Even experienced summer residents know how difficult it is to care for their garden plot - especially when it becomes summer heat. A lot of time and effort goes into providing watering. Is it possible to optimize this task and somehow speed up the process? Automatic or drip irrigation will help take a good half of the worries off your shoulders, which is quite possible to organize with your own hands. Due to numerous questions on this topic, we decided to write detailed guide about how to make automatic watering at your dacha with your own hands at minimal cost.
Advantages of automatic watering systems
Before moving on to the construction of the system, it would be a good idea to find out exactly what advantages it has and what benefits it can bring to the gardener.
- Perhaps the most important advantage is that you will have more free time. Now you don’t need to stand with a hose for hours or, for good measure, carry water in buckets. Plants are watered automatically without your participation.
- The second advantage is saving water. Not every dacha has water in abundance, so drip irrigation becomes a real godsend for many gardeners.
- Since water will be supplied regularly, the yield of vegetables and fruits will increase significantly. By the way, the plants themselves will also look much better.
- You can choose the time of watering - for example, in the morning and evening.
Automatic watering has many advantages - convenience comes first Does the automatic system have any disadvantages?
Unfortunately, there is no ideal irrigation system. Drip irrigation also has certain disadvantages, although compared to the large number of advantages, they are not so significant. The water supply may break, which will lead not only to interruptions in water supply, but also to a complete lack of water in the area.
Naturally, you will need to purchase materials and equipment, and these are already certain expenses. The whole point is that when you set up your dacha with your own hands, you already save money than if you bought a ready-made kit.
There are three main types: drip, sprinkling and root. Each of them will be discussed in detail.
Materials for the automatic watering system “Zhuk” Sprinkling
When organized according to the sprinkling principle, special nozzles are installed on the site. They spray water, perfectly simulating rain. Hence the name – sprinkling.
Irrigation pipes can be located both underground and above it. If possible, it is better to hide them in the ground. This type of irrigation organization is considered more durable and accurate.
Let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of sprinkling. Among the advantages, I would like to note the uniform distribution of moisture throughout the irrigation area, humidification of not only the soil, but also the air. This is a significant advantage if we're talking about about the greenhouse. Fruits and leaves are perfectly washed with water - a real imitation of rain!
Irrigation system - sprinkling However, just like after real rain, top layer The soil often develops a crust. This impairs the supply of oxygen. A lot of water is consumed, and electricity works under heavy load. It is ideal for and large territories, but in other cases it is better to look for another irrigation system due to its inefficiency.
The technology for assembling such a system is as follows. First you will need to draw a diagram and indicate all the buildings and plantings in it. This should be done in the fall, so that already in April-May you can admire a first-class, lush lawn.
Automatic watering assembly (video)
If in general outline, then to create sprinkling you will need a kit consisting of a pumping station, uninterruptible source water, plumbing and sprinklers. There can be many sources of water: central water supply, another body of water, . The pump allows you to maintain the required pressure, and the pipeline is easily assembled from PVC pipes. Why polyvinyl chloride? Such pipes have many advantages. For example, they are easy to assemble and connections with fittings are very reliable. As for the sprinklers themselves, they are purchased with different spray angles. It all depends on the requirements of your site.
When all the components have been purchased, you can begin constructing the trench. Its depth is 30 centimeters. They are laid in the trench PVC pipes and are collected in a pipeline. Before digging a trench, check the integrity of the system and its functionality. If everything is stable and working well, you can bury and sow the lawn.
Thus, to arrange a plot with a green lawn, it is best to set up automatic watering, which is called sprinkling.
Let's talk about drip irrigation. The most common system drip irrigation"Bug" is used for watering shrub plants. It has also proven itself well in areas where the number of plantings is small. For example, in gardens. The trees are located at a great distance from each other, the crops are planted in parallel. Aboveground or underground location of the system is allowed.
If we talk about the advantages of drip irrigation, economy comes first.
There is no need to buy a pump; water is consumed minimally. But organizing the system can cause certain difficulties for beginners. It is labor intensive. And if the pipeline is located underground, from time to time it will become clogged with debris.
Drip irrigation scheme Assembling an automatic watering system begins with the purchase of flexible hoses that are easy to pierce. They are pierced with thin tubes and water is supplied to each bush separately. A pump is not required - the pressure that arises due to the water being at a height is quite enough.
Water flows slowly out of thin tubes. It is enough to cover the trees in the garden with hoses once - and the soil will be constantly moist. Do you want to create several irrigation branches at once in your dacha? In this case, you will definitely need a manifold assembly or an assembly of fittings.
Installation of a drip irrigation system (video)
Root irrigation
If your dacha has plants that require special care and the area is limited, we recommend that you pay attention to a kit for organizing root watering. Irrigation is carried out underground. It prevents roots from growing over the surface. The roots begin to strive for a source of moisture and do not climb up. The plant stays in the ground much more firmly.
