Garden Tap Timers

Which garden tap timer should I choose?

All of our garden tap timers are battery operated and designed to fit directly onto a standard outside tap, but the best model depends on how many watering areas you need to control and whether you prefer programming directly on the timer or from a smartphone.

If you are unsure which controller best suits your garden, our guide to choosing a tap timer explains the different options in more detail.

Single-zone or 2-zone garden tap timer?

A single-zone tap timer is suitable where everything connected to the outside tap can be watered together. This might be a hanging basket system, border drip irrigation, greenhouse watering or a small sprinkler system.

A 2-zone tap timer allows two watering systems to operate independently from the same tap. Each outlet can have its own watering schedule, making it useful where different areas have different requirements.

For example, one zone could water hanging baskets every day while the second operates border drip irrigation less frequently. Running the zones separately can also help where the available flow from the outside tap is insufficient to operate both systems at the same time.

Bluetooth or standard garden tap timer?

Our standard Galcon timer is programmed directly on the controller using buttons and a digital display. It is a good choice if you want straightforward automatic watering without using a smartphone.

The Hunter BTT controllers use Bluetooth smartphone control, allowing watering schedules and manual operation to be managed through the Hunter BTT app while within Bluetooth range. Once programmed, the controllers continue to operate automatically without the phone being nearby.

Both types are battery powered, so there is no need for a mains electrical supply or wiring at the outside tap.

What can a garden tap timer control?

Garden tap timers provide a simple way to automate many smaller garden watering systems, including:

• Hanging baskets, pots and planters
• Flower bed and border drip irrigation
• Greenhouse watering systems
• Hedge irrigation
• Drip irrigation and dripline
• Small garden sprinkler systems

They are particularly useful with automatic hanging basket and pot watering systems and border drip irrigation kits, allowing regular watering without having to turn the tap on manually each time.

The size of system that can be operated will depend on the available water pressure and flow from the outside tap, together with the requirements of the irrigation equipment.

Can I still use the outside tap for hand watering?

Yes. If the outside tap is also required for a garden hose, watering lance or filling a watering can, a 2-way or 3-way brass tap manifold can be fitted before the timer.

This provides a dedicated outlet for the automatic watering system while leaving another outlet available for normal hand watering. Our brass manifolds are designed to withstand mains water pressure and each outlet can be controlled independently.

Automatic watering for more efficient garden irrigation

Using a tap timer allows watering to take place at consistent times and for a controlled duration. Programming irrigation for the early morning or evening can help reduce water lost through evaporation and gives water more time to soak into the soil or compost.

Automatic watering is particularly useful during warm weather and holidays, but it can also help avoid unnecessary watering by applying water for a set period rather than leaving a hose or sprinkler running manually.

Drip irrigation can further improve efficiency by applying water directly around the roots of plants rather than spraying surrounding paths or other areas where it is not needed.

Why choose a professional-quality garden tap timer?

A tap timer is often left connected to a pressurised outdoor water supply for long periods, so reliability is important. Our range has been selected for dependable garden irrigation use, with models from established irrigation manufacturers including Galcon and Hunter Industries.

Choose the simple Galcon timer for conventional automatic watering, the Hunter 1-zone BTT for Bluetooth control of a single system, or the Hunter 2-zone BTT where two watering areas need to be controlled independently.