Choosing the greenhouse watering systems depends on several factors. You need to consider the size of your greenhouse and the types of plants you want to grow. The source of water, the amount of water needed, and the type of delivery is also a consideration. You should think about how often you will be available to water the plants yourself or if a timed system or self-watering system is best for your needs. Sometimes a combination of different greenhouse watering systems will work best for you.
Different plants need different amounts of water. Cacti and succulents need very little water, and roses and perennial herbs like lavender or rosemary need only a moderate amount. If your plants don’t need much water and your greenhouse isn’t very large, a daily trip to the greenhouse with a watering can will suffice. Larger greenhouses are easier to water if there is a spigot or hose nearby so you don’t have to make several trips carrying the watering can. Keep in mind that if you can’t water plants regularly or if you’re going on a long vacation, you should consider timed or self-watering greenhouse watering systems.
Most annual flowers and vegetable plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, or eggplants need a constant, daily supply of water to keep their soil moist. While the greenhouse helps to retain moisture, these plants will need more elaborate greenhouse watering systems if you are unable to water them by hand several times a day. Many people like to use drip systems or soaker hoses because they use less water, and they deliver the water directly to the soil near the plant’s roots, preventing mold, weed growth, and water loss from evaporation. Some varieties of flowers and plants prefer water from overhead, so often a mist or spray system on a timer is the best choice.
Whether you opt for drip or overhead greenhouse watering systems, the source of water is an important consideration. For smaller greenhouses near a spigot, the pressure from a hose is usually enough to keep the system going. Larger greenhouses may require larger pipes from the water source to provide enough water to make the system run. Some greenhouse watering systems use an elevated cistern or small reservoir for water delivery. The cistern or reservoir can be filled with rainwater or by hand with a hose, and gravity will force the water into the watering system, making necessary only to refill the cistern regularly.