Rainwater for drip irrigation in borders, hedges and vegetable beds
Drip irrigation delivers water right to the roots with little loss. Combined with your own rainwater supply, it is an economical way to look after borders, hedges, pots and vegetable beds.
Example layout
- HARVES Rainwall
- Fine filter
- Optional: pump or pressure regulator
- Irrigation controller
- Drip line
Filter first
Drippers have small openings. A fine filter before the drip line catches particles that pass the downpipe pre-filter. Choose a filter that matches your drip system and is easy to reach for flushing.
Low-pressure or pressure-compensating
Some drippers work at low pressure; pressure-compensating drippers need a minimum operating pressure to release water evenly. With gravity, pressure is low and variable, so not every drip system works well. Short lines and low-pressure drippers suit gravity; long or sloping lines often call for a pump with pressure regulation.
Controller and seasonal care
An irrigation controller often has a minimum operating pressure; check it against your setup or combine it with a suitable pump. In spring flush lines and filters, check drippers for blockages, and in autumn make the system frost-safe following the instructions of the chosen components.
Useful to prepare
- How long is the longest drip line?
- What operating pressure do drippers and controller need?
- Is the garden higher or lower than the wall?
- Who flushes the filters in spring and autumn?
Harves supplies the water wall. Choose a pump, irrigation, controls and installation separately with your dealer or installer. Check the product information or quote for the exact parts included.
Frequently asked questions
- Does drip irrigation work on gravity?
- With short lines and low-pressure drippers it can. Pressure-compensating drippers and many controllers need a minimum pressure; then a pump helps.
- Is the pre-filter enough for drip irrigation?
- Not always. A pre-filter catches coarse debris; small drippers may also need a finer filter. Match filtration to the chosen drip system and clean filters and lines regularly.
- Can an irrigation timer run without a pump?
- It depends on the minimum operating pressure of the timer and drippers. A low-pressure system may work, but many standard controllers do not open reliably at low pressure. Check the specifications with your installer.