A Guide to the Best of Southern California : GARDENS : Waste Not

As the drought worsened in Southern California, drip irrigation--which emits water in a slow stream directly to a plant’s base--came into vogue among local gardeners. And although our dry spell might finally be on the wane, drip systems will probably remain popular.

Compared to sprinklers, they’re less wasteful, more precise and usually less expensive and easier to use. The trick is in knowing how to deploy the plastic tubing, pressure controllers and emitters needed for success.

Toward that end, UCLA Extension is offering on April 25 a one-day course, taught by Paul Moore, former director of agriculture operations at UC Riverside, on the planning and operation of a home drip system. The fee is $50.

Information and registration: (310) 825-9971.