Automated Garden Irrigation

Wondering whether an automated garden irrigation system would be useful for your home? In this piece we’ll be exploring some of the benefits of automated garden irrigation, as well as what elements you’ll need to get this kind of system set up in your yard.

What are the benefits of automated garden irrigation?

Set and forget

The main benefit of automated garden irrigation is that it allows you to take a set and forget approach to your garden maintenance. Remembering to water your plants every day (and whether you’ve already watered them today) adds to your mental load, an d the times that different parts of your garden need to be watered at may not always align with your schedule. By automating this process you take multiple potential stressors off your plate and free up your time and energy for other activities.

Better for your plants Another benefit of automated garden irrigation is that it makes it easy to ensure that your plants always get a drink at the optimal time. This helps them to be healthier and grow larger and faster, while avoiding accidental burning due to watering at inopportune times. It also means that if you have plants that want a drink at different times of the day, you don’t have to go out and water your garden multiple times a day, as your automated garden irrigation system will take care of switching the water on and off at the appropriate times.

Better for the environment

Automated garden irrigation systems also tend to be more efficient both in their water delivery and the amount of time that the tap is on for. This means less water is wasted and allows you to easily achieve a more sustainable setup. This is particularly important for those looking to achieve a certain energy rating at their property, but is beneficial for everyone, as improved flow for water output means lower water bills.

What products are needed for automated garden irrigation?

In addition to your physical irrigation setup (sprinklers, pipes, drip lines, etc.) you’ll also need some smart integrations if you want to achieve a fully automated garden irrigation system. At a base level, this means including products such as a reticulation solenoid (essentially a switch that decides when water can flow through the system), timers for when your system will engage and the various required fittings to make everything connect properly.

If you would like to configure a more advanced automated garden irrigation system, you can also look at the installation of moisture sensors or a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth controller. As implied by the name, moisture sensors will prevent your irrigation system from engaging if the moisture levels of the soil are already adequate. This helps prevent overwatering, which benefits both your plants and your back pocket. Those who want a little more control will find a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth controller to be the perfect addition, as these allow you to keep an eye on readings from your sensors and manually adjust or override the system if desired.

Things to consider when designing your system:

In order to get the best, most cost effective results, it is wise to consult with a professional when designing your automated irrigation system. When going to your selected professional it is a good idea to have at least a rough answer for the below aspects:

How much space you need to water

The more accurate you can be here the better. The size of your garden will have a significant impact on what type of system is best for your needs so be sure to have your measurements ready.

How complex your scheduling needs are A system that simply needs to turn on at 6pm each night is very different to one that covers a variety of plants that have different watering schedules. By having this information easily available when designing your system you’ll save yourself the hassle of having to alter your setup later if you discover it isn’t well suited to your garden.

Whether You’ll want a Wi-Fi or bluetooth connection

This one is mostly personal preference, but it is important to remember that a Bluetooth system will only be able to communicate over short range, so if you’re often away from home, a Wi-Fi setup may be more appropriate.

If The inclusion of Sensors will be beneficial

If your plants are particularly picky about the conditions that they will grow in, sensors will make caring for them much easier. Additionally, in humid climates or areas where rain is frequent and/or unpredictable, sensors are also a useful addition. Having said that, if your plants are fairly reasonable when it comes to their needs and you’re around to manually disable your automated garden irrigation for the day if it pours, you probably don’t really need to complicate your setup with sensors.

What end points work best for your garden Some plants like sprinklers, some prefer misters, and others will want to be watered via a drip line. While the expert assisting you in designing your system will be able to provide guidance as to which options are best for your situation, it’s still a good idea to have a rough idea of the kind of end points you want or need. This will help to streamline the process and ensure that any plants who have particular needs are catered to.

Younger and four legged family members If you have young children or four legged family members in your home, it is important to design your garden irrigation system with them in mind. Small children, for example, may trip over sprinkler heads, while dogs may choose them to be their new chew toy, so it is wise to install an option that features retractable heads. You’ll also need to pay extra attention to where controls are placed and time things so that your system does not start up while your children or pets are likely to be in the yard.

If there are bodies of water on the property While a pool or dam may not seem all that relevant when you’re working out the irrigation for your garden or lawn, they’re actually quite important to consider. Fertiliser and other additions to your garden could have a negative impact on your aquatic ecosystems if it manages to wash into them, and while you cannot control the weather, you can control whether your garden irrigation adds to the problem. Be sure to consider any potential run off when designing your system, and consider putting a barrier in place to protect your pool or dam from run off due to natural causes while you’re in the process of installing your automated garden irrigation.

Where can automated garden irrigation products be purchased?

The exact answer to this question depends on where you are located, but the local Irrigear Independent Experts store will be more than happy to help you design your automated garden irrigation system and source the products required. Many stores can also assist with installation or point you in the right direction for professional assistance if they do not have their own installation team.

Irrigear Independent Experts. Advice. Products. Solutions. Ausralia-wide.

You can find your local Irrigear team via our store locator, and all members of our network are always more than happy to assist with any aquatic needs you may have.