Irrigation Installation

Installing a smart irrigation system helps you water more efficiently while supporting healthier, more consistent plant growth. Harvst’s WaterMate makes irrigation installation simple, giving you a reliable, professional setup without the need for specialist services.



How Smart Irrigation Delivers Efficient Watering

If you’re looking to grow healthier plants with minimal effort while conserving water and reducing energy costs, you’ll benefit from installing a smart irrigation system. This takes out the guesswork from watering schedules, helps you avoid common watering mistakes and ensures consistent watering all year round.

Harvst’s smart irrigation systems combine automation, remote monitoring and management, and sustainable design to deliver an efficient irrigation system. With smart features such as temperature and humidity sensors, these irrigation systems adapt to changing weather conditions, allowing your plants to receive the right amount of water when they need it, giving peace of mind and freedom.

The best part is they’re ideal for a DIY installation and do not need a specialist residential irrigation system installation service. This makes them accessible while allowing you to have a completely professional setup.

  • Up to 80% Less Water Used

  • Targeted Watering = Zero Waste

  • Reduces Runoff and Overwatering

Overview Demo of Installation

How Harvst’s Irrigation System Works

Harvst’s WaterMate is a smart irrigation system that offers a data-driven, off-grid solution for passionate gardeners looking for a reliable and low-maintenance automatic watering system. 

The WaterMate irrigation controller and pump system is powered by its built-in battery that can be charged from the mains or a solar panel. The controller uses temperature sensors to monitor the environment, managing watering schedules to precisely deliver water to your greenhouse, polytunnel, allotment or garden. 

This allows the system to adjust watering frequency based on real-time weather data, minimising watering mistakes such as overwatering or underwatering, and maintaining consistent moisture levels.

It draws water from a water butt or tank, allowing you to maximise the benefits of rainwater harvesting techniques. The water is then delivered through drip lines, ensuring consistent water delivery based on the plant’s requirements rather than a fixed schedule.

Buy WaterMate Pro Here!

How to Install an Irrigation System

Wondering how to install an irrigation system? 

Harvst’s WaterMate irrigation system is easy to install, whether you’re just starting your gardening journey or are looking to upgrade to a more efficient setup. You can achieve a professional irrigation system with minimal fuss, as all components are easy to install and come with clear instructions.

Here’s how you can install an efficient garden irrigation system, like WaterMate:

STEP 1

Map out your allotment, polytunnel or greenhouse and decide where your drip lines go. This is important because a clear layout will ensure proper coverage, especially if you have dual watering zones or have diverse crop needs. It will make the installation process easier and more efficient.

STEP 2

Place the WaterMate pump system directly into your water source, either a water butt or tank, ensuring the pump (Mini) or end of the hose (Pro) is submerged fully. Then connect the pump’s outlet hose to the tubing of the main line.

STEP 3

At this point, you’ll need to lay the main tubing from the pump connection to the centre of your growing area.

STEP 4

To ensure dripper lines and emitters are set properly, cut tubing from the main lines to reach individual pots and plants. Place them directly into the soil at the base of the plant to allow direct root zone water delivery. Secure the emitters with stakes to hold them in place, especially during the growing season.

STEP 5

Test the setup to ensure there are no leaks and check for even water pressure. Set the initial watering duration and frequency via our web app. This allows the WaterMate to create a reliable baseline for automated watering schedules.

STEP 6

Harvst’s WaterMate comes with an irrigation controller that uses built-in temperature sensors. However, you can also install an additional wireless humidity sensor for even more accuracy and control. Simply insert batteries as per instructions and place it away from sunlight and off the ground on a stake or shelf.

That’s it! You’ve successfully installed a garden irrigation system. Your plants can now receive consistent care and watering with minimal effort, freeing up time for things that matter most.

Custom Irrigation Solutions for Greenhouses and Polytunnels

Our smart irrigation systems are ideal for greenhouses and polytunnels, as they are adaptable due to their modular nature. You can add or rearrange fittings as per your plant requirements and planting methods, such as companion planting, cover cropping and intercropping.

Harvst’s greenhouse installation kit makes things super easy and efficient, and comes with stainless steel P-clamps and cropped head bolts for a secure greenhouse set-up.

If you’re looking for a custom irrigation solution for your polytunnel, Harvst’s polytunnel kit comes highly recommended. This kit contains cable tensioners, straining wire and cable ties, which will suffice for 20m of LDPE.

Greenhouse Installation Tutorial
Polytunnel Installation Tutiorial

Regular Maintenance

Unpredictable weather necessitates simple yet consistent maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Here are a few things to bear in mind once you’ve learnt how to install an irrigation system:

Filter Cleaning: Sediment deposits can clog up drip lines and increase water pressure. Consider cleaning filters regularly, at least once a month, to ensure even water pressure and reliable water flow across the system.

Low-pressure troubleshooting: Low water pressure despite cleaning filters regularly could require a comprehensive check. This includes checking the battery levels, whether the water butt or tank is full, or a visual inspection of the main tubing for any leaks.

Clogs: Many a time, individual drippers can be clogged, which can be resolved by manually cleaning them or replacing the emitter. You can also try uncapping one end of the main line tubing to flush it entirely. (This is typically needed once a year with hard water and nutrient use.)

Winter-proofing: The best way to protect your system from damage is to flush the entire system before the first frost. Then, proceed to remove the irrigation controller, pump and battery and store them safely indoors. The system has been designed to withstand being frozen - it will in fact detect the freezing temperature and not pump to protect itself, however, for longevity winterising is recommended. 

Why Choose Harvst’s Smart Irrigation Systems

Harvst’s smart irrigation systems are designed to make gardening simpler, more relaxed and enjoyable. It focuses on automated watering to remove the guesswork from watering schedules, providing you with an efficient system that conserves water and reduces energy consumption.

Our irrigation system combines smart technology with sustainable solutions so you can grow more. Every component and irrigation system is expertly crafted by a team that truly cares and understands modern growing challenges.

Whilst we design and manufacture all our systems and components here in Britain, we ship globally, ensuring our smart watering solutions are accessible to skilled, enthusiastic gardeners all around the world.

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

WaterMate Instruction Manuals

Download a copy of the WaterMate setup guide and instruction manual.
Choose the version which best represents your control unit.

Instruction manual : July 2021 onwards / V5
White control box with black sticker on the front.
Click here to download (13Mb)

Instruction manual : October 2021 onwards / V6
Grey or white control box with green sticker on the front.
Click here to download (11.5Mb)

Other guides

Greenhouse installation guide (612Kb)

Polytunnel installation guide (812Kb) … or read online here.