traditional irrigation system.
The permanent net will eventually release a significant amount of microplastics into your garden. Perhaps soil improvement with bentonite could help achieve a longer-lasting higher water retention capacity—without passing on a plastic problem.
To get and maintain a lush, green lawn requires more than just water. It takes a lot of work. The irrigation system and robot only handle part of the job. Fertilizing—what, when, how much? Blades need to be in good condition. Weed removal, and so on.
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