Automatic watering systems provide an ideal labour saving method of keeping a garden in good shape. There are several key factors involved in using a watering system which affect the health of the garden, plants and the consumption of water. Cost effective irrigation systems are important for anyone taking pride in their garden, minimising the cost of irrigation hardware and maintenance bills as well as saving water.

There are a number of ways in which watering a garden can be made more efficient. For example, raising lawnmower blades to a higher level allowing grass to become deeper rooted and lose less moisture from evaporation, and spreading a layer of mulch around plants to prevent moisture loss. In terms of watering, it is advisable to water the area of the soil directly above plant roots, and to water in the evening to get the most out of your supply as cooler nights mean less evaporation from the soil.

People naturally tend to notice that their plants need watering on warm days as they themselves are outside due to the heat and become dehydrated. The problem is that at this point the soil is dry, making it harder for the water to soak in, just like watering a dry potted plant, where the water will sit at the top for a little while before slowly soaking in.

By watering at night the water soaks into the ground more easily, giving the plant roots time to take in the water and by the following day the water will have soaked down away from the surface, locking in the moisture and protecting the plant from the heat of the sun.

Watering at night also provides a simple and efficient way to avoid problems such as leaf burn, stoma, fungus and bacteria. This can be done further by targeting the part of the plant that needs water. This means watering the area of the soil above the roots, and watering plants less frequently but more thoroughly; to help them to develop deep root systems that are better equipped to seek out moisture in the soil.

Gardening is made significantly less time consuming by installing an efficient automatic watering system; a simple network of narrow pipes and drippers hidden in the garden that takes water from the garden tap to your plants. Even if you are away, such a watering system will allow for an efficient method of keeping your garden green, and take the worry out of looking after your garden.

Disclaimer: Matthew Pressman writes for a wide variety of commercial clients. This article is intended for information purposes only and readers should seek additional information before taking any actions based on its content.

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