Slightly OT: drip irrigation and SIPs

[Rewton]

I am in the process of designing a drip irrigation system for my container figs. I am at the point where I need to choose emitters. Most of my figs are in SIPs (like the 5 gallon global bucket type or larger) where the water is added via PVC pipe sticking up vertically out of the pot with an internal diameter of 1 inch. Does anyone have advice about which drip emitters would work best to dispense water into such a pipe? Surely someone out there must be doing this but a google search wasn't fruitful.

[Whiterk]

Steve. I've used global buckets for a few years with great results. I know you are suppose to water down the pipe but my best results seem to be from watering from the top of the soil. I k ow you get more leaching this way but I just keep using organic fertilizers to offset the leaching. Emitters. I wouldn't think to hard on it. Just use what you can find at the local big box store.

[F. Bennett]

I ended up removing the pic pipes from my sips and converted to a gutter grow system. Have you thought about going this route? Is it an option for your environment? It's completely hands off. I'm able to take week long trips without relying on anyone to babysit the figs. Search 'gutter grow system' on YouTube for ideas.

[strudeldog]

I would not think what emitter would make much difference when inserted down the pipe as spray pattern not of concern. I really like spot-spitters irrigation sticks for their simplicity . When I started with them they were made by Roberts John Deere seems to have taken them over.

[Figinqueens]

I would love to set up something for my containers. Do you guys have more details on what would be necessary to build a whole system. I have about 12 pots from 14 to 22 inches.

[Rafaelissimmo]

Daren I suggest you go to Queens Hydroponic and buy their drip emitter system, it is fairly priced and good quality. You might do cheaper with diy from Rainbird (via Amazon) but expect no customer service and lots of problems.

[Figinqueens]

Thanks RAf. That is a great store. I always buy the giant coarse perlite there.

[Rewton]

Thanks for your replies. Phil, that was my thought too but from the photos and specifications given for the emitters online I couldn't tell whether they would fit inside the 1 inch internal diameter of the pipes. I suspect they will though and ordered a bunch of button emitters. If I get any new insights from this endeavor I'll post it here.

Frank, I'm really impressed with your gutter system but I think it would difficult to adapt it to my containers currently.

[Rafaelissimmo]

Steve I am using two different pressure emitters on my rainbird system, they are the only two options, I bought a large bag of both and I think the higher emission pressure is better, My experience is that containerized figs can get real dry in the summer heat so I prefer more drips. The timer is set to water twice daily.