Thinking about improving your irrigation setup?
Button drip irrigation is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to water your crops. It saves you time, water, and plant stress. Whether you’re growing tomatoes in the backyard or managing a small fruit orchard, this method gives you precise control over how water is delivered.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What a button dripper is
- How to install a button drip irrigation system
- What materials you’ll need
- Which crops benefit most from this method
What Is Button Irrigation?
Button irrigation is a form of irrigation that uses small devices called button drippers. These drippers are designed to release water slowly and directly to the base of a plant, making sure that moisture reaches the root zone with minimal evaporation or waste.
Why Use Button Drippers?
- Water efficiency: Use less water while getting better results.
- Targeted watering: No wet leaves, no runoff.
- Time-saving: Once installed, the system runs itself — especially if paired with a timer.
How Button Irrigation Works
The system typically uses 16mm high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tubing as the mainline. You puncture holes in the pipe and insert button drippers based on your plant spacing. While 16mm is standard, other sizes can work, as long as the drippers fit snugly to avoid leaks.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Follow these simple steps to set up your own button drip system:
1. Plan Your Layout
- Map out where your plants are located.
- Decide on dripper placement based on plant spacing and water needs.
2. Lay the Mainline Tubing
- Use 16mm or 20mm HDPE pipe.
- Run it along your rows or garden beds.
3. Cut and Connect
- Trim pipe to length.
- Use tees, elbows, and connectors where needed.
4. Punch Holes
- Use a punch tool (a manual drip hole punch) to make clean holes in the pipe near the root zones.
5. Install the Drippers
- Push the barbed end of each dripper into the punched hole until it’s secure.
6. Seal the Ends
- Use end caps to close off the pipe and prevent water escape.
7. Test the System
- Turn on the water.
- Check each dripper for flow and inspect for leaks or clogs.
What You’ll Need
Here’s your quick checklist of materials:
- Mainline tubing (16mm or 20mm HDPE pipe)
- Button drippers
- Punch tool (manual or specialized drip punch)
- End caps
- Connector fittings (tees, elbows, couplings)
- Water filter (highly recommended to prevent clogging)
Best Crops for Button Drip Irrigation
Not all plants need the same irrigation style, but button drippers work especially well for crops and plants with individual root zones or spaced planting.
Fruit Trees
- Mango, avocado, citrus (orange, lemon, lime), pomegranate
Landscape Plants
- Roses, hibiscus, bougainvillea, ornamental shrubs
Pro tip: Use 2–4 drippers per tree and 1–2 per vegetable or shrub, depending on water needs and soil type.
We know this might feel like a lot to absorb if you’re new to farming or irrigation. But don’t stress! Your farming bestie is here to guide you, one step at a time.
Once you’ve set up your button irrigation system, you’ll wonder how you ever farmed without it. It’s efficient, clean, and plant-friendly.
Ready to Start? Want a personalized drip system plan for your garden or farm?
Contact us for a free consultation- +254 741 904 383
