Best Watering Schedule For Grass (2024 Updated)

We have several of these Gilmour mechanical timers. They seem to work well for our garden. Well made and durable. Like being able to easily turn the mechanical timer to where we want it and leave the timer do the rest.

I highly recommend them!.

Mechanical Water Timer,No 200GTM, Gilmour-Robert Bosch Tool Corp Quite happy with this purchase. Easy to install and simple to use, no batteries, no programming, just turn the dial and walk away. Just to be on the safe side, I would suggest adding a pressure regulator.

Does the job for me.

In my opinion, this is the best small-scale water timer out there, if you only need watering for one or two stations. It’s easy to set up, reliable, and runs a long time on a set of batteries. It’s hard to find water timers like this one, that have two time-controlled outputs so you can have, say, one watering cycle for the potted plants, and a different one for the vegetables, without having to buy two separate units.

I have 7 of these timers. When I started setting up automatic watering several years ago, I knew my system would eventually be complex. Perhaps a more logical choice would have been a central control box and a separate valve for every zone.

That might have saved me some money, but it would have meant running control wires to every valve. Also, winterizing a centralized system means blowing out the water lines with compressed air. so freezing doesn’t damage the vales.

As it is, I just bring in all the water timers every fall before freezing weather. I’ve had these timers about six years, and they have been reliable. I bought this one as an extra, just in case one of them goes.

It’s too bad this model is getting so hard to find.

I have a system that requires five of these units to be in working order at all times. The system operates every day and the timers last 3-4 years or over a thousand cycles before replacing. I’ve probably purchased over a dozen of the three port style timers for this particular setup.

They are awesome. There are three ports on this unit. The manual port on the left side (the picture identifies this one as the manual port) that is operated by a side lever-style valve and two ports that are controlled by the timers which can be set to work together or independently.

just what I was looking for super EZ to program works like a charm love it

I have been using Orbit timers for years. Last year I left a couple timers outside too long and they got freeze damaged, so I bought this EXPENSIVE single outlet timer (Model 24620) from Tractor Supply.

I read the programming instructions, similar to past models I have used, programmed the new timer and hooked it up. on the first cycle of watering, the timer functioned as programmed; but then an hour later came on again and ran until I discovered it and turned it off.

I tried to reset (there is no reset button/hole on this model) by removing the batteries, then reinstalling. no good. The net time it ran, the “ghost program” started again. I have not figured out how to reset the timer.

I contacted Orbit and have requested a replacement. Too bad, I am loosing my faith in these timers; going to start investigating different brands. There must be something out there that is more reliable.

the old dial style seemed to work much better and you could do a reset on those with a pin.

I really like this product because it is so simple to use compared to others. The bad thing about them is they don’t last. they start leaking from the bottom after a year plus or minus a month. I am now replacing the one I purchased in October 2020.

BTW the timer is always in the shade and not subject to freezing temperatures. Just wish Obit would fix this problem or make it fixable – I have a graveyard of 2-hose timers.

Best not consider this product a long-term investment. It is a low-cost electronic device. Expect maybe 3-5 year max. life. That said, it is simple to mount, program and use. It works well during its life.

Customer service service does not answer nor return calls. Pay attention to negative comments on Orbit website.

This thing is an absolute piece of garbage. Save your money. It lasted all of 1 month. Quit working, so I changed the batteries. Nope. Didn’t work. So we took it apart. The wires that should have been soldered were loose.

There was water inside. Now, don’t you think something like this should be water-tight inside? Spend a bit more and buy something from RainBird.

Overall very happy with the product after 3 months. The b-hive valve and app (we use it on iPhone) works well and was easy to set up. The sprinkler heads shoot about 12 feet and agreed with what the manual predicted for my water pressure.

They were also easy to adjust. I have not had a winter yet but I do not expect any problems.

Works great, easy setup, I would recommend to anyone wanting to install their own irrigation. Worth every $$.

Bought one years ago and its still working Great product but unable to get a new one in the U.K. recommend it to anyone

The third valve is only available for Manual control. Might as well just buy the 2 zone.

So I was buying sprinkler heads from anyone including the ‘O’ brand so I made the expensive mistake of getting involved in the ‘wasps’nest of problems with their wifi hyve of problems. With a newly brown lawn I turned to Rainbird which matched my 9 zones.

I threw the old controller onto the ground taking it out of Orbit forever for killing my grass and replaced it in 15 minutes, programmed and all with this Rainbird which worked perfectly upon install and every day since.

The second day I installed the rain sensor and the third day it was raining when I awoke to see the Rainbird honoring its promise to not waste water when it rains. This is a perfect device that has followed its programming every day since.

