Automated Sprinkler System

I am after a bit of advice please.

It's my Mrs significant birthday during the summer, and we are going on a month holiday to celebrate. Never been away this long.
I could get a neighbour to come and water my garden, but not sure how willing he would be.
So am considering an automated sprinkler system
To keep costs down, I am thinking of installing it myself.
But......I am DIY challenged ie not very good at this sort of thing

So am after advice/suggestions/tips etc.

Thanks

 

What about a combination of normal sprinkler system plus something like this.

Programmable Digital Water Timer

 

Clueless,
Thanks, that looks like a good controller.

Does anyone have advice re the irrigation system itself?

 

Depending on the area you need to cover, the best sprinkler I've found is actually a cheapo spinning one from wilkos. It cost me 2 quid, and give wider and more even coverage than my much more expensive hozelock one.

 

There are a lot of variables that affect the system. For example, size and shape of the garden, how far the sprinkler or sprinklers will be from a tap, water pressure, is it to be a temporary or permanent solution, etc. Remember that with a permanent solution you will also need to plan in a "low point" in order to drain the system before frost sets in.

Timers are, in my opinion, a must. These are not only used to start and stop the watering, but also to regulate the amount of water.

As regards practical skills needed, about the only one is being able to dig the pipes in (permanent solution) as well as hiring a decent plumber/electrician to fit the timer. The pipes themselves are quite often click-to-fit. Companies such as Gardena offer free online planners to help with the choice of sprinklers and so on.

One final thought. Dont forget that someone will be needed to switch the system off if a hose pipe ban is put into place when you are away.

 

The system is intended to be temporary, but if it works, I may use it all summer.

From the brief research I have done, there are some battery operated "plug and play" controllers? No plumber/electrician needed?

 

Was thinking of something like this:

46m Micro Irrigation Watering Kit Automatic Garden Plant Greenhouse Water System: Amazon.co.uk: Garden & Outdoors

 

I bought one of those a few years back, pretty much identical and it was a cheap nasty product.

I have found that its cheaper just to go on ebay and buy the parts individually. I have used this supplier quite a few times now.

Items in AF Garden Supplies shop on eBay.

 

Thanks, I will look into that.

 

Raised beds (outside)

 

Blimey - didn't know you shopped at Harrods !

Same thing at a fraction of the price elsewhere.. got one myself a few years ago, still seems good.
High Quality 15m Meter Porous Soaker Hose Pipe Lawn Garden Watering Irrigation | eBay

 

Just a bit of input for you.
This is in relation to the Hozelock timers that are available. Mine failed in the early part of the year and left a rusty mark down the wall where it started leaking.
I took it apart last week and found the battery compartment flooded with the batteries and connections completely corroded, beyond repair.
I need another , thought I, but after much research found that it is a common problem between all models with a very high failure rate.
Just a heads up as I'm still searching for a viable alternative for the times I can't be here.

 

Suppose you gets what you pay for in those little battery operated ones, though would have hoped they performed better than you experienced !

You could go for something like one of these, if mains is available, of if a diyer you could make your own more robust low voltage DC unit up using a 12v DC solenoid.

Simply Control Transformer Water Controller Simply Control