Irrigation Controller

Irrigation controllers are at the heart of any automated watering system, replacing mechanical taps, manual hosepipes and you! Its main function is to regulate and manage water flow to your garden, greenhouse or polytunnel, ensuring consistent watering for healthier plant growth and improved yields.

An irrigation controller allows you to schedule watering frequency, duration and the time of day. You can set it to water more or less based on temperature or humidity. It also lets you activate a pump and open or close valves, ensuring precise watering cycles based on your plant’s requirements. This helps you conserve water, reduce water waste due to run-off or overwatering and maintain conducive growing conditions.

Harvst’s Smart Irrigation Controller

Harvst’s smart irrigation controller is a core feature of the WaterMate system. These are agile, adaptable systems specifically created for polytunnels, greenhouses, gardens and allotments.

Our irrigation controller is powered by a solar panel and a battery, which enables automated watering in remote locations without mains power. It's compatible with the WaterMate pump, drawing water efficiently from a water butt or tank to efficiently water your plants.

Equipped with a wired temperature sensor, the smart controller utilises data to adjust watering cycles based on external weather conditions. This ensures the optimal use of resources, reducing wastage and saving on water bills.

Harvst’s smart irrigation controller also offers you the ability to remotely control your watering system, as it's a WiFi irrigation controller. This allows you to monitor and manage your greenhouse or allotment even while you’re away by simply using our mobile phone app.

The irrigation controller works best when used to run a pump directly, creating a solar-powered hose system, or when paired with twin valves to set up a dual irrigation system. It is compatible with twin latching valves using 4-pin connectors and supports up to four additional zone kits.

Benefits of an Irrigation Controller

For home growers, allotment holders or greenhouse owners, a smart irrigation system comes with several benefits, including off-grid independence, energy efficiency, water conservation and more.

Irrigation controllers play a vital role in water conservation by delivering precise, consistent watering when plants need it most. They automate watering schedules and adapt to changing conditions, helping to minimise water usage, energy consumption and manual effort.

Nutrient leaching happens when water exceeds the soil’s capacity to hold it, washing down water-soluble nutrients below the root layer. This can lead to weakened plant health and a loss of soil fertility over time. Irrigation controllers prevent this from happening by ensuring adequate moisture without the damage from excessive watering.

A smart irrigation controller also allows you to take a holiday without having to worry about watering your plants, as everything is automated and precise.

  • Up to 80% Less Water Used

  • Targeted Watering = Zero Waste

  • Reduces Runoff and Overwatering

Choosing the Right Irrigation Controller

Choosing the right irrigation controller depends on the compatibility with your existing system and irrigation needs. You’ll need to consider the level of automation you require, watering zones, power source and programmability.

The points below can help you select a controller that suits your needs:

  • Check your water source to ensure compatibility. Mains water systems require controllers that work with high-pressure valves, while water butts or tanks need a controller capable of powering a pump.
  • Decide on the level of automation you require - standard tap timers are suitable for predictable climates, while smart irrigation controllers are better for areas with frequently changing weather.
  • Consider the number of watering zones you need. If you grow a variety of crops or use multiple watering zones, make sure the controller supports this - our irrigation controller can manage up to six zones.
  • Think about programmability and remote access. Smart irrigation controllers with WiFi allow you to monitor and adjust watering schedules remotely, which is useful if you are often away.
  • Review the available power options and choose a controller that matches your power supply and overall system design.

Why Choose Our Irrigation Water Pumps?

  • Built-in battery for off-grid irrigation
  • Supports multi-zone irrigation systems
  • WiFi capability for remote monitoring and management
  • Includes wired temperature sensors
  • Reduces energy consumption
  • Ideal for remote locations
  • Works best with water butts, allowing for maximisation of rainwater harvesting techniques.
  • Saves water
  • Easy to use for a DIY installation

Buy Your Irrigation Controller Now!

Harvst’s reliable smart irrigation controller can take the stress out of plant care by delivering water consistently and precisely, allowing for a healthier environment conducive to plant growth. 

You can look forward to saving on water bills, improved energy efficiency, and remotely managing your setup with minimal hassle. With a smart watering schedule and temperature sensors, your plants will receive the right amount of water at the right time, leading to a thriving greenhouse, polytunnel or outdoor space. 

Product specifications and features are subject to ongoing improvement. For the latest details, please see individual product listings.