Workshop: Drip Irrigation Made Simple

As people come to the garden to look around, one of their most frequently asked questions is about the drip irrigation system we use.

When Love Apple first started out, there were many different configurations and types of equipment used to irrigate the beds. After installing and testing thousands of feet of line and hundreds of emitter heads, we found a system that works for any type of vegetable garden and for all seasons. Our system even works for raised beds and container gardens.

One of the great things about our irrigation method is that it's simple. Any one who has opposable thumbs and the ability to kneel can do it!

We show you how to install a system from the spigot out to the garden. You do not need special, dedicated water pipes for this.  Bit by bit, fitting by fitting, we install the system as you watch and learn. We even get you involved, hands on, to show that YOU CAN DO IT!

We reveal who our commercial-grade parts suppliers are and give you a detailed parts list.

This class is taught by farmer Cynthia Sandberg, private farmer for Michelin-starred Manresa Restaurant for 11 years, and is held at Love Apple Farms' nursery located at 5311 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley, CA

ALL CLASSES ARE HELD RAIN OR SHINE AND REQUIRE ADVANCE REGISTRATION
    

April 19, 2025 (Saturday) 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. $69 <<Click on date to register (gift certificate holders register by emailing [email protected])

May 11, 2025 (Sunday) 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  $69 <<Click on date to register (gift certificate holders register by emailing [email protected])

Please read our cancellation policy in case you are not able to attend your scheduled class.  

What class participants say:

"Thank you again, I enjoyed the class yesterday; it will support and refine my already irrigation process, and I plan to change the way I am now doing it, and the water times were educational. I enjoy visiting Love Apple Farm, you have a great place..." -- Rene D.

"I just want to tell you how much my husband and I enjoyed your class on drip irrigation today. I am already planning to add extra boxes for next spring and Dan is looking over the Dripworks catalog. I also want to let you know that our 3 chicks are doing well in the corner of our garden. Here is my new favorite thing to do: enjoy a gin and tonic every afternoon after work and watch the hens scratch away. You are a great teacher! (I am a first grade teacher and I really admire your no BS way of conducting your class!) Dan and I will return for more classes as soon as we've figured out the drip irrigation! Thank you again for an enjoyable day!" -- Jennifer D.

If the workshop dates don’t work for you, if the class is full, or if you’d like to request that another class be added, please email us and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!

Love Apple Farms gift certificates can be used towards classes, seedlings, and merchandise.  They are available for purchase here. 

Check out other classes at Love Apple Farms by clicking here.

Comments

[Veronica]

PLEASE!!Allow those of us out of your area to purchase access to classes, esp water irrigation, via internet video. I would love to attend but am in MA. Thanks for your consideration.

[Love Apple Farms]

To Jan:

Yes! The class does comprehensively cover clogging, and we are VERY aware of that issue and completely take care of it!

[Jan C.]

Does the class cover clogging in drip systems? ( I gave up and went to soaker hoses; however, I would love to create a successful drip system.)

[Janice Taam]

I attended your class last weekend on How to install a simple drip irrigation system. May I tell you: "What a great class!!!"
There was so much detail information, my head was almost spinning. But what was so great is that you do it in such a simple to understand way. I loved it!

I first heard you give a short seminar on "how to grow tomatoes in containers" at the SF Flower & Garden Show last year. So informative and very helpful to me as well. Can't tell you how valuable your information is to us lay people who try their hand at home gardening.

After your class last Sat. I went to visit the Mt Feed Store in Ben Lomond, you had referenced at the tomato class. Really a great place as well, tho' it took me over a year to get there!

I also want to thank you for all the detailed information on your website. So appreciative to have references to look at to help me along with my garden!

Thanks so very much,

[cgfluid]

Very nice configuration. Drip irrigation systems are the best way to hydrate any garden, they are not only super efficient, but also save some money from your water bill. If you've been thinking of installing your own drip irrigation system, check out Orbit's products and get started ASAP. www.orbitonline.com/drip-watering/03/

[Steve Piercy]

Four years ago, I converted our lawn to raised veggie beds with fir bark ground cover, and converted the lawn sprinkler lines to drip irrigation. It was mostly trial and error, and I was never really happy with it. I could never get the beds watered evenly.

So I took this class with the expectation that it would help me figure out a better system, and I was very satisfied. Cynthia saved me a lot of time trying to find the right parts. Putting an inline shutoff valve at the head of each veggie bed was simply brilliant, and allows me to water beds independently of one another. The online supplier she recommended was also very helpful and made a suggestion that saved me probably a hundred bucks and a couple dozen hours of labor.

I just finished converting my second veggie bed, with two more to go. In addition to converting the drip irrigation, I am also excavating 8 inches deep through dense clay and sandstone formation (typical Soquel coastal bluff soil). I'm building wooden boxes half above and half below ground, with gopher wire on the bottom. I'm reusing redwood 1"x8" fencing and 4"x4" posts from the fence that blew down last winter. It ain't pretty, but it works.

[Steve Tanner]

I thought the class was great and I feel pretty confident about it all now.

[Michele McKee]

I didn't get a chance to thank you yesterday. I really appreciated all of the time you took with us - the class was fantastic and you are a very gifted teacher. I plan to take more of your classes in the future.
Best regards,

[Farnaz Fatemi]

I can't make the July 11 class but would still like to do the drip irrigation class this year; just thought I'd chime in in case you want encouragement to offer a 3rd session!

[Teri Sirico]

The pictures of the tomatoes are great and are making my mouth water! Thanks for all the helpful information you post here. Now I know how to plant my tomatoes! Can't wait to visit!

[Sue Bateman]

Please consider some kind of correspondence courses for those who are interested but live so far away. I live in Northern, CA but can not make it to any of your classes/workshops.

[Mary Ann Beckley]

I would love it if you sold your class materials via step by step directions as I live in MD and have several raised beds.

[Connie]

Well since I'm in NC guess I won't be able to come to the class. Thanks for the re-post on tomato planting.

[chris brandow]

what about us poor saps that live to far away? Any chance we could confidentially get some of that info? I would be thrilled.