How to add drip irrigation to a raised garden bed

Some drip irrigation hole punches are shaped like a pencil and simply poke a hole as they push through the tubing. They require more force and can slip off of the drip tubing before they make the hole. The Super Punch (shown here) has a squeeze handle and is only $9.90. A less expensive option is our Deluxe Hole Punch which has a sharp, circular cutting edge. It's comfotable, easy on your hands, and costs only $3.60.

A good hole punch will actually cut a tiny circle out of the drip tubing. The plug of tubing can be removed from the cutting edge of the punch with a paper clip. Push it through the cutting end to clear any plastic debris.

If you make a mistake and poke a hole in the wrong place on a drip line, insert a goof plug (small barb). If the hole gets worn and leaks a little, pull the plug out and use the large barbed end. Goof plus are also used to plug the end of 1/4" micro tubing.

These valves are great when you have garden boxes or drip areas that you may want to turn off seasonally. You can reduce the flow or shut it off completely. 1/2" Flow  Control Valves are installed just like a compression coupler.

If you have a hole in a mainline poly pipe that is bigger than a goof plug, a compression coupling is the fitting to use. Make a clean cut and insert the two tubes into each end of the coupler. No glue required.

Install them now and thank yourself later. A threaded cap at the end of the drip line allows you to flush the line to clean it and drain the line of water before freezing winter temperatures set in. Learn more about winterizing your irrigation system.