[Rachel]

I was wondering if anyone can help me decide which is the most appropriate irrigation system for my green house..

[James Kilkelly, was GPI.]

You have a few options for green house irrigation, Rachel.
Have a look at the pros and cons of these methods.

Hand watering
Hand watering is the most economical method of watering to install, however someone must be available when the watering needs to be done. Hand watering has a tendency to waste water, wetting the plants foliage in the process, which increases the potential for diseases and fungal problems.

Overhead sprinklers
Overhead sprinklers have similar foliage wetting problems, however overheads can be connected to a timer unlike hand watering. Your watering can go ahead, even when you are not around. Bear in mind the overhead sprinklers overall coverage, if you are growing many varieties of plants, as many will need varying different amounts of water. Overheads tend to give the same amount of water to each.

Drip or trickle
Drip or trickle systems such as ooze pipes are very efficient in their use of water and as the water enters the soil directly, the plants foliage does not get wet. Thus reducing the chances of disease and fungal problems.

Capillary matting
Water can also be applied to glasshouse plants using capillary matting. As the water enters the base of the plants pots directly, the plants foliage again does not get wet. However, salt build up can be a problem, as mats do not allow for leaching of this substance. Salt is damaging in larger quantities.

Whichever method you opt for, remember that timers and mechanical evaporation sensors controlling automatic watering systems make a gardeners life much easier.