Many owners spend a huge amount of time on watering the plants, while spending more water than the plants need. Particularly problematic to produce regular watering remote from home plots and fields.
For such purposes, a special timer watering, which we will discuss in this article. We will understand how the device works, what it is used for, whether the price really corresponds to the benefit.
What is it and how does it work?
To begin with, what is the self-watering timer.
The design can be of different forms, but more often it resembles a water meter that everyone has in a private house or apartment. The device is designed to supply water for irrigation for a certain time, which is set by the timer, and for programming irrigation for each day of the week.
At the same time, the program is not limited by anything and, if you deal with the system of action, then you will be able to program a separate irrigation option for each day, while setting a different time and duration. 
That is, we have an apparatus that allows us to remotely irrigate the beds according to the program you specified. The device works on batteries that are protected from moisture. Thus, the timer does not depend on the availability of the power grid in the area, so it can be used even in an open field.
Important! When changing batteries, the specified programs are saved.
The timer works as a shut-off valve, which on the one hand is connected to the pipe, on which water is supplied, and on the other hand, a regular irrigation hose is attached. The design provides for a nozzle for a watering hose, so do not need to buy anything extra. At the moment when it is necessary to irrigate, the device opens a valve, like a ball valve, and water is supplied to the irrigation area.
It is worth noting that not all watering timers have software that allows you to program actions, so be sure to check the capabilities of the device upon purchase. Also note that the watering timer, although it has a similar shape, does not function as a water meter. 
Types of devices
Next, let's talk about what are the timers for watering irrigation. Let us see how they differ, and also consider their capabilities.
You will be interested to know about: automatic irrigation, pump for irrigation from the barrel, drip irrigation from bottles, also read how to choose a hose, sprinklers and drip tape for irrigation.
Mechanical
The mechanical timer has a clock device that was used in the first microwave ovens or mechanical clocks. The clock device works on a spring and can provide continuous watering for up to one day. However, any adjustments are made manually. Such devices have no dial or screen, as well as the possibility of programming actions. 
The mechanical timer is great for home gardens where irrigation is constantly monitored by the owner. In this case, the unit allows you to supply water for a fixed amount of time, after which the mechanism is activated and the valve turns off the water supply.
Did you know? The first prototype of the timer and stopwatch was invented back in 1720. The device could record intervals of time with an accuracy of 1/16 of a second.
Electronic
The electronic version, as you might have guessed, has an additional programming function that allows you to spend more time doing other things than watering vegetation. Such options are best suited for sites remote from home. Since some crops require daily watering, the acquisition of such a timer will pay off almost instantly, given the cost of gasoline and time-consuming. 
The electronic version has two varieties, which we further describe.
Mechanically controlled
An electronic watering timer allows you to set actions for one week, with a maximum watering duration of 2 hours. All tasks are set in advance by a person, after which the system works according to a predetermined scenario.
Such devices have an average price and a fairly good functionality that allows for remote irrigation. 
Software controlled
The most advanced version, which has up to 16 programs. Set any action associated with watering. You can also irrigate different plants from one timer, setting a specific watering time for each one.
To make it easier to understand the difference, compare the cheapest microwave and microwave oven with all the possible bells and whistles. Yes, each of them can heat or cook food, but the more expensive option gives you more choice, which allows you to cook absolutely any dish, using only a microwave oven, which will replace the oven, grill, gas oven and even barbecue.
The same with electronic programmable timers. They allow you to irrigate all crops at once, using for each of them their own time and its own volume of water. This system works without any human intervention. 
Did you know? The first electronic clock appeared in 1971. They were equipped with a digital LED display.
Selection rules
First of all, it’s worth deciding on what exactly you need, since this will affect the functionality of the device and, of course, its price.
If you are reading this article, it means that you are interested in this device, or there is a need for such a sensor. Therefore it is necessary to consider all the options, as well as to explain their usefulness in a particular case.
- Mechanical option. If you do not want to stand "an hour" with a hose in your hands on the plot, as well as remember the exact time of watering, then it is enough to get the easiest option that works on a spring. You will receive a device that does not require electricity, does not deteriorate from exposure to moisture or sun, and also has a low cost.
- Electronic version with mechanical control. Such a device is installed at a site remote from the house and is intended for irrigation of one crop, since it is possible to programmatically set any time for any day of the week. Of course, such a device costs more, but for irrigation of large fields it fits perfectly, since its functionality is quite enough. Installing such a device on the plot does not make sense, because the main advantage of the device is remote work, which saves you time.
- Electronic version with program control. Such a device is usually placed in greenhouses, where not only the irrigation schedule is important, but also the humidity of the air. The presence of sensors allows you to control the humidity of the air, as well as expose the ideal program for each culture.
Important! If the device runs on batteries, they, on average, will be enough for 1500 on / off.
It does not make sense to use the most advanced option in open fields, since the entire functionality of the device will not be disclosed. And given the cost of the device, its loss or breakdown can hit hard on the pocket. After all, it should be understood that the more in the electronic filling device, the more vulnerable it is to external factors.
Now it is worth talking about which device to take for the water supply system, and which watering timer to choose for gravity systems.
To begin with, these timers differ in the mechanism of opening and closing the water supply. In one case, a solenoid valve is used, and in the other - a ball valve. The solenoid valve opens only under a pressure of at least 0.2 atmospheres. Used for centralized water supply, as it withstands great pressure. Also, a similar valve protects against air supply while the water is turned off.
Ball watering timer used for gravity systems, that is, for irrigation of any capacity (barrel). This option is better suited for watering greenhouses and greenhouses, as it uses a fixed amount of water. Ideal for drip irrigation systems. Works with a pressure from 0 to 6 atmospheres. 
