Back to Basics: What Is an Automatic Irrigation System?
We’re bringing things back to basics with a guide to what an automatic irrigation system is and what benefits irrigation systems can bring, so that you can make sure your garden is well-prepared ahead of the spring months. If you’re looking to create a water-efficient garden that’s easier to manage but you aren’t sure where to start, look no further than this handy guide!
What is an automatic irrigation system?
Irrigation is effectively any means of artificial watering that’s used when there’s not enough rainfall to ensure your garden is sufficiently watered. This can simply be using garden hoses or watering cans to water by hand, or by using automatic irrigation systems that water the garden for you – these have become the desired option from novice gardeners to seasoned pros alike!
Some automatic irrigation systems water the surface of the garden from above, such as sprinkler systems, and some can water straight at the root by carrying water through a network of pipes. Different systems have different advantages, however we would always recommend investing in a system that waters at the root – such as one of our Irrigatia systems – to ensure watering is done correctly, accurately and with minimal waste and runoff.
Automatic irrigation systems are considered the best across the board as the benefits of irrigation systems can be seen across every area. These systems are excellent for your garden as:
Benefits of irrigation systems for the garden, the planet – and you
- Water is delivered exactly where it’s needed at the most optimal time, ensuring your plants and produce are getting the right amount of water.
- Being given smaller amounts of water more frequently is in many cases better for the garden than the occasional soak, so automated systems help with growth and yield.
- Automated systems are great for conserving water. Because your garden is only receiving the water it needs, there’s no excess water going to waste!
- Not only are automatic irrigation systems good for the planet, but they are really helpful for saving on costs too.
- Many of these systems also use rainwater barrels to capture rainfall that can be distributed back into your garden. Rainwater is pure and soft so won’t clog your drippers or damage your ericaceous plants!
- Hand-watering can be time-consuming, particularly if you have a larger garden, and it’s not always easy to know if you’re doing it right. Irrigation systems take the guesswork out of it for you, and gives you the time back to focus on other areas.
- These systems, such as our SOL-C120 system, are also great for allotments and will water your plants at the right time with the right amount of water even when you’re away. Perfect for when you go on holiday!
Check out our blog to see some of our top watering tips and make sure your garden thrives.
Why choose an Irrigatia system?
Our Irrigatia watering systems are unique as they don’t need to be connected to mains water or electricity. The systems are fitted with a solar panel so are powered by solar energy, and they use water barrels as a water source. This is great for capturing rainwater and redistributing through the garden, and they can also be manually topped up during the drier seasons.
Irrigatia systems gauge how much water is needed according to light intensity – depending on how much sunlight there is, the system will automatically adjust the amount of water being supplied. Because of this and as a result of direct tom root watering, our systems use up to 90% less water than watering with a hose.
We have a range of systems to suit whichever type of project you’re working on – our SOL-C12 L series is perfect for greenhouses, the SOL-C24 L series is the ideal amount of power for small projects, and our SOL-C120 can help you out with larger projects. No matter how you use your garden, Irrigatia can help keep you and your plants happy!
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about what an automatic irrigation system is and how the benefits of irrigation systems can help improve your garden. For more gardening tips and ways to save time and water, take a look through our latest blogs.
Don’t forget to head on over to our social channels to keep up to date with our latest growing journeys in the Irrigatia garden!