I love not worrying about a controller operation. And yes, the whole wifi failure with that other brand just turned me off to complex systems. Now I have a simple system that just works so I don’t need the wifi.

Let’s just see how long this new timer will last. The two previous RainBird timer have failed, both in a relatively short time. Oh they work fine, but suddenly for no reason the system goes on. I just can not depend on it.

Water is an expensive commodity, and I do not want to waste it, by a timer that does what it wants to do. [YES I DO KNOW HOW TO SET IT!] As I said in a previous note, I like “rain” and I like “birds” ,but how this third timer will pan out, time will tell.

I do guarantee you that this is the last time I will buy a RainBird. Three times, and out! Ted Zondervan.

I purchased this about two weeks ago to water at the lake during the week while we’re in the city. It is set to water every morning at 4:30 am for an hour. My neighbor reported at least one morning where the sprinklers were running past 7 am.

I’m at the lake today and just woke up to find the sprinklers still running at 8 am. The display shows everything should be stopped. I set a 1 minute “water now” timer, I hear the click of the valve opening, even though the water never stopped running.

Once the minute was up it clicked again, but did not turn off. I set another minute, and after the initial click I turned off the water then slowly turned it on again. Once the minute expired the water finally stopped as it should.

Hoping I can return this now as I don’t trust it to do it’s only job.

My father is a master electrician, and we have been working since the day we received trying to get it to work. Today, he used a little thing that checks if power is even getting to it, and it is not.

I thought it was working at first, nut that was just the battery back-up. please let me know what I should do?.

I replaced the same timer that was about 26 years.Attaching wires a little difficult with large fingers.

It is easy to program and easy to install. Works like its suppose to. No pictures.

This is a replacement for an old Rainbird controller I’d installed in 1996, and hooking it up only took a few minutes. The connection to our home’s WiFi was simple, and it works perfectly. I will say that when moving my cell phone out of range from WiFi (like the far corner of our property), it will sometimes display a connection error on the app, but that could be the phone more so than the device.

The app is easy to use, and MUCH easier to create schedules than standing in the garage with a dusty instruction book trying to remember button & dial sequences. There are a couple of things about the app I don’t like- 1.

Manual watering needs an option to run all zones in sequence. 2. There should be a sequential option for start time/running zones in order, instead of setting the start time individually for each zone.

What I do like about the app are the notifications available, and the overall ease of running the system from your pocket. The ability to add pictures of each zone in your yard, is a nice personalization feature, and being able to customize the number of zones on the app, really tailors it to your specific needs.

We also purchased the wireless rain sensor, and that was very easy to install and digitally connect to this controller. As far as wireless home devices go, these two Rainbird devices have been the easiest to connect to each other and our home’s WiFi.

We’re very pleased, and highly recommend them, especially at this price.

What a difference being able to control your irrigation through an app. It was very easy to replace my old controller after it died. Very simple to program. Now I can turn on or shut off my irrigation from anywhere.

Now when I’m doing irrigation repairs, there’s no running back and forth from the controller!.

well made, easy to setup. Many options for watering. Nothing is ever perfect for everyone, but for me this is an excellent solution to my needs (ok, the wifi is more desire than need). I have used the rainbird brand for over 20 years and its an excellent brand in this ever changing world.

I recommend it. I had the old manual timers for 20 years and no problem, but this seems to be staying with the rainbird tradition of quality and ease of use.

This timer by Orbit comes with a 6 year guarantee. Granted, I have had to have 2 replaced, as they did not last 6 years, but Orbit replaced them without requiring my sending them anything, although I kept receipts.

It is easy to program and while it works, it works well. And with the replacement policy it is worthwhile, even if it does not last 6 years.

I owned two of these timers for about 12 years. Loved them. I wore one out and the other one I forgot the batteries in it and it was ruined. I bought two more and like them even better. They added the digital dial for time and setting.

Same simple durable construction and ease of operation. Batteries last all season and best of all I love the battery cover. Stick it out in the weather and stays dry and keeps on working. Very reasonably priced.

Simple to use timer, very reliable as long as your water is actually on ( my kids turn of the water sometimes. ) Runs on batteries and they do last a good while. There is a cover that goes over the dials to keep them dry.

Its helped me keep alot of trees plants, shrubs, vegie garden and flower garden alive in a hot dry climate. I did bring it in for winter. This is the second season and it still working great!.

Great product. Long lasting. Have used this same model for years, just adding other areas in my yard to water is the only reason I am buying more… this unit is simple to program and use.

