How to Get Started

Drip Irrigation Pros

• Drippers tend to have a lower profile compared to micro sprays. They are not as conspicuous in the landscaping.

• On average, a dripper uses only 1-2 gallons of water per hour. That is less than a micro spray.

• Drippers can be used where some micro sprays cannot, as in the case of smaller potted plants and hanging baskets.

• Drippers can be more efficient at watering individual plants.

Drip Irrigation Cons

• Because by design drippers emit such a small amount of water, it can be difficult to see or know when a dripper is clogged. In some cases a plant may go into wilt or die before a problem is detected.

• Drippers are not as easily unclogged as micro sprays.

• Because they emit less water, an increased number of drippers are potentially needed to cover the same amount of area as a single micro spray. This could lead to increased installation time and cost.

Micro Spray Pros

• Micro sprays are significantly more adjustable than drippers, from size and shape of spray pattern to gallons per hour used.

• A single micro spray can easily cover multiple plants, while a dripper is much more limited in scope.

• Because micro spray patterns are clearly visible, detecting a clog or a problem with the line is much easier.

• Clogged micro sprays and flow controllers are easily cleaned for simple, hassle-free maintenance.

• Micro sprays can cool plants and efficiently water them at the same time.

Micro Spray Cons

• Micro sprays have a larger profile and may be more visible in the landscape.

• Micro sprays are not ideal for certain applications, like small potted plants and hanging baskets.

Soil Type Considerations

One thing to consider when choosing between drip irrigation and micro spray irrigation is soil type. Some soils are better suited for drippers, and some soils are better suited for micro sprays. Here is a simple jar test to help determine your soil type. Begin by taking a soil sample from the area you wish to irrigate. Take that dirt and fill a glass jar approximately halfway (Fig. A). Now fill the jar the rest of the way with water (Fig. B). Finally, place the lid and shake the jar well (Fig. C).

Which Kit to get Started with:

By far, the easiest way to get started with Mister Landscaper is by installing a kit. Whether you have landscape flowers, patio plants, or a row garden, there is a kit to help you get going. For Large Flower Beds or Landscapes use our Premium All-in-One Kit available with Black Stakes (MLK-ALLN1NT) and covers up to 535 square feet. The Micro Sprinkler Landscape & Shrub Kit, available with Green Stakes (MLK-81) or Tan Stakes (MLK-82T), covers up to 250 square feet of landscape and garden area (Fig. A). Your patio plants can benefit from micro spray or drip irrigation with one of the kits designed for potted plants: The Patio & Potted Plant Drip Watering Kit (MLK-PWK1) or the Micro Spray Pot Stake Kit (MLK-POT) (Fig. B). And row gardens are easily irrigated utilizing the 1/4-in in-line drip tubing found in the Vegetable Garden Drip Kit (MLK-VEG) (Fig. C). But don’t stop there. Most kits are expandable, and they really are just the beginning!

Starting From Scratch

Of course, if you are the adventurous type, here are the basics for getting started without a kit: Begin with attaching to your existing outdoor faucet that has a built in Anti-Siphon device or to a brass backflow prevention valve attached to your faucet with our 1/2-in Poly Faucet. Next install a 1/2-in Poly Faucet Fitting (MLF-33) for use with 1/2-in poly tubing (MLT-71) or (MLT-72) (Fig. E), or a 1/4-in Vinyl Faucet Adapter (MLA-FAS) for use with 1/4-in vinyl tubing (MLT-B30) (Fig. E). From there, use 1/2-in poly fittings (MLF-34, MLF-35, MLF-36) and/or 1/4-in vinyl fittings (MLT-ATE) to customize the layout of your system. Finally, end a 1/2-in poly line with an End Crimper (MLA-50) (Fig. D)

Even if you have an existing high-volume PVC system in place, Mister Landscaper has made it easy to convert to low-volume irrigation. There are two basic ways to retrofit your system. Option one allows you to replace a single sprinkler head with a sprinkler converter. With this option, you are swapping one sprinkler for up to nine micro sprays or drippers. In option two, a single sprinkler head is replaced by a system converter. With this option, you are swapping one sprinkler for an entire micro spray or drip irrigation system. Here’s how it works:

Option One: Sprinkler Converters

Select the appropriate adapter—From one to four outlets (Fig. A)—and replace your existing high-volume irrigation head with drippers or micro sprays (Fig. B).

Option Two: System Converters

Select the appropriate adapter. Replace the existing sprinkler head (Fig. E), then connect 1/2-in poly tubing (Fig. F) Now run micro sprays through your landscape or garden (Fig. G).