Smart home technology and home automation have revolutionised life inside the home. But it doesn’t end there. Smart gardens are a logical extension of smart homes, using technology to work harmoniously with nature. We are multi-award-winning home automation experts with a proven track record both indoors and outdoors.
Home Integration in The Great Outdoors
The increasing integration of garden equipment is making waves in the smart home space. Some exciting developments include:
- Smart sprinklers
- Weather sensors
- Soil moisture sensors
- Rainwater tank monitors
- Smart lawn mowers
Irrigation accounts for an astonishing 70% of all freshwater use worldwide. With increasing concerns about climate change and drought, tech advances that are driving efficiencies in the agricultural sector are also benefiting other water users such as homes, schools and businesses.
This offers the opportunity to make the smart garden a functional extension of the smart home, not only saving home owners money, but offering the reassurance that your garden will be well cared for even when you’re away.
Features of Smart Irrigation Systems
With up to 40% of household water consumption going into the garden, smart irrigation controllers can deliver big savings, overseeing complex watering plans for multiple garden areas.
Some of the many practical benefits of smart irrigation systems include:
- Scheduling for watering in the evening rather than the heat of the day
- Dynamic responses to changing conditions to further improve garden water efficiency
- Monitoring the weather, soil moisture levels, evaporation rates and plant water use
- Automatically adjusting watering regimens to match actual conditions in real time
Weather-based smart irrigation controllers can:
- Monitor meteorological data from the internet
- Conduct on-site measurements of temperature, wind, solar radiation and humidity
Soil moisture sensors buried in the root zones of lawns, trees and shrubs can:
- Accurately assess moisture levels in the soil
- Transmit this information directly to the controller
As seasons and temperatures change or when rain falls, smart irrigation control can take into consideration site-specific variables such as:
- Soil type, using feedback from sensors to suspend irrigation when there’s enough moisture in the soil
- The system can then deliver on-demand irrigation within set times when soil moisture levels fall too low.
The Benefits of Smart Irrigation Systems
Smart home irrigation systems offer a range of benefits, including saving plants, time, and money. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Water Efficiency
Smart irrigation systems are designed to deliver water more efficiently to your garden. They can monitor weather conditions, soil moisture levels, and other variables in real-time to adjust watering schedules accordingly. This ensures that your plants receive the right amount of water, reducing over-watering and water wastage.
- Water Conservation
With the ability to suspend irrigation when soil moisture levels are sufficient, smart irrigation systems help conserve water. This is particularly important in regions facing water scarcity and drought conditions.
- Cost Savings
By optimising water usage, smart irrigation can lead to significant cost savings on your water bills. As mentioned in the article, some regions even offer rebates for the installation of weather-smart irrigation controllers, providing additional financial incentives.
- Convenience
Smart irrigation systems can be controlled remotely, allowing you to adjust watering schedules and monitor your garden from anywhere using your smartphone or other devices. This convenience is especially helpful when you’re away from home or on vacation.
- Improved Plant Health
By providing the right amount of water at the right times, smart irrigation systems contribute to healthier and more vibrant plants. They can help prevent under-watering or over-watering, reducing the risk of plant stress and disease.
- Environmental Benefits
Reduced water consumption in the garden contributes to environmental sustainability and can help mitigate the impact of excessive water use on local ecosystems and water resources.
- Integration with Smart Homes
Smart irrigation can be seamlessly integrated into your overall smart home ecosystem. This means you can control irrigation along with other home automation features like climate control, lighting, and security using user-friendly interfaces and voice commands.
- Customisation
Smart irrigation systems can be customised to meet the specific needs of your garden. They can take into account factors such as temperature, movement, time of day, and season to create an effective watering schedule.
- Ideal for Commercial Use
Businesses, schools, and institutions with extensive outdoor areas can benefit significantly from smart irrigation systems, as they can help reduce water consumption and maintenance costs for large gardens and sports fields.
Final Thoughts
Smart home irrigation offers a range of advantages, from water conservation and cost savings to convenience and improved plant health. As technology continues to advance, integrating smart irrigation into your smart home ecosystem can help you create a more efficient and environmentally friendly outdoor space.
