Automatic Sprinkler Systems for your Garden
Automatic sprinkler systems are a garden essential. While there are many other things you need to do to care for your garden, watering it regularly is one of the best ways to ensure your plants stay happy and healthy. So today, let’s take a look at the sprinkler system in more detail.
Many people forget to water their plants, or simply don’t water them often enough. Automatic sprinkler systems make everything simpler, and are far more efficient than manual watering methods. The many advantages of the sprinkler system mean they are becoming increasingly popular.
Automatic sprinklers mean you no longer have to untangle the hose and spend hours watering your plants. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
The advantages of automatic sprinkler systems
The main advantage of the automatic sprinkler system is that it will ensure that your plants get all the water they need, even when you’re away from home. But these aren’t the only advantages they have to offer.
- Because you don’t have to do all the work manually, your sprinkler will save you loads of time.
- You won’t need to use a hose or a watering can.
- Sprinklers work on a timer, turning on and off whenever you want.
- Different nozzles and sprinkler heads will help distribute the water more evenly around your garden.
Where to install your automatic sprinkler systems
All these benefits mean that automatic sprinkler systems are perfect for any garden. Whether a small garden or an entire field of crops, sprinklers are a great way to keep your plants healthy.
However, they are best suited to gardens with large lawns. If you want to keep your grass green, you need to water it almost constantly, especially during the summer.
Things to keep in mind before installing your automatic sprinkler system
The first thing you need to consider before installing your sprinkler system is where you want to put it. It’s also important to know what type of soil you have. Clay soils, for example, retain more water than other soil types.
Similarly, you need to identify areas of the garden where you need greater control over the water levels. Obviously, grass doesn’t need the same amount of water as a tree or flowers.
So, once you’ve worked all this out, you need to find the sprinkler system that best suits your needs. Gather all the information you need, and ask for help at the store.
Components of an automatic sprinkler system
Timer or controller
As the name suggests, the controller is in charge of the entire sprinkler system. Its main role is to turn on and shut off the valves at set times. You can program your sprinkler so that it only turns on at specific times, on specific days.
NB: when installing your sprinkler, it’s important to remember that the majority of timers need to be kept out of the rain. You’ll also need access to a nearby power outlet.
Valves and valve boxes
Valves control the flow of water, opening or closing at times specified by the timer. As the name suggests, valve boxes are boxes or casings that contain the valves. They’re usually made of plastic.
Sprinkler shut-off valve
Although these valves aren’t essential, we definitely recommend them. They can be incorporated into the faucet and the valve box, and serve to regulate the flow of water. They can even shut off the water completely in the case of a leak.
Cables
Automatic sprinklers use 24-volt cables, which are used to connect the controller to the valves. These cables are really safe and, as long as you triple or double protect them, they can be laid underground.
Pipes and tubing
Sprinkler systems typically require tubes with a diameter of 0.5 and 2″, and are normally made of polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. Polyethylene tubes usually allow you to simply screw on the various attachments, while PVC tubes require special glue.
Pressure relief valve
These are used in drip irrigation systems. There are many different models, with some more complex than others.
Sprinkler heads
There are lots of different sprinkler heads to choose from, each designed to meet a different set of needs and garden types. Some of the options include:
- Rotors
- Microrotors
- Irrigation belts
- Diffusers
- Underground lawn sprinklers
- Drip lie
No matter what the size or type of garden, automatic sprinkler systems are a useful and effective tool. They’re easy to install, long-lasting, and come with many great advantages.