Question
QUESTION: Hello. We have a number of 4' squares of pavement with 4" and 6" strips of soil
between them. The 4' strip of garden bordering this area has irrigation. We want
to plant low ground cover in the narrow strips between the pavement. What is
the best way to irrigate the ground cover? Thanks in advance for your help!

ANSWER: Thanks for your question. Special thanks for a simple question, I've had some tough one lately.
You obviously can spray water over the entire area and accomplish watering of the plants. But it isn't too efficient or pretty. The method I would suggest is a pre-emittered landscape drip tube. Netafim is one manufacturer which is probable the leader, but others are available. Rainbird Toro and Hunter all supply "landscape drip tube" which will do the same thing.
It's a simple concept, the tube which is about the size of a garden hose has emitters (drippers) at 12" intervals. Over a period of a few minutes it soaks the ground. Sort of a controller leak. There are specific instructions for this type of installation, which you can download from the manufacturer's web-site. I can help find them if you have problems.
If you decide to go this way, you may need to water the plants for a few weeks till they get establish and get their roots out.

Matt

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Matt, thanks for your quick response! Do I "plant" the drip tube in the soil alongside the low ground cover in the strips? The ground cover about 1/2" above the pavement squares.

Best,
Helen

Answer
Yes. The tube is to be buried in the soil. From just below the surface to 2"-3" below. Since you have concrete on both sides, I think just below the surface would be fine.
It is recommended to run the tube on it's own zone, so you can precisely control the watering.

Matt