Q: Drip irrigation – any advice on which timer?
I’m setting up an irrigation system using the poly tubing and emitters for my self watering deck planters. The emitters will drip directly into the planter base. The deck is covered so I have to supply all water needs. I want a simple system but most important a reliable one as I’ll be leaving them to their own devices for almost a month.
I know Gardena have a good reputation, but the models shown look like much more than I need; however, one of the Gilmour models would be false economy if they aren’t reliable.
Appreciate advice.
Tags: gardena, gilmour, irrigation, planter, timer, watering
July 21st, 2009 at 8:21 am
I own 5 different water timers and for ease of use and economy, I recommend the Orbit Digital and Single Dial Water Timer
When choosing an electric water timer there are two basic factors to consider (aside from price and product quality),
1) Do you need it to know the time of day? Some timers will turn on at programed intervals (12, 24, 48hrs, etc) but will not know the time of day, thus if you want them to come on at 3am, you have to set them at 3 am.
2) do you want more than one “cycle” (program) some timers can have multiple cycles (up to 4 or 6 cycles), so you could tell it: “Cycle 1: water every other day at 5am for 15 minutes and then Cycle 2: water once a week at 2am for 3 hours” this example would give surface roots a sip every other day and then give a deep watering once a week.
After those two it comes down to special features like quick disconnects (which you can add yourself) these make connecting the time quick and easy, some have a bypass so you can still use the hose bib without the timer (which you can do by adding a splitter before the timer).
The only other recommendation I have is to bring your timer in every winter (don’t let them freeze) and replace the batteries every year, nothing worse than realizing your timer’s batteries have died weeks ago (they seem to know when you are on vacation) and all your plants are dead.
July 21st, 2009 at 10:38 am
Thanks Lee – the Orbit does look as if it’ll do the job – and appreciate the reminder about bringing it in in the winter.
July 21st, 2009 at 10:45 am
I have the Orbit single timer for my garden, and it works reliably and wonderfully. As long as your needs are extremely simple (only once a day, no alternating days) then this is perfect for your needs.
July 22nd, 2009 at 5:56 pm
thanks Chad – does look as if one Orbit or another should be perfect – really appreciate the advice