An automatic watering system, also known as a sprinkler system or an irrigation system is a network of pipes, valves and sprinklers that delivers water to your garden, lawn or growing tunnel to a predetermined schedule.
These irrigation systems can be controlled manually or by a computerised programme, allowing you to automate the watering process and ensure your plants receive the right amount of water at the right time.
Options vary from simple timers that attach to your hose tap and control the flow of water based on a programmed schedule to smart technology that incorporates temperature and humidity sensors to ensure plants are only being watered as and when required.
Automatic watering systems can include drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, or soaker hoses, and selecting the right set up for your growing endeavours is important.
What is drip irrigation?
Drip irrigation is a highly efficient watering method that delivers water directly to the roots of your plants
through a network of pipes and emitters. This targeted approach minimises water waste and helps prevent soil erosion.
Drip irrigation systems are often used for vegetable gardens, flower beds, and container plants.
What is a soaker hose?
A soaker hose is a perforated hose that slowly releases water along its length. It’s a simpler and more affordable option compared to drip irrigation systems. Soaker hoses are well-suited for watering lawns, shrubs, and flower beds.
What is a sprinkler system?
A sprinkler system uses a network of pipes and sprinklers to distribute water over a larger area. These systems can be either manual or automatic, and they are commonly used for watering lawns, sports fields, and golf courses.
Do automatic watering systems improve crop yields?
Automatic watering systems can significantly improve crop yields by ensuring that your plants receive the optimal amount of water at the right time. Consistent moisture can promote healthy growth, increase nutrient uptake, and enhance photosynthesis. This can lead to larger, healthier crops with higher yields than the more traditional approach to watering your crops and plants.
Do automatic watering systems reduce weed growth?
Automatic watering systems can help reduce weed growth by delivering water directly to the plants that need it, thereby minimising moisture in the surrounding areas where weeds might thrive. However, it’s still important to implement other weed control strategies, as some systems may inadvertently promote weed growth if not managed properly. Using mulch or maintaining soil health can further enhance weed control.
Does an Automatic Watering System Save Water?
Automatic watering systems can save water, especially when using drip irrigation or smart controllers that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions or internal polytunnel temperatures.
Delivering water directly to the root zone of plants, helps to reduce evaporation and runoff, which can lead to more efficient water use and a lower overall water consumption.
How to Set Up an Automatic Watering System?
1. Plan Your Garden Layout: Determine which areas need watering and the types of plants you have.
2. Choose Your System: Decide on the device you would like to us to program the watering, ie. A Timer or Controller and then consider the method of water distribution – drip irrigation, sprinklers, or soaker hoses based on your garden’s needs.
3. Gather Materials: Purchase necessary components such as pipes, emitters, connectors, a timer, and any additional sensors. Setting up a complete irrigation system can be a daunting task, which is why we developed simple, easy to use kits to take the guesswork out of specifying your irrigation system.
4. Install the System: Lay out your piping and components according to your plan, ensuring emitters are placed near plant roots.
5. Set the Timer: Program your timer according to the needs of your plants and local weather conditions.
6. Test the System: Run the system to check for leaks and adjust the watering schedule as needed.
What is the Cost of an Automatic Watering System?
Obviously, the variance in tech also produces a huge variance in cost, the size of the area you wish to irrigate will also affect the cost of the system. The larger the area, the more pipe and accessories will be required.
A good quality Irrigation Timer, with LCD display starts at £63, high tech kits like Harvst WaterMate Pro with WiFi connectivity and temperature & humidity sensors start at around £280.
Other watering accessories, such as pot dripper kits, overhead irrigation or dripper line kits start from £60.
What is the Maintenance Cost of an Automatic Watering System?
As with the cost of systems themselves, the cost of maintenance and upkeep can massively vary based on the complexity, size and mechanics of the system; but compared to other typical gardening costs, maintenance of automatic watering systems is relatively low.
Regular maintenance typically involves checking the system for leaks, cleaning the sprinklers, and adjusting the watering schedule to mirror the time of year and growing schedule you are working to. Less regular maintenance may include replacing components from time to time, such as valves or controllers.
Automatic watering systems offer a convenient and efficient way to keep your garden and polytunnel healthy and thriving. By automating the watering process, you can save time, conserve water and enjoy the benefits of a lush high yielding garden; make sure you check out our irrigation systems and reach out if you need more support in choosing the right system for your garden.
