Glossary
Drip irrigation
Tubing and emitters that deliver slow, steady water to each container, often controlled by a timer.
Drip irrigation is a watering system built from thin tubing and small emitters that release water slowly and directly at the base of each plant, rather than spraying water over the whole area the way a hose or watering can does. On a balcony, a simple kit usually connects to an indoor tap or a small water container, with individual drip lines run out to each pot.
Because water goes straight to the root zone at a slow, steady rate, drip systems waste less water than hand watering, reduce the wet foliage that can encourage fungal problems, and keep moisture more consistent from day to day. Adding a battery-powered timer lets the system water automatically on a schedule, which is especially useful for balcony gardeners who travel or are away from home during the day.
When setting one up, match the number and flow rate of emitters to each container's size, since a small pot and a large one on the same line need different amounts of water. A common mistake is running the same watering schedule year round without adjusting for hotter or cooler weather, which leads to overwatering in cool spells or underwatering during a heat wave unless the timer is checked and updated regularly.