A soaker hose is a porous, flexible tube, often made from recycled rubber or vinyl, designed to deliver water slowly and directly to the soil. This irrigation method, sometimes called “sweating,” allows water to seep out along the entire length of the hose through thousands of tiny pores. Delivering moisture at the root level minimizes water loss from evaporation and surface runoff. This subsurface delivery also keeps plant foliage dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Determining the correct amount of hose requires calculating the total linear feet needed and accounting for the system’s physical limitations.
Calculating Total Length Required
Planning begins by measuring the length and width of the garden bed or row. The total length of the soaker hose depends on the required spacing between hose runs, which is dictated primarily by the soil type.
In lighter, sandy soils, water drains vertically, requiring closer runs, typically 12 to 18 inches apart. For denser soil types, such as loam or clay, water spreads laterally more effectively, allowing for wider spacing of 18 to 24 inches between parallel lines. To calculate the overall length, divide the bed’s width by the chosen spacing distance to find the number of required runs, then multiply that number by the length of the bed. For dense planting or raised beds, a 12-inch spacing ensures thorough coverage.
Understanding Maximum Run Length Limitations
A soaker hose functions optimally under low water pressure, generally between 10 and 12 PSI. This low-pressure requirement limits the maximum distance a single line can run while delivering water uniformly. Exceeding this distance causes pressure to drop significantly toward the end, resulting in uneven watering.
For standard soaker hoses, the maximum run length for a single line is typically limited to 50 to 100 feet to maintain even distribution. The exact capacity is influenced by the hose’s diameter. A common 1/2-inch soaker hose can manage a run of up to 150 feet. A larger 5/8-inch hose, due to its greater flow volume, is recommended for runs of 250 feet or more, with some commercial options reaching up to 500 feet. To prevent uneven watering, the total calculated length must often be broken into multiple shorter segments, each fed by a separate connection.
Practical Layout and Installation Strategies
Installation involves laying the hose runs according to the calculated spacing and plant layout. For straight vegetable rows, the hose is placed alongside the plant stems. For dense flower beds or mixed plantings, a meandering or wavy pattern is more effective, ensuring the hose passes close to the base of each plant.
If the total required length exceeds the maximum run limit, use a standard, non-porous garden hose to connect the soaker hose segments to the water source. This prevents unnecessary saturation near the spigot and carries water across non-irrigated areas. Secure the soaker hose to the ground using garden pegs or staples to prevent movement. Covering the hose with two to three inches of organic mulch protects the material from UV degradation and reduces moisture evaporation.