Why Smart Irrigation Matters (and How to Set Your Timer)
Water is one of the most important factors in the long-term health of your landscape—but how and when you water matters just as much as how much. Smart irrigation promotes deeper root growth, improves plant resilience, and helps prevent common issues like root rot, fungal disease, and shallow root systems caused by overwatering.
Consistent, well-timed watering allows moisture to penetrate the soil evenly and reach the full root zone, where plants actually absorb water. It also reduces runoff, evaporation, and water waste—saving you time, money, and resources. For newly installed plants especially, proper irrigation during the first weeks and months is critical to successful establishment and long-term performance.
Using an irrigation timer takes the guesswork out of watering. Instead of relying on memory or inconsistent schedules, a timer ensures your plants receive reliable, repeatable watering while still allowing flexibility to adjust for weather conditions like heat, drought, or heavy rainfall. The result is a healthier landscape with less effort and greater water efficiency.
Watering Guidelines for New Plants
Initial Phase (First Two Weeks)
Water deeply immediately after planting.
For the first two weeks, water daily or every other day if the top few inches of soil feel dry.
Establishment Phase (First Few Months)
Water every 2–3 days for the first few months.
Gradually transition to deep watering once per week during the growing season.
Aim for 1–2 inches of water per week, including rainfall, making sure water reaches the full root zone.
Monitoring
Check soil moisture a few inches down using a screwdriver or your finger.
If the soil feels dry, water deeply.
Increase watering during hot weather and reduce during rainy periods.
Soil should stay moist—not soggy.
General Care & Maintenance Tips
Weeding: Remove weeds regularly to reduce competition for water and nutrients.
Mulching: Refresh mulch annually to a depth of 3–4 inches to suppress weeds, reduce erosion, and protect roots from extreme heat or cold.
Staking: Only stake if necessary in very windy areas. Use loose ties to allow natural movement.
Pruning: Usually not needed during the first few years; typically begins after about three years.
Fertilizing: Apply a general fertilizer in spring and fall during the first few years to support healthy root and plant development.
Following these steps will help your plants establish strong root systems for long-term success.
How to Set Up Your Irrigation Timer
The Orbit 1-Outlet Programmable Hose Faucet Timer is a simple, effective way to automate your watering schedule for lawns, gardens, and flower beds.
1. SET CLOCK
Turn the dial to SET CLOCK.
Push the dial to set the hour, push again for minutes, and again to set AM/PM.
2. START TIME
Turn the dial to START TIME.
Set the time you want watering to begin using the same push-dial method.
3. HOW LONG
Turn the dial to HOW LONG.
Turn the dial to select watering duration in minutes.
4. HOW OFTEN
Turn the dial to HOW OFTEN.
Choose how frequently watering occurs (every 6 hours to every 7 days).
Push the dial when finished.
5. AUTO
Switch the dial to AUTO to run your program automatically.
Recommended Setting
We suggest 10 minutes every other day or every day, adjusting as needed for heat, drought, or heavy rainfall.
Proper irrigation, combined with good plant care, makes all the difference. If you have questions or need help adjusting your watering schedule, please let us know—we’re happy to help. 🌱