Soaker hoses for simple, affordable irrigation

Soaker hoses are porous tubes (made from recycled rubber or porous polyethylene) that weep water slowly along their entire length, moistening soil in a band wherever the hose lies. They are simpler and cheaper than drip irrigation: a 25-foot soaker hose costs $8-15. Lay the hose in a serpentine pattern across the bed, spacing rows 12 inches apart, and cover with 2-3 inches of mulch to reduce evaporation and protect the hose from UV degradation. Critical limitation: water distribution decreases significantly along the hose length due to friction loss. The first 10 feet may deliver 2-3 times more water than the last 10 feet. Keep individual runs under 25 feet for acceptable uniformity (a single 4x8 bed is within this range). Connect to a timer for hands-off operation. Water for 30-45 minutes every 1-2 days. Soaker hoses typically last 2-3 seasons before becoming clogged or degrading, making them a semi-disposable option. They work best as a low-cost starter system for 1-3 beds, but drip irrigation is more reliable for larger setups or long-term use.