When it comes to water timers for your garden, there are four main types you can choose from: analogue, digital, rain water and mains water timers. Depending on the type of garden you have and how much control you need over your water supply, any one of these could be a good choice for you.
Analogue water timers are the simplest and most basic type of water timer. They usually consist of one or two buttons and knobs that let you adjust a watering schedule by designating times for watering in the morning and evening, or setting a certain time limit for watering. You can generally program these timers to water up to four times a day, allowing you to have accurate, long-term watering of your garden. Analogue water timers are usually the most cost-effective, so they are a great choice for those with smaller budgets.
Digital water timers are the most advanced version of water timers, offering the most programmable options and accurate control over your water supply. While they can be more expensive than analogue water timers, they give you a greater level of control. With digital water timers, for example, you can create a watering schedule that can be triggered when you are away or set a schedule for the summer months without having to make any changes.
Rain water timers are specifically designed to be attached to rain water collection systems, such as rain barrels. This type of timer makes use of sensors to detect when the water is ready for distribution in the garden, allowing you to save money on your water consumption. Due to the complexity of these timers, they are almost always digital.
Mains water timers provide the most control, because they can be plugged directly into a mains water supply and programmed to water up to 10 times a day. This is useful for gardens with heavier needs, as is often the case with more delicate plants and vegetables.
Ultimately, the type of water timer you should choose depends on your individual gardener needs and the size and complexity of your garden. Analogue water timers are usually the most affordable, while digital timers offer more control. Rain water timers can be beneficial if you have a collection system, while mains water timers allow you to distribute the water evenly to up to 10 times a day.
