[ben]

Hi,

Has anybody ever tried automatic greenhouse watering systems ?
I'm looking at two types  :

1) a fancy one that goes on a tap, with a timer that distributes water at certain times in the day (via hose things that you lay on growbags / borders)
http://www.harrodhorticultural.com/HarrodSite/product/Watering_Greenhouse%20Watering/GWT-423.htm

2) A 10 litre bag (Big Drippa) that delivers a slow and steady flow via hose / valves.
http://www.harrodhorticultural.com/HarrodSite/product/Watering_Greenhouse%20Watering/GWT-007.htm


Anyone ever used these ?

Thanks

[korpet]

I know a neighbour who has an irrigation system and on seeing his I personally wouldn't get one as it seems to be hard to water the right place. Alot of the water seem to be wasted and ends up just watering empty soil  I like watering, I think it's part of the fun of growing stuff 

[ben]

Its not that I mind watering ... I'm just not sure the neighbours would want to come round twice a day to water the greenhouse when we're away for 2 weeks !

[scezy]

That one looks a little costly,i've been looking at this one
http://www.thegardensuperstore.co.uk/acatalog/Hozelock_Water_Timers.html

And this is the instructions to use it.
http://www.garden4less.co.uk/ac1-timer-instructions.asp

Scezy
Ps let us know what you go for in the end.

[ben]

Scezy,
Those controllers look good, but what to connect them to ?!
What about the bits and bobs to deliver the water (hoses/drippers) ?

Thanks

[ben]

Ah, got it ...  choose your drippers and build your system : http://www.thegardensuperstore.co.uk/acatalog/Hozelock_Irrigation_Drippers.html

Liking it !

[hindy]

I have 2 of the Hozelock AC1+ timers but not allowed to connect the to the taps on the lotty. I therefore have a cunning plan to connect them to an IBC tank 
The timers only cost me a quid each at the car boot.

[goose]

i use the hozelock system at home with a timer.  it waters all my patio pots, runs under the lawn to my veg patch and into my greenhouse.  i couldnt live without it as i am away from home half of the time.  at the lottie, i grow things that can be left alone for a while and water by hand when i get chance.

the system is amazing but the downside is the cost of the different types of drippers/sprinklers/jets etc, although without it there is no way i could grow anything at home so personally think its worth it.

[Kristen]

"I therefore have a cunning plan to connect them to an IBC tank"

Some timers need the high pressure of the mains to work.  Something to do with the way the valve shuts the water off.

I have a nasty feeling that the AC1 needs mains pressure, and I think Gardena have timers suitable for lower pressure / water butt supply.

[scezy]

Yes i have read that some automatic systems need to run from  mains pressure.Does anyone know if the AC does or doesn't?
Also you can get hold of a 71 piece irrigation set from wilkinsons(which contain drippers pipe connectors )
Scezy

[Kristen]

You may also need adjustable drippers (rather than the fixed-rate ones), again because of the low water pressure. I read an article somewhere, I'll see if I can find it again

[Kristen]

Found it!

http://www.garden4less.co.uk/automatic-watering-water-butt-test.asp

[Greengirl]

I use the Hozelock system at home as Goose does & it's fantastic, saves loads of time & anxiety whilst on holiday. I don't have any water supply on my lottie,my plants have to survive on what I can carry there (which isn't very much).

[sheridal]

I have just bought an automatic watering system from Aldi. It was £17.99 for a dual timer and £5.99 for 20m of irrigation hose. They came into stores last thursday. Unfortunately their last weeks pages are not available anymore.

[whippersnapper]

I have just bought an automatic watering system from Aldi. It was £17.99 for a dual timer and £5.99 for 20m of irrigation hose. They came into stores last thursday. Unfortunately their last weeks pages are not available anymore.

Yep - got mine from Lidl for about a tenner. Working well on the strawbs which are fully netted so access difficult.

I've since seen them in screwfix for £12:

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/97639/Landscaping/Landscaping-Hand-Tools/Irrigation/Micro-Irrigation-System