The goal of every gardener and farmer is simple: to keep it green and healthy. That said, what better way to attain that goal than with a reliable water timer in your arsenal. But, what exactly is a water timer, and is it really a worthwhile investment? Today, we’ll discuss this contraption and how it can make the daily toil of gardening and farming a little easier. But, what exactly is a watering timer?

Just by its name, a timer is used to schedule the time of day when to water your plants. This is incredibly useful when you have other things to attend to. It can also come in handy when you have a wide farming area and limited manpower to wield water sprayers all afternoon.

All you have to do is connect your water timer to a spray irrigation system, set the time, and it’ll be sure to get the job done while you lean back on your seat. With this, you can save water and energy instead of going around your garden to do the watering.

Another fancy feature of water timers is that farmers and gardeners alike can automate when to start watering and when to stop. This is especially helpful if you find yourself frequently forgetting to turn off the water source.

The Difference Between a Water Timer and a Sprinkler Controller

While these two are often mistaken to be the same, they are quite different. They only share the same purpose, which is to make gardening work easier and more efficient. In actuality, a water timer differs from a sprinkler controller in how it operates.

A sprinkler controller can be operated at a distance, and it allows you to switch the sprinkler system on wherever you are within the radius. Basically, with a sprinkler controller, you have the switch.

The water timer, on the other hand, controls the water flow from the water source itself. It fits into the faucet and prevents any leakage or flow until it is time to water the plants.

The Best Water Timers for the Greenery

Setting up a water irrigation system that is fully automated and convenient to use can make your work so much easier. Here are the best water timers in the market that we can totally vouch for.

1. TACKLIFE Solar-powered Watering Garden Timer

TACKLIFE Watering Timer allows you to water your garden without worry! With solar-powered lithium-ion batteries and easy frequency programming, watering becomes quite the breeze. It comes with a PET solar panel and a large LCD screen.

It is also designed with programming functions and is quite stylish. It has a watering frequency of 2 minutes to 7 days and the duration can be adjusted from one minute to 720 minutes. It also has a capsule design, which is quite comfortable.

Pros:

• Solar-powered
• Efficient uses lithium-ion battery
• Has a large LCD display
• Comfortable capsule design

Cons:

• Programming the timer for automatic sprinkling requires practice

2. GILMOUR Electronic Dual Water Timer

Designed to be an efficient water timer, Gilmour Electronic Water Timer now comes with a dual-timer function, capable of managing two watering tools at once. This timer is reliable and is powered by two AA batteries.

You can set the water frequency from one minute to 360 minutes. There is also a delay button and can be operated manually by On/Off function. Plus, it is durable thanks to its high impact plastic.

Pros:

• Programmable frequency of up to 360 minutes
• Metal construction
• Easy-swivel coupling for quick installation
• Easy to set-up and use

Cons:

• Requires 2 AA batteries, but are not included in packaging

3. DIG Irrigation Watering Timer – digital, hose-end and battery-powered

DIG Irrigation Watering Timer is made to be user-friendly first. Built as a hose-end timer for convenience, it allows for precise control coupled with easy programming features and other convenient options.

Its water duration timing ranges from 1 minute to 12 hours and 59 minutes. The water frequency function can be set every week and the rain delay button helps to save water.

This timer features a durable construction and is powered by a long-lasting 9-volt battery. However, this device may be on the expensive side.

Pros:

• Digital and LCD display
• Rain off button for rainy days
• Six easy-to-use buttons
• Reliable
• Sturdy ABS construction

Cons:

• Costly
• Not suitable for water pressure systems that are gravity-fed

4. RAINDRIP 3-Dial Analog Water Timer

Raindrip 3-Dial Analog Water Timer is the perfect timer for your garden, with useful features and dials catering to different water frequencies and situations.

The water cycle runs from 1 to 72 minutes while the run dial operates from 1 to 120 minutes. Plus, you can easily adjust the watering program from one to 90 minutes. Furthermore, it comes with a delay program for 24 hrs, 48 hrs, or 72 hrs.

Pros:

• Easy programming with three distinct dials
• Low-battery indicator
• Retain programming when changing batteries
• Affordable

Cons:

• Omits LCD screen
• Works well with a minimum 15 PSI

5. ORBIT Watering Timer with Single Outlet Hose (62061Z)

Orbit Watering Timer has a myriad of features designed to be efficient and save money. It is easy to use and ideal for gardeners who want to save money, thanks to its automatic feature.

It has a watering frequency form 6 hrs to 7 days water duration of 1 to 24 minutes. Another grate feature is the built-in rain delay function that lets you to pause it for 24hrs, 48 hrs, or 72 hrs. However, it is worth noting that the faucet connecting may crack when exposed to sunlight since it is crafted from plastic.

Pros:

• Swap between manual and automatic watering
• Programmable timed watering for up to every 7 days
• Rain delay option for up to 3 days
• Large LCD screen
• Manual on/off functionality

Cons:

• Faucet connection is plastic and is prone to cracking when exposed to sunlight