Irrigation for Small Farms and Market Gardens

A detailed look at setting up an irrigation system. This course will look at the options available for irrigating polytunnels, veg and flower beds including water sources, storage, transfer and application. Using Taybank Growers Coop's market garden as an example site, participants will get hands on with irrigation materials and consider the theory and elements to make a well-functioning system on a budget.

This workshop is aimed at people who are working or training on market gardens or nurseries and new entrants who are in the process of setting up market garden businesses, but community growers, smallholders and home gardeners are also welcome.

Course content

Understanding the basics of irrigation – flow, pressure and supply

Sourcing water including off-grid

Needs of irrigation systems – when, how much, seasonality

Irrigation options including practicalities and cost

Irrigation in practice – the real world

In the field look at a range of irrigation options

Practical hands on setting up irrigation lines and fittings

Parts and where to source them from

Planning irrigation on your site