Regular watering is necessary for each plant, so we advise you to familiarize yourself with the rules for watering vegetable crops such as: cucumbers, tomatoes, garlic, carrots, cabbage, onions and peppers, also learn how to water the lawn.
The number of valves. Above, we wrote that advanced timers allow us to set a irrigation scenario for different crops. In order to do this, you need to purchase a device with several valves. At the same time, a separate time and duration of watering for each plant is programmed. It is useful to use several valves in the greenhouse, since it is important to constantly maintain the microclimate in order to get a good harvest. 
It is worth noting that several valves can be put on the simplest mechanisms, however, due to this, their functionality does not increase. You simply can not make, for example, a mechanical timer watered one crop first and then another, since all actions are set manually.
Additional features. By electronic options, you can connect a rain sensor, an additional filter, as well as a mini-pump.
The rain sensor, as you already understood, is used so that our timer does not flood the plot at the moment when it is raining. An additional filter is used only for drip irrigation to prevent clogging of the system. A mini-pump is needed in the case when water is supplied from the tank, and the pressure is 0 atmospheres.
How to connect and use the device
Next, let's talk about how to connect any timer. Also tell about how to set the time and set several commands for each day of the week.
After connecting, we begin to deal with the principle of operation. The simplest timers are enough to “start” like a clock, after which the water supply will begin. Difficult options have multitasking, which requires a full study of the instructions.
Device assembly
After printing the original packaging, carefully read the instructions. Also pay attention to which way the supply arrows show. If you ignore this aspect, then install the device in reverse. 
After reading the instruction, which describes in detail the principle of installation, proceed to connect to the system. Start by comparing the inlet pipe diameter. Most likely, you will need to separately purchase an adapter that allows you to connect a hose of any diameter to the device.
After you've picked up everything you need, you need to connect the pipe to the entrance. To do this, remove the protective ring, put the pipe on the "nose" and twist the ring, which should fix it. Next, look at the exit diameter. Most often, there is a special nozzle on the timers, which is used to connect the watering hoses. If the diameter is suitable, then we simply fit the hose, if not - we buy the nozzle of the desired diameter. After connecting the hose to the outlet, the installation of a simple timer is over. To mount advanced drip irrigation devices, additional actions are required, which can also be described in the instructions. Depending on the irrigation system that you use, additional adapters, bushings or tees may be required.
Timer setting
After connecting the device to the system, you need to insert the batteries or connect to the network (some timers only support electrical connections). Next, the dial will light up, under which the buttons are located. Most devices have two buttons that allow you to increase or decrease the numeric value, the button that sets the day or month, and the device on / off buttons. There is a button "Start", which launches the algorithm of actions.
Depending on the configuration and the manufacturer, the number of buttons and the actions for which they are responsible may vary, so we gave general data.
To set the timer you need to enable it. Next, set the current correct time by which the device will navigate. Next you need to create a script for each day. To do this, select the day, after which we first set the time for watering, and then its duration. After that, switch to other days. If you have an advanced version, then it gives you the opportunity to create a script for a whole year. This opportunity is ideal for greenhouses.
After complete configuration, you need to click the "Enable" or "Start" button, and the unit will begin to execute the script sequentially.
Important! Electronic timers do not have initial settings, so everything is programmed manually for personal needs.
Features of operation
Now let's talk about how to properly operate the device so that it lasts longer.
To begin with, you should use only high-quality batteries if you have an electronic device. In this case, the batteries must be at 1.5 v, or another voltage, if this is described in the instructions. 
As for the water that is fed to the device, it must be clean, fresh. Any heavy particles will clog the filter, due to which the device will often have to be cleaned. At the same time, the quality and strength of the water supply will be reduced significantly. Also remember that the temperature of the water that passes through the device should not be above +40 ° C.
It is worth remembering that any programming is done before installation in the irrigation system. For this reason, it is better to think over the irrigation schedule in advance so as not to dismantle the device several times.
Important! It is also possible to program with the tap closed, when water is not supplied to the timer.
Before frost, the device must be removed and put away in a dry warm place. This rule does not apply to greenhouse shelters in which the temperature does not drop below 0 ° C.
Dismantling for the winter
Dismantling the watering timer for the winter is not limited to removing the device, so we will discuss in more detail the whole process.
First you need to turn off the device itself. Next - turn off the water supply and remove the hose that is connected to the outlet on the device. Then you should remove the timer from the supply pipe and disassemble it. We need to make sure that there is no water left inside, and also to clean it from dirt and dust.
After dismantling the timer, you need to flush the system so that there is no water left in it. Otherwise, it will freeze and break the pipes / hoses. To do this, you need to turn off the water and turn on the compressor, which will pump air into the system. All this action takes a few minutes, after which the device turns off. If you do not have a compressor, then the purge must be done manually, or the hoses should be folded so that the water from them will flow out under the force of gravity. Next, you need to remove all sensors, if any, as well as insulate the solenoid valves that do not tolerate frost. To do this, use any insulator that does not absorb water.
Benefits of using
Finally, discuss pros having a watering timer.
- Reduces the cost of water for irrigation, as the process is controlled.
- Saves your time and finances in case of irrigation of a site remote from home.
- Gives the opportunity to water several plots with different cultures.
- Ideally implements a fixed drip irrigation system.
- The device can be used not only for watering vegetables or fruit trees, but also for irrigation of flower beds or house flowers in pots.
- The device can be used to supply liquid fertilizers that do not precipitate, thus allowing not only watering, but also feeding.
As a result, we have a very useful device, which is suitable for both home gardens and fields. Timer functionality is suitable for large greenhouses, in which it is difficult to manually control the introduction of moisture, so the timers are in great demand. As for the price, the devices purchased by appointment, pay off their cost a maximum per season, while increasing the yield due to timely watering.