Easy to program and use. Just turn the dial, set the tes and frequency and you’re off and watering. Been using it for two weeks without issue

So far seems to work great the only thing I dont like about it no protection from the sun for the read out, Im afraid the sun is going to take a toll on it.

I purchased this control yr2017 November & I programed my zones. I programed zone #1 & normally other zones will be sequenced forward. Rain Bird had to help me reprogram few months later. How ever I leave my control OFF position since I purchased it too.

I put it on AUTO RUN prior to 0300hr. ‘s /0300am on the day I want to water ALL my 5 Zones & I shut it OFF after it completes 5 Zones watering. It appears System had been ON /Operating while OFF mode info.

yr2021 May I wanted to water zone 1 & zone #2 ONLY (BACK YARD) I pushed the water 1 zone now & 10minutes displayed in window of controller & I adjusted to 30minutes & I adjusted zone #2 to 30minutes as well & zones #3, #4, #5 too.

30minutes. I ONLY watered the zone #1 & #2 ONLY & shut OFF system. It appeared system was operating even of control knob in off position. Rain Bird informed me cause I adjusted the water 1 zone from 10minutes to 30minutes.

SO I adjusted back to 10minutes ALL 5 zones & shut system OFF. I don’t like to leave control ON AUTO mode. The system has been operating even of OFF mode & I’ve contacted Rain Bird Rep. since & only few days ago.

It they say it out of WARRANTY & they won’t replace either. I have paper trail of my contacts of speaking with Rep. Diaz, Angel LAM since I initially NOTICED issue in past & few days ago too. Rain Bird business card “GREEN” states “At Rain Bird We’ll Take Care of You” This is false /BS ! This is a defective control panel & they won’t support & replace it either.

This 6 station timer rocks my world! One very hot September day our 15 year old rainbird timer stopped working. Plants were crying out. I was in a panic. Trusted Rainbird so I looked on line for a replacement and found this beautifully executed work of art.

Better than my old one Completely intuitive with nothing buried deep in Menüs. There’s a dedicated knob or button for every choice on each of the 6 stations. Start time, duration, frequency, times per day, which days.

So easy, I didn’t read there directions until I was finished. Shipping was free and with normal shipping it was here in 4 days. I had it wired, mounted and running in less than 30 minutes. Peace of mind! Couldn’t be happier.

The ‘Sleek’ recycled leggings are my favorite! It’s not thick, has the right amount of support in the mid-section and buttocks, and the fit is like having a second skin that provides comfort and incredible stretch recovery during HIIT and resistance training classes.

They are also durable and have not shrunk after multiple cold washes and tumble dried in low heat. For reference, I’m 5 feet 5 inches tall, 125lb, waist 26. 5, hips 35.

I bought this to water new lawn from seed on a lot in an L shape. I was planning to basically do a full circle and put sprinkler heads all around the L shape so the 180 heads could reach everywhere. I bought a total of 4 sets (24 sprinklers) and it does the job.

Keep in mind you cannot attach all series together. I have 2 sets on one line and 2 on the other, if you put more you lose pressure and it wont work. I live in town. So 2 sets I can use only the 180 heads, if I have 360 some sprinkles on that line it loses a lot of pressure.

Its a lot of trial and error to figure out what works for you and your water line, but for us, 2 lines for 12 sprinklers with 180 heads work. I have them set up on double water timers (2 lines per timer, bought on amazon.

They are orbit ones) and is the easiest way, no hassle and enjoy new, green lawn all season. Could not be happier. They spray micro droplets, like a spray, evenly waters and does not create puddles or push the seeds away.

The 180 heads reaches out around 6-8 feet on 1 side. The 360 heads maybe 12-20 feet in diameter depending on wind conditions and water pressure. I could not put those sadly, I had to be more strategic so it does not water the house and the main street, so 180 facing the lawn only, works wonders.

I have them overlapping a bit (spaced about 6 feet apart) and covers everything. Easy to assemble, not disappointed with the results. I bought maybe 200 feet of 1/2 inch basic hose tubing (miracle grow ones) that could be cut up and some couplings you can find in the garden center in the places I needed them where I didn’t need a sprinkler so I could put the sprinklers exactly where I wanted.

First season with it. Will see how they can provide year after year. I plan on cleaning them and bring them in late fall so winter does not damage them (We live in NB, Canada, winters can be VERY snowy and cold).

They are just like tent pegs, you stake them in the ground and move them around if needed.

first off, this sprinkler system is excellent. very easy to set up, and i’m able to use a hose that’s about twice the specified length with no problems. the rotating 360 nozzle heads provide the most coverage by far in terms of radius; I measured just under 12 feet on one sprinkler, which was better than I expected.

