If you don’t have any current smart garden devices, then your choice is more, but not completely, open. The Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller, my Runner-up, works only on Apple iOS devices, so Android smartphone users shouldn’t buy this. This is the one smart water timers in my review that isn’t available with a hub to connect it to the internet. Of the other three wireless timers, the GARDENA Smart Water Control can be bought either as an add-on to an existing Gardena smart garden system or as a set that includes the hub/gateway. How do you want to control the timer? More advanced ‘rain delay’ feature – delay the next watering for 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours without disturbing the preset programmes.

You can take the settings screen off the main unit and adjust settings without having to bend down. Are there any mains powered timers that contain a pump for this use - possible with a run dry detection. If one or more of these would be useful to you, it could be worth considering a more versatile timer. I personally like have a screen or a way to know instantly if the timer is on or off. I hate the thought of relaxing in the garden and the sprinkler suddenly comes on! There is a audible notification to tell you when you have successfully set the timer.Use the dial and the simple buttons to set the start time, how long to water for and how often. It’s really simple. So perhaps try taking the timer out, get a converter from hose -> your smaller pipe, and get a feel for how much water it uses. Then either leave on continuously at a low setting, or get a neighbour to put it on for an hour or two every second day. All smart water timers need to have a hub that stands between them and your internet router. If you already have smart garden appliances – perhaps your irrigation system, your lighting setup or a robotic lawnmower– then you already have a hub for that brand of devices. It makes sense to buy a smart timer that works with the hub you already have if it can handle another appliance this is often the most affordable option as you then just need the timer itself.

Controlled remotely through your smartphone, mobile device, Alexa or Google Assistant for setting, for the ultimate convenience. Read on to see a detailed plan of how to set the system up. If you need to run a substantial watering system and don't have access to an external tap but do have access to electricity then you can run a watering system using a water butt pump. Next, set how long you would like the timer to run for each time it is on, from 1 minute to 120 minutes. There is a clear digital battery display to ensure that you won’t accidentally run out of battery (the battery for the Gardena is a 9V battery – most take AAA or AA. The battery lasts around a year. Installing a watering timer for your garden can be a great investment and solution for making sure your plants are looked after. There are a wide range of timers available and deciding which is best for you will depend on what you need the timer for.If you’re not convinced that you need a smart water timer, see our Best Water Timers review for alternatives. This relates mainly to the app through which you set up, control and receive information from your smart water timer. As with any technology and its associated software or app, some (often many) online reviewers have problems using the user interface of the app as well as the app not always being available. It’s a combination of the design of the app and personal taste in what the screens should look and act like. An integrated temperature sensor notifies you if frost is likely so you can protect your vulnerable plants overnight.