That's too bad that the drip line didn't perform. I would have thought a loop, with 6 in spacing on emitters, would have been ideal.

If not that, I think I might go with (4) 1/4 GPH emitters per pot. I think a slow emitter will spread water enough, esp for trees. You can use in-line emitters to make the loop in each pot neater.

I don't think those can be buried though, and perhaps your current loop would work better not buried.

That's exactly what I got, the 6in spacing 1/4in. I left it in there on the first barrel and it actually looks like it's working (better). I have not experience with this stuff - does it need to 'break in?'

I also put up a dual-fan setup on the next 2 barrels. It's sort of working (a familiar story...) - you can see, the water is getting out there but it's also getting the trunk wet (no no) maybe from wind or splashback. Looks like I will go back to the drip and see if that works.

Sounds like you are getting there, with experiment and patience.

I just... As of literally minutes ago, ordered a setup for mister gardener. We'll see how it works - but I'm hoping for the best. I went with the adjustable drip emitters with stakes to go in my buckets ( ran from 1/4 in line, that stems from the 1/2in main line).

Jay

I am moving to adjustable emitters for my container vegetables. There are too many variables pot to pot and plant to plant. I just use bamboo stakes and twine to position them. Rustic.

Takes more tinkering than I expected, but benefits are huge. Big plants and I can go away for the weekend.