Forum home› Tools and techniques
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Automatic watering systems

chorne39chorne39 Posts: 1
in Tools and techniques
I’m looking at an automatic watering system for a terrace planter. I have an outside tap. I would like a timer system because Im away for weeks at a time. I presume the work using a diverter valve that directs water into the irrigation system and then into the drain during none watering times. Is this correct or am I missing something? Recommendations welcomed! 

Posts

  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    I have several of the Orbit brand digital water timers, and they've worked fine for the four years I've used them.  Easy to program, useful features, and don't leak.  They run on batteries (I've had the same one's in there for four years now), so you just program them, screw the top into your outside tap, turn on the water, and it will release it into each port according to your schedule.  I have the single port one for a front flower bed and the four port for my raised veg beds.  I have the type soaker hose that is flat when not filled with water, and it's buried under the mulch so you never notice it.  Keeps the water at the roots and means less water wasted.  A few of the soaker hoses I've attached to shortened hoses, as the bed is further away from the taps, and no sense watering the rocks with the soaker hose.  It's an easy set up, and maintains the garden while I'm away for multiple weeks in the summer.  
    Utah, USA.
  • Singing GardenerSinging Gardener Posts: 1,237
    I have a Hozelock one which has worked fine for years. They turn the water flow on and off so they don't divert it down the drain at any point.
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    I also use Hozelock micro irrigation systems.  It's only running for about 10 minutes twice a day so there is little or no run-off.  If you are concerned about run-off you could put an old sheet below the planter to soak it up.
    A soaker hose wouldn't be ideal for a planter as they are generally designed for long runs, 20 feet or more.
  • diymechanicalguydiymechanicalguy Posts: 1
    How come you are thinking of using a diverter valve? Wasting alot of water if it is just running down the drain during non watering times.
Sign In or Register to comment.