How to choose an automatic watering system

There are two main types of automatic watering systems to choose from: battery-operated and solenoid valves.

Battery-operated systems are attached directly on to your tap and can be programmed to regulate the amount of water you want delivered to different zones of your garden and when you want it delivered. They’re ideal for small-scale irrigation areas or for locations where access to electrical power is limited or impractical.

Solenoid valves (electromechanically-operated valves) use electricity to control the flow of water in your automatic irrigation system. They connect to a central controller and send electrical signals to open or close the valves in your garden. Solenoid valves are good for larger spaces that require durability and precision. They offer precise control over irrigation timing, duration and distribution.

Both systems can operate wired or wirelessly, and both can be controlled via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Battery-operated systems are generally easier to install and maintain than solenoid valves.

Bluetooth systems allow you to set up flexible watering schedules with the touch of a button, making it easy and efficient. The only thing to be mindful of is that you will need to be within close proximity of the tap timer for it to connect with the Bluetooth on your phone.

To use Bluetooth to control your automatic watering system, download the auto watering app included in your system to your smartphone and set it up. This will allow you to water at the touch of a button.

You can set up a watering schedule by pre-selecting days and times for your watering system to automatically turn on. You can also customise different watering zones depending on the vegetation you have and what kind of watering each zone needs.

Wi-Fi systems can be operated from anywhere with a Wi-Fi signal, which is a key advantage over Bluetooth systems.

Wi-Fi systems are easy to set up and can provide information about your water usage through water tracking, which helps save water and money. They also offer inbuilt weather forecast functionality so you can update your watering needs based off the upcoming forecast. 

Installing an automated soil moisture sensor will provide real-time updates on both your soil moisture levels and temperature, removing guesswork and manual legwork. This app makes it easy to know the best time to plant and it can help you make smarter choices about when and how much to water, helping you avoid over- or under-watering. Most moisture sensor apps are compatible with smart tap timers.

Installing a weather station helps you stay up-to-date on real-time local weather conditions. They offer a variety of features to keep you informed on temperature, humidity levels, rainfall, wind, sunlight intensity, UV index, frost alerts and more. This will help you know when to harvest, plant or protect your fruits and vegies. It will also help you know when to water.