Best Drip Irrigation System [2024]

The Hoss 8 mil irrigation system (also available in 15 mil version) has everything you need.

These are designed to deliver water directly to the root system of your plants.

It has a water flow of 0.48 gallons per minute for every 100' feet of drip tape. And the roll has 1500'.

The Hoss 8 mil Drip Irrigation Kit can support up to 1500' of tape and has 12" water emitting spacing, with efficient watering metrics and solid build quality.

Although there are cheaper drip irrigation systems on the market, Hoss is a company that Sweet New Earth truly believes in because of the values they promote.

Their products are American made, and Hoss gives a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and a 1 year warranty for any workmanship issues.

PROS:

• High quality
• 12" emitter spaving
• 100' row length

CONS:

• Only rated for one season

The 8 mil tubing thickness is only rated to last for a few growing seasons up to 1 year.

Though we've seen them last much longer, it is something to consider before purchasing.

We would be remiss if we didn't include the next size up from the Hoss 8 mil Drip Irrigation System Kit.

The biggest different between the 15 mil and the 8 mil is that the 15 mil is a bit thicker which means the tubing is tougher and will last longer.

The Hoss 15 mil Drip Irrigation Kit comes with two 750' of tape and has 12" drip irrigation emitters spacing, with a water flow 0.4 gallons per minute for every 100' of tape.

If you are a beginner and unsure if you want to garden year after year, then go with the 8 mil drip irrigation system.

But for those more advanced, who know they'll need a garden watering system for over 5 years - you want the 15 mil version.

15 mil kits are actually recommended for hobby or home gardeners.

It might be more expensive at first, but you won't use the tubing as much as commercial gardens, so it will last multiple years.

Over time, the price evens out so you actually save money buying the more expensive kit to start.

PROS:

• 15 mil tubing thickness
• High quality
• 12" water emitter spacing
• 5-year lifespan

CONS:

• Expensive
• Doesn't work with drip layer attachment

Price point might be a little stiff for smaller gardeners (which is why we recommend starting out with the 8 mil to see if you like it first).

Also, the 15 mil version doesn't work with the drip layer attachment for the wheel hoe.

Given our deep love for planting trees we couldn't write a guide on irrigation systems without at least considering drip line for trees.

The Drip Depot Premium Kit for trees delivers. If you have a large garden of trees, look no further.

This system can hook up to any regular garden hose water supply and it can water up to sixty trees so its good for any tree business or just growing out in the yard.

It comes ready to use right out of the box. Hook it right up to your hose faucet and get to work.

The best part about the Drip Depot is that you can add or subtract anything as you'd like to customize and DIY any of your favorite kits.

Before to go over the list of parts before making your purchase.

PROS:

• Timer Compatible: Yes
• Flow Rate: 400 GPH
• 1/4" Drip Irrigation Tubing Line for watering around the root zone of the tree
• Lifetime Guarantee for covered items

CONS:

Unless you are running a nursery, you probably don't need a top-of-the-line kit like this to keep your tree(s) happy.

A smaller DIY construction for one plant might do you better.

We have a ton of future guides planned out for everything veggie garden growing so we wanted to include our favorite drip irrigation system for veggies.

This budget-friendly drip irrigation kit is absolutely ideal for gardens as it can water up to 80 plants.

Another timer compatible piece of equipment that you'll be able to assemble in about thirty minutes.

The water pressure gets to about 200 GPH and its rain barrel compatible. The best part about Drip Depot Kits is how everything is modular so you can always add more parts if you want even though the kit is ready to use.

But the best feature for this kit is that its a little less than 69$.

PROS:

• Mainline: 1/2" poly tubing
• Drip Irrigation Tubing Line: 1/4" poly tubing
• Flow Rate: 200 GPH
• Timer Compatible: Yes

CONS:

Only drawback here is that because this kit is budget friendly it might not have all the attachments you want which could leave you wanting for more.

Typically with potted plants, we usually forge together some DIY Frankenstein creation to get them the water they need.

If you are looking for a one stop solution, the Hoss Container Watering Kit is your best bet. This kit comes with up enough supplies to water up to 40 plants in your flower beds.

How much more could you need?

Every drip system might get a bit DIY.

However, you line up your pots, the Hoss Container Watering Kit has an ample supply of elbows and tubing and such so that you can configure your lining to your liking.

PROS:

• Mainline Tubing: 100' at 5/8"
• Filter Regulator: Up to 12 PSI
• Drip Emitters: 40 Emitters for pot watering

CONS:

The kit can only supply up to 40 plants which can be frustrating if you have a lot more plants to look after than that.

What Makes A Drip Irrigation System The Best

A good drip irrigation system is one that is durable, and consistent. Drip irrigation works by delivering a slow, and controlled flow of water directly to a plant's root zone.

You want an watering system that will last a few seasons to a few years, but that will also continue to deliver consistent water to your crops. 

Of course, you can mix and interchange both so be sure to do some research on which irrigation system better suits your needs.

Durability

Be you want to be sure to buy an irrigation system that has high-quality drip tubing or drip tape.

If you buy one of the cheaper kits on the market, you might get one with tubing that dries up and cracks after only a season.

That is really not what you want, especially as a home gardener on a budget. 

Consistency

Some drip irrigation systems have wonky tubing or tape that can lead to uneven watering across the garden.

The opposite of this would be soaker hoses. Soaker hoses have some purposes but overall they are inconsistent and overtime start to leak.

The porous membrane throughout the hose proves an unreliable source of water for any garden.

Drip irrigation systems have drip emitters located at specific locations on the tubing.

You calculate how much water you need and your supply line delivers water to the pressure you set for the system,. 

Drip Tape vs Drip Line

Now the choice also comes down to drip tape vs drip line. Drip line is typically for containers, pots, and raised flower beds.

Drip tape is usually for vegetable gardens and straight-line crops. They can be harder to hook up to a hose faucet but there are plenty of tutorials online to help you out.

Why Should You Buy A Drip Irrigation System?

Our Final Thoughts on the Best Drip Irrigation Systems

In our opinion, the best drip irrigation system is the Deluxe Drip Irrigation System by Drip Depot.

It has more than enough for the average homeowner and even plenty for the advanced gardener.

Thanks for stopping by Sweet New Earth! Picking out the best drip irrigation system can be hard... almost as hard as installing drip irrigation.

But don't let it discourage you. The benefits are well worth the effort. You'll have perfectly watered trees and plants growing healthy and strong. You'll eliminate tons of water waste.

If you liked this guide, check out more of our irrigation guides or some of our other guides on trees or tool reviews.

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