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Automatic Watering Systems

Dobbin26Dobbin26 Posts: 60
in The potting shed
Now that spring has sprung and I've spent the last two weekends pottering in the greenhouse sowing seeds I've decided to invest in an automatic watering system to aid with the chore of watering all my plants in pots, tubs and baskets this coming and future years. I've seen a wide range of units with varying prices. Has anyone got any experience, comments,  advice as to which ones to either avoid or consider. Thanks again 
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  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    I've used the Hozelock system for years, but it seems to be stocked in fewer and fewer places recently.  With mine I can set the system to water from several times a day, down to once or twice a week, for varying periods of time too.  Mine is used to water approximately 40 pots, tubs and hanging baskets.  Once set up I never have to water manually during the summer months.  Gardena also do a very similar system.
  • LunarSeaLunarSea Posts: 1,923
    edited March 2023
    KT53 said:
    Gardena also do a very similar system.

    I've just bought this one for my wife.

    Gardena Water Control Flex (1890-28)

    Not set up yet so can't really comment in detail but it looks robust & well designed. From what I've read the timer part disconnects from the water valve so you can set your timings at your leisure (whilst sat in your chair with a cuppa) and then just clip it on when you're ready.

    I started a thread on this topic a short while back:

    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1070836/hozelock-electronic-self-watering-system


    Clay soil - Cheshire/Derbyshire border. 

    I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
  • Dobbin26Dobbin26 Posts: 60
    Many thanks,  having looked at the vast array I've opted for this one Deal: SOGUYI Hose Timer,Automatic Watering Timer for Gardens,Sprinkler Timer with Rain Delay / Child Lock /IP65 Waterproof, Large LCD Screen Irrigation Systems for Garden, Lawn, 2 Zones https://amzn.eu/d/8EjJZxy

    It seems to be a clone  by a number of manufacturers. For £31 I don't think I can go wrong although time will tell.  I've also purchased this hose and accessory set 201 PCS Micro Drip Irrigation Kit, AOXLLK 50m/165ft Garden Irrigation DIY System Garden Irrigation Adjustable Nozzle, Automatic Watering Kits for Garden, Greenhouse, Lawn, Patio,Terrace Plants etc https://amzn.eu/d/2095B36
    After received and I've tried it I'll post an update. 
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    edited March 2023
    That looks like an incredible kit for the price.  The only downside I see is that all the pipework seems to be 4mm so that will limit the amount of water flow.  Hozelock and Gardena use a 15mm main feed with 4mm feeds off. 

    Please do post updates.  If it works I'll probably get one as a backup for when the Hozelock dies.  The controller was around £50 on its own.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Very good price for a dual-outlet timer. I looked a while back and they were quite a bit more. I've ordered one :smile:
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Dobbin26Dobbin26 Posts: 60
    Just giving a 1st month update. Really pleased with this purchase.  So much so I've bought another as present for my dad. One observation I've made is that you really need to keep the sprayer heads and the drip feeder on separate lines otherwise there isn't enough back pressure for the spray heads to work effectively. With dual outlets along with a splitter there's plenty options. In addition,  I'm wasting less water even though I'm watering more frequently 
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    Thanks for the update.  I feel a purchase coming on.
  • Dobbin26Dobbin26 Posts: 60
    Now into a new season I thought I'd give another update on my experience of my automatic garden irrigation system. Well it's definitely been worth the investment and my plants were certainly well watered using this device. There was a bit of trial and error whilst adjusting the frequency and duration of on / off periods but setting was simple. My back's happier too as I've not had to lug watering cans full up and down or trail the hose quite as much. Having recently purchased a tree fern and realising how much water they need to keep them happy, I've invested in another automatic watering system, (same make) as this will give me another couple of outlets to utilise, one for the tree fern and hourly misting and a further one for more baskets and planters. 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Dobbin26 said:
    Well it's definitely been worth the investment and my plants were certainly well watered using this device. There was a bit of trial and error whilst adjusting the frequency and duration of on / off periods but setting was simple. My back's happier too as I've not had to lug watering cans full up and down

    I have found the same. It took a couple of months of fiddling to get the set up right (and to understand how it all works best). I have certain beds which are so much happier with proper amounts of water. I'm glad it's all working out for you.
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    @Dobbin26 thanks for the latest update.  I didn't purchase anything other than a replacement timer after my Hozelock one decided to die.  The new one is Gardena but the fitting to the old Hozelock system works fine.  My problem will come if I need any more fittings for the old system as Hozelock seem to have discontinued most of it, and the Gardena micro pipe and fitting are a different size.  That's where the links you provided could come in very handy.
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