I was a little disappointed with the 180/90 degree sprinkler heads, they have a reach of about 5 or 6 feet, maybe. overall, it’s a great sprinkler setup that allows me to water my entire yard at once.

the 4 star rating is due to the fact that the first set I received had obviously been opened, but nobody checked to see if all of the components were there (they weren’t. ).

This is the second set I have ordered. I have one huge garden and then 4 small gardens throughout my property. These little heads go about 6-12 ft each (360 goes about 12, the corners and 180’s go about 6 feet).

So I just bought one 150ft hose and ran that hose past each garden. and at each garden I attach a sprinkler (comes with 6). I have that hose set to an automatic timer and viola, all my gardens get watered every day.

The end piece took a little figuring out. and just know you need to cut the end of the hose off, and take apart the included end piece. Once you know that, just use it like the other pieces and it’s easy.

I have used the Orbit system for over 10 years for both my back and front yards. It is so easy to follow the directions on how to program it and completely reliable. The turn off knob on one of the sets began to leak and could not be repaired, so I ordered a replacement set and an extra one, “just in case”.

I would never buy a different product. You won’t be disappointed. AND, North 40 is a wonderful business to order from. Their price was the lowest and shipment was immediate and free. Plus they included a thank you note.

The Best!!.

This is an easy to use timer and the 4 outlets are great for zone watering. When it was working I loved it. The problem is the parts wear out. After 5 years I had to replace the entire unit because 2 of the end caps failed and I no longer trust it will hold up.

The unit was stored indoors from fall to spring so other than blaming cheap plastic, I can”t explain why the parts failed.

Good price on product and delivered quickly. Would highly recommend you guys.

It has a surprisingly solid feel to it — much heftier than the Orbit one I discarded after it leaked like crazy after 2 years of minimal use and having been drained and stored indoors over the winter.

I don’t use it much — I have an in-ground sprinkler system that’s the primary watering method. I just use it for ‘spot’ sprinkling on those areas with new shrubs, when I want to keep them wet without doing the entire lawn.

So far i’ve used it perhaps a dozen times. So far, it’s worked perfectly. Timing is good. Automatic shut-off is good. It doesn’t leak at all.

Have used this brand fir 15 + years Work reliably, unless a dummy like me lets it FREEZE! This Nelson brand shuts off w/o leaking. Just set the timer w/ a verticle sided tuna/dogfood,soup can and note the time one turns it on.

Check intermittently until the required amount of water in the container is desired,then one will know how many minutes to set for subsequent uses.

I have used this automatic shutoff timer for years. It has been a good tool to assist me in watering my yard, plants and has provided dependable service. Set it to the time you want you need up to 2 hours and it shuts off freeing you to do other things without having to go back to it.

The quality of the product exceeds the cost. It is my go to Timer around my home.

I bought this to allow us to manage our newly planted garden while we were away on holidays. Despite being a bit pricey its worth every cent because it works exactly as described. Good value when you consider the cost and time of replacing dead plants.

It also means we dont have to rely on family or friends to water our garden while away. It will allow us to go away more often because we can trust the unit to work. My wife actually gets quite a kick out of turning on the sprinklers from hundreds of kilometres away.

Its also very quick and easy to setup. The App is well set out and easy to use. Lots of scheduling options. I expect a future update will allow local weather data from other apps to automatically modify the programmed schedule but this is currently not an option.

We can do this manually anyway because the app is dead simple to use. Its a solid quality product that Im very glad to have bought. Well done guys.

I recently purchased two LinkTap controllers and one Gateway. The purchase was easy, delivery fast and communication with LinkTap excellent. The system was easy and fast to set up and works a treat. I spend time away from my property and now I have complete control no matter where I am.

The link for local weather is an added bonus. All in all a well thought out product, excellent design right down to the packaging. The inclusion of a screwdriver for the battery compartment screws ( which would otherwise require a jewellers screwdriver) is a very smart idea.

The link-tap is a sturdy well built device. It is easy to install the physical units. Note that the product can only be programmed when there is internet access to the gateway. When setting up the link-tap account you need to enter a “Username”; don’t use your full name with a space in the middle.

There is no override mechanism at the tap itself; all settings must be done online.

Seems to work fine. Setting the timer was straight forward and intuitive. I did not need the instructions. Seals well. The only thing I did not like was the short power cord. Unless there is an outlet nearby, you’ll need to use an extension card which is not a good thing for outside mounts.

I cut the plug off and passed it through the wall to my wash room. Then attached a new plug. Recommended.

