How to Irrigate a Small Vineyard of 24 Vines

Learning to grow grapes as a backyard crop is a rewarding project from many perspectives. While tending grapes presents challenges in meeting the sun, water and nutrient needs of the vines in the micro-climates of each backyard, they pay off in high-quality fruit for your table. No matter the size of your backyard vineyard, irrigation of your grapes is key in keeping your grape crop healthy. Young vines require regular watering, while established grapes need about an inch of water per week in the summer growing season.

Paper/pen
Measuring tape
Garden hose
Soaker hose/caps, T-connectors, elbows
Filter
Pressure regulator
Timer

Instructions

- 1
  Draw a small map of your vineyard on paper. Measure out the distances of the hose spigot to the closest part of the vineyard to determine the length of garden hose to carry water to the site. Mark this on the drawing. Measure the other distances such as the length of the rows, the distance between rows and mark each of them down on the paper.
- 2
  Determine the length of soaker hose necessary to run down the rows, keeping in mind that the hoses will moisten the soil within a 2 to 3 foot width from the center of the hose. Count the number of T-connectors, caps, and elbows to complete the plan.
- 3
  Purchase the hose and connectors along with a filter and a pressure regulator, all available at larger garden centers or home improvement warehouses. Add on a timer if you are not often at home when the plants would be watered.
- 4
  Set up your system, laying out the hoses and attaching all the parts according to the manufacturer's instructions. Take the caps off the ends of the lines and turn on the water to purge the air from the system. Cap the lines and turn on the water. Water the vineyard as needed to supplement the rain.

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