Low emission irrigation - soaker hoses or drip - are a much better and more efficient method of water delivery. Pop up or sprinkler applications are fine for lawns but not for mixed perennial/shrub beds.

Soakers work perfectly well provided you get the pressure properly regulated and you leave them watering in place long enough. Most homes have water pressure of about 50 psi or higher and soakers require a low 10-20 psi, so a pressure regulator is normally required. Either that or turning on the water to just a bare trickle (1/4 turn of the bibb). The hose should just barely ooze or 'sweat' water - no spray!!

You also need to leave the soaker in place long enough so that the water penetration down into the soil profile is at least 6-8 inches and deeper is better. You will have to measure how long that might be in your case as it will vary widely depending on the soil conditions........usually at least several hours.

gardengal48 Thank you so much for your detailed response! It's very helpful.

Yes, drip irrigation is definitely the way to go for your garden. It's better for your plants for many reasons. It delivers water directly to the root zone of your plants and reduces water loss to evaporation. Also, many plants succumb to diseases brought on by wet leaves. Plants as delicate as foxgloves and delphiniums would certainly appreciate not getting water blasted. :)

I prefer the 1/2" drip lines with inline emitters spaced every 18" over the porous rubber hoses. And I prefer the Netafim brand over the stuff you'll find in a big box store, as they've performed much more reliably for me. You can get it at professional landscaping supply stores like Ewing Irrigation, where they'd be happy to offer advice on installation, timing, etc.

Good luck.

Thank you so much, raymondo17!!

Is it possible for me to somehow hook up my soaker hoses by removing this sprayer head and attaching soakers into the bottom hose thing?