Original review, see update below it. I bought one of these irrigation timers as a test and was so pleased I bought four more to water all the zones in my yard. They are very easy to install and program, and have all been keeping accurate 24 hour clock time to within a minute or two.

The manual override button is very handy. It defaults to 10 minutes of watering but more minutes can be added by pressing the + plus button. I have no idea how long these timers are supposed to last but they feel solid and sturdy, and I am very impressed with this economical irrigation solution.

Update. A few weeks later, two of these five timers failed completely, with the valve in the open position. No amount of resetting, reprogramming or brand new batteries could revive them. To be fair they were not brand new, but appeared to be in excellent condition.

Disappointing, because I primarily installed them so that watering could take place while I was away, but a failed open valve would flood and kill some of my exotic plants that cannot survive in standing water.

So I either have to shut them off when I am away, or ask a neighbor to check once a day and turn off any valve that may fail this way. Also, I have discovered that pressing the Manual button twice during the same day can cause the valve tostay open, requiring a turn-off and reset.

Nevertheless, I am replacing the failed units with the same kind to give them another chance. The other three have worked flawlessly, and this is still a very economical system.

These little systems are down right Amazing!! Live in Missouri,so most of the time Mother Nature takes care of the water, but when the hot summer hits or you are growing a garden this is what you got to have.

I have installed one,( 2 systems) completely around my house, easy to install! just drain lines for winter , can bury under ground too! This one is for my daughters house, she has plants under the eaves of her house that don’t get much water, and roses in full afternoon sun, we will have it up and running in no time! do a quick lay out on paper so you know just what you need!.

This kit comes with more than enough tubing to extend throughout your flower bed. It took me about a day to set it all up. I actually purchased three sets, so I have two to go in some other beds. I figured I could always return a box to Walmart if I didn’t like it or didn’t need it.

I did have to dip into the second box for more drip emitters (comes with 20) and stakes (comes with 10), so right now I’m looking for the best way to order extras of those items. I ran the system the day after I installed it, and it looks like I will have to run it for a couple of hours each time.

It is a pretty slow drip. It’s a bargain for the price!.

This is the third system I have installed in a landscaped yard. System was easy to install. I think there should be some micro-spinner sprinklers included with the kit to make it more complete.

After 2 previous ‘green’ versions of the orbit 6 station timer (the 1st unit lasting 20+years, the 2nd 5years) a quick look around the internet had me looking at the Orbit 6-station B-Hyve smart wifi timer.

Reviews were mixed which was cause for concern, however it was in-stock and with the setup similar to that of the older version (thank you youtube), I made the plunge. Out of the box the unit connected to the home wireless, updated itself including the firmware and local time all without issue.

Connecting the wires to the unit is easy and only takes a few minutes. The wireless capability is a big improvement, i can sit in my lounge and operate the unit via my a smart phone app as opposed to walking to the unit – lazy i know.

I did consider disabling all of the wireless functionality as you dont really need however the remote management and monitoring is very cool. Since the app and the timer unit both talk to each other i found it much easier to program the unit itself with zones, times, programs etc then let the unit update the app; which it did perfectly.

I agree with other comments that the app to me felt a little ‘clunky’, i did try to program the app first but gave it away, upon reflection this was more to do with me than the app but i found the config around the program slots frustrating.

Otherwise the app is very comprehensive and can be setup for smart watering and will even download weather updates to adjust watering as required. I only use the basics of the timer, daily watering days/times, 6 zones, 5minutes each zone and some of the remote features such as skip a zone, or manual start/stop watering as required etc.

When the program starts/finishes you can receive a notice on your phone and additionally during operating the app displays which zone is currently operating and runtime remaining – very nice. All in all, its only been a few days of operation so far, but am very happy with the unit.

We have an automatic sprinkler system but our water bill doubles during the summer months so something had to change for the better and it did! My husband is so happy that I ordered this sprinkler. It goes wherever he needs to water and it is so easy to understand how to set exactly.

It is light weight to move also. We will be ordering another one. All I know is after using it the first time he came inside smiling and not complaining about having to manually water. By the way he is 80 yrs old.

I use this sprinkler on my front, side and back yards. It’s very adaptable for many areas. Really like the ability to turn if off while I’m making adjustments. It has so many ways to make adjustments that it’s definitely the best sprinkler I’ve ever used, and I’ve tried several.

The only thing I don’t like is that it has one opening on the sprinkler that is “off kilter” so it doesn’t water perfectly in the expected directions. But I like it so much I’m not returning it as I had to wait awhile to get it.

Also like the quick connect that came with it. For the money I hope it lasts.