Hi cw,

First, if your concern is conserving water then a drip tape system is more efficient than soaker hoses. In any event you need to compile what your different areas need as far as minimum and maximum water volume(gal) for different weather and plant stage conditions. What is your source system pressure(psi)and flow(gpm)? What is the size of your areas of different types of vegetative grow (sf)? What type and size of controller did the developer leave you? How many auto-valves are part of the system? More info you provide the better the suggestions. Aloha

I'm with lehua ... you are throwing solutions at your yard before you have defined the problem.

First, draw a map of the existing system and garden areas. What kind of controller, number of zones, number of heads, kinds of heads in each zone.

Second, explain what is wrong with the existing system. What do you want or need it to do that it is not doing?

CW,

To answer your last question the method I use to come off a former sprinkler is as follows:
1. Remove sprinkler and the nipple that has been inserted in the bottom tee (usually 1/2").
2. Place a longer threaded nipple that rises slightly above ground.
3. Put a sch 40, 90 degree bend threaded on the nipple.
4. Thread into the 90 degree bend an adapter to go from pipe thread to hose thread(in hardware or irrigation supply store).
5. Screw in your soaker hose(make sure your put in a new gasket for your hose).
6. For all threaded parts use Teflon Tape on the threaded before joining the two fittings.

The rest will be trial and error on your part. If there are any questions don't hesitate to ask. Good luck. Aloha