As gardening technology continues to evolve, one of the most sought-after tools for both seasoned gardeners and beginners alike is a smart watering timer. These devices allow you to automate your irrigation system, saving you time, water, and ensuring your plants receive the right amount of moisture. Whether you’re dealing with a garden, balcony plants, or even indoor herbs, smart watering timers can help keep everything watered on schedule.
In this article, we’ve tested three of the top smart watering timers currently available on the market. We’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and which one might be the best fit for your garden.
What Is a Smart Watering Timer?
A smart watering timer connects to your irrigation system and allows you to set watering schedules, monitor water usage, and adjust watering preferences remotely, all via a smartphone app or smart home assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Key features typically include:
- Scheduled Watering: Set watering times and durations for different plants.
- Smartphone Control: Adjust settings remotely through an app.
- Weather Adjustments: Many models offer weather-based adjustments, reducing or stopping watering when rain is forecasted.
- Water Conservation: By providing the right amount of water, these devices can help reduce waste and ensure efficient watering.
Why Should You Consider a Smart Watering Timer?
- Convenience: No more manual watering or forgetting to water your plants. Once set up, your system takes care of the watering automatically.
- Efficiency: A smart timer ensures that your plants are watered according to their needs, which saves water and helps prevent overwatering or underwatering.
- Time-Saving: Especially for busy gardeners or those with large gardens, a smart timer reduces the need to monitor or manually adjust watering schedules.
- Integration: Many smart watering timers can be integrated with other smart home systems, making them even more convenient and customizable.
The 3 Smart Watering Timers We Tested
To determine which smart watering timer works best, we tested three popular models: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller, Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Timer, and Gardena Smart Water Control. Each model was evaluated on its ease of setup, app functionality, accuracy of watering schedules, and overall performance.
1. Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
Rachio 3 is one of the most well-known smart irrigation controllers on the market. It’s designed for users who have a sprinkler system and want to optimize water usage with minimal effort. This model supports up to 8 zones and connects directly to your home Wi-Fi for remote control.
Key Features:
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Connects directly to your Wi-Fi and can be controlled via a smartphone app.
- Weather Intelligence: Automatically adjusts watering schedules based on local weather forecasts, so it won’t water during rain or high winds.
- Easy Setup: Installation is simple, and it can be done in minutes by connecting the controller to your existing irrigation system.
- App Control: The Rachio app allows you to set schedules, adjust water usage, and view historical data.
- Smart Home Integration: Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
What Worked:
- Efficient Weather Adjustments: The weather intelligence feature worked flawlessly, preventing watering on rainy days.
- Intuitive App: The app is user-friendly and allows for easy scheduling, manual overrides, and monitoring.
- Energy and Water Conservation: Rachio helped optimize watering times and reduced water wastage by adjusting schedules based on the weather.
What Didn’t Work:
- Limited Zone Support: For users with larger gardens or more complex irrigation setups, 8 zones might not be sufficient.
- No Battery Backup: In case of a Wi-Fi or power failure, the system may lose settings.
Best For:
- Gardeners with an existing sprinkler system looking for a smart, water-efficient solution.
2. Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Timer
Orbit’s B-hyve Smart Hose Timer is an easy-to-install, affordable solution for users with smaller gardens or those using a hose for irrigation. This model connects to a smartphone app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and it can be used with any standard garden hose.
Key Features:
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Connects via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for remote control.
- Customizable Schedules: You can set multiple schedules based on your garden’s watering needs.
- WeatherSense Technology: This feature adjusts the watering schedule based on local weather conditions to avoid overwatering.
- Compact Design: The timer is small and can easily be attached to a hose faucet.
What Worked:
- User-Friendly App: The app is simple and intuitive, with clear scheduling and customization options.
- Weather-Responsive: The WeatherSense technology automatically adjusted watering times when rain was forecasted.
- Affordability: At a lower price point than many other smart watering systems, the B-hyve timer provides solid functionality for its cost.
What Didn’t Work:
- Limited Connectivity Range: While Bluetooth works fine for smaller gardens, Wi-Fi connectivity can be a bit spotty in areas with weak signals.
- Basic Functionality: It’s a good option for small setups but lacks advanced features like zone management or integration with other smart home devices.
Best For:
- Gardeners with a small garden or who use hoses for watering. Ideal for anyone looking for an affordable, easy-to-use smart watering timer.
3. Gardena Smart Water Control
The Gardena Smart Water Control is a versatile smart watering system that’s perfect for garden irrigation systems, especially those with multiple zones. It works with Gardena’s range of sprinklers and hoses and connects to the Gardena Smart System app, allowing full control of watering from your phone.
Key Features:
- Smart App Integration: Connects to the Gardena Smart System app, where you can control your watering schedule remotely.
- Weather-Based Watering: Uses weather forecasts to prevent watering during rain, reducing unnecessary water use.
- Easy Setup: Can be attached to existing watering systems without much hassle.
- Multiple Zone Support: Supports a range of different irrigation zones for more complex garden setups.
- Battery-Powered: Can be used in areas without a power source, making it flexible for various garden configurations.
What Worked:
- Robust App: The Gardena app is easy to use and provides excellent flexibility for scheduling and adjustments.
- Multiple Zones: Great for users with larger gardens or multiple zones that need individual attention.
- Weather Sensing: The weather-based watering system was very accurate, ensuring we didn’t water during rainy weather.
What Didn’t Work:
- Compatibility Issues: It may not be as compatible with third-party watering systems, making it more suited to those using Gardena’s products.
- Battery Life: The battery life of the device could be improved. It requires recharging or replacing batteries periodically.
Best For:
- Gardeners with larger gardens or multiple irrigation zones who want a flexible, easy-to-use solution with weather adjustments.
Final Thoughts: Which Smart Watering Timer is Right for You?
After testing all three models, we found that each smart watering timer has its strengths and weaknesses, making them suited to different gardening setups and needs.
Best for Sprinkler Systems: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
If you have a full sprinkler system, the Rachio 3 is the best choice. It offers the most advanced weather intelligence and app control, ensuring your plants get the right amount of water while conserving resources.
Best for Small Gardens: Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Timer
For smaller gardens or those using hoses, the Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Timer is an affordable, straightforward option. It’s easy to set up and use, and the WeatherSense technology ensures efficient watering.
Best for Large, Multi-Zone Gardens: Gardena Smart Water Control
The Gardena Smart Water Control is ideal for those with larger, more complex gardens. It offers flexible control for multiple zones, integrates with a wide range of products, and provides weather-based watering adjustments.
In conclusion, the right smart watering timer depends on your specific garden setup and needs. Whether you’re watering a small balcony or managing a large garden, there’s a smart watering timer that will make your life easier and your plants healthier.
