Imagine that all the devices in our life could connect to the internet. We are not speaking only about computers and smartphones, but also clocks, speakers, lights, doorbells, cameras, windows, window blinds, hot water heaters, appliances, cooking utensils and many more. What if those devices could all communicate, send us information, and take our commands? This is no longer a science fiction. It is the so called Internet of Things (IoT), a key component to home automation and smart homes.
Home automation gives us the ability to control items around the house, with just a simple push of a button (or a voice command). Some possibilities are simple and relatively inexpensive. Others, like advanced surveillance cameras, may require a more serious investment of time and money.
Smart irrigation controllers
The experts agree that smart irrigation systems and controllers conserve water across a variety of scenarios. Several controlled research studies indicate that their use makes substantial water savings, anywhere from 30 to 50 percent.
Unlike traditional, which operate on a preset programmed schedule and timers, smart irrigation controllers monitor weather, soil conditions, evaporation and plant water use, and automatically adjust the watering schedule to actual conditions of the site. These devices significantly improve outdoor water use efficiencies.
A smart irrigation controller automatically adjusts watering based on local weather conditions. For example, as outdoor temperatures increase or rainfall decreases, it considers on site-specific variables, such as soil type, sprinklers’ application rate, etc., to adjust the watering run times or schedules. To get the most out of it, we can connect it to the Weather Web. It works by automatically turning our watering up and down according to weather triggers we input into the controller. The only important thing, is to keep an eye, adjusting the triggers if our garden is looking thirsty or waterlogged.
Essentially there are two types of them, weather-based (ET) and on-site soil moisture sensors. The right solution depends on our geographic location and landscape environment.
Smart irrigation controllers include an online portal that we can access on our computer or via an app on our smart phone or tablet, allowing us to easily adjust our irrigation from anywhere in the world. Some models also include flow meters and other smart technology that will alert us of any leaks in our system.
Irrigation system
Anyone with gardening experience knows that watering by hand can be a real hassle. We have to drag hoses, move sprinklers around, or take the time to water each plant individually. Innovative irrigation systems make it so much easier. They are the simplest way to give plants the consistent moisture they need for biggest harvest and most beautiful blooms.
They usually install in minutes, all we need is just a pair of scissors to cut the hoses to the lengths we need and get installed only once a year, as we leave them in place all season long. With turning on the spigot for plant watering, there will be no need to move around hoses or sprinklers.
These systems save water by watering plants, not paths, and are completely customizable. If we add a timer, our garden will water itself.
Set up irrigation system
There are irrigation systems which use a soaker hose to provide the slow, deep watering that plants love. By applying water at the root zone, it keeps foliage dry, helping to prevent disease problems. Soaker hoses use up to 80 percent less water than overhead watering. By alternating sections of soaker and garden hose, we can set up a watering system that applies water where you need it in minutes. We just place the soaker hose next to the plants and use the garden hose to cross paths or other areas where you don’t need water. This system is perfect for watering foundation plantings and multiple garden beds. There are also systems specifically designed for trees and shrubs, vegetable garden rows, raised bed gardens and planters.
On the market we can find complete, customizable kits, that provide consistent drip action for up to four 25′ rows. The unobtrusive, small-diameter water line has precise perforations at 12″ intervals. To install it, we simply cut the drip line to the lengths we need and arrange along rows, positioning the perforations to apply water to individual plants. This slow, deep-root, targeted watering ensures each plant gets the water it needs. This kind of system is the best choice for regions with hard water.
To water larger areas, like ground covers and perennial plantings, we can use a special customizable system that includes sturdy sprinklers with built-in ground spikes. 180° sprinklers water half-circles up to 14′ across, and 360° sprinklers water full circles up to 14′ in diameter. We simply arrange them in a way they apply water to all the plants, and then cut the 50′ of garden hose to length to cross the areas we don’t want to water.