Let's weigh the pros and cons. Do-it-yourself automatic watering at the dacha itself is quite economical. It does not require powerful water pressure and can work perfectly due to the difference in height between the vessels. Since the entire set is underground, minimal evaporation is guaranteed.
Root watering for grapes Disadvantages include labor-intensive assembly and the likelihood of system clogging. The organization of root irrigation in an already landscaped area can hardly be called convenient. It is especially not recommended to install such a greenhouse kit when the plants begin to form inflorescences or fruits. A root irrigation system made in the fall will be much preferable.
Since water does not flow to the surface, but directly into the soil, it is better to use this system for irrigation of perennial plants.
During the harvest period, they especially need moisture. To increase the efficiency of the system as a whole, sand and gravel are placed in the root zone. Created drainage layer, like in a flower pot.
The water supply is exactly the same as in previous watering methods. Pipes can be flexible or rigid - it all depends on what exactly you prefer, what kind of soil, plants, and so on.
How to control automatic watering?
Agree, when the irrigation system is fully automated, it is much easier and more pleasant to manage. Unlike the manual method, the computer control method is more expensive, but it quickly pays off with many years of quite comfortable use, a magnificent view of the site and a brilliant harvest.
to install computer control automatic watering, you do not need to have any special knowledge. Humidity sensors are placed in regulated areas. As soon as the ground becomes dry, they signal the central computer that it is time to water. You can do without sensors. Simply set up automatic water supply at specified intervals and the garden will be watered at a certain frequency. For example, every day at 7 am or every 2 days at 18.00. Each device has its own specific installation instructions, so we will not describe them in detail.
It's interesting that some modern models can be controlled using mobile phone and the Internet. That is, being several tens of kilometers from your dacha, you pick up your phone, launch the mobile application - and water starts flowing through the pipes!
Drawing conclusions
Automatic watering system at the dacha – useful and effective innovation that requires certain financial, time and labor investments. However, connecting an automatic system quickly pays off. You can turn to professionals or assemble it yourself.
We advise you to think about the functionality in advance - fortunately, modern market has many options and a wide range of components for each specific case. We hope you found this article helpful - ask questions!
Automatic watering system - invest once and have a well-deserved rest! Kirill Sysoev
Calloused hands never get bored!
Content
A dacha plot of impressive size is not so easy to care for, especially if there are not enough workers. Watering takes a lot of time in the hot season - this procedure has to be performed every day. System automatic watering with your own hands will take some of the worries off your shoulders.
How to arrange automatic watering with your own hands
The main condition for irrigation is the presence of running water. If there is none, it is necessary to install a large container at a distance of at least 1.5 m above the ground. Another alternative to running water is a small pond. Three schemes for automatic watering of a summer cottage are used:
- Drip. Water flows to the rhizomes of plants, thereby keeping the stems and leaves dry. The system is suitable for humidification vegetable crops, ensures economical water consumption. It is made of plastic/polypropylene pipes, which are installed between the beds at a close distance from the ground. Special droppers are installed along the entire length, through which water flows directly into the ground.
- Rain. The peculiarity of the system is the uniform spraying of water over a certain area. Installing a sprinkler is important for lawns, flower beds, and gardens. It is necessary to ensure that moisture goes into the soil, because when it is oversaturated with water, puddles form. After drying, the earth cracks, which prevents free air exchange.
- Subsoil. A complex system, which is not easy to do with your own hands. Used to automate the watering of ornamental and fruit trees, shrubs, some herbaceous plants. This automatic garden watering is similar to a drip system, but there are small holes in the pipes through which water flows. The pipes themselves are buried in the ground close to the plantings.
Automatic watering of the site according to the scheme
It was described above which irrigation systems are advisable to use in different cases. The easiest way to implement automatic watering at the dacha with your own hands is drip irrigation. It is better to start work on arranging the system at the end of winter, when preparation begins land plot. To lay pipes close to your plants, you need to know where your beds will be located. On a piece of paper, draw a site plan and indicate the places that need automation. Make a plan to scale so you know the distances between plants.
Carefully consider and trace the future drip lines and water pipes. If the area is on a slope, give the pipes a horizontal direction and draw the hoses at an angle. Mark the places where the irrigation pipes will connect and branch: this will make it possible to count all the shaped parts and their varieties. Designate where it will be located pumping station(preferably in the central part of the garden).
Do-it-yourself watering system for a summer residence
When the do-it-yourself automatic watering plan for your dacha is ready, you need to transfer it to the site. To complete the task you will need the following materials and tools:
- large capacity container (minimum 200 l) - needed if there is no running water;
- shut-off valves (taps, at least 2 pcs.), filters;
- pipes – hard (for main pipelines) and soft (for drip irrigation);
- tees;
- drip nozzles or drip sleeve;
- sprinklers;
- controller;
- pump;
- hoses, valves, precipitation sensors;
- tools: shovel (scoop and bayonet), tape measure, square, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, pliers, screwdriver, adjustable wrench.
These devices are needed for complex engineering work. The main stages look like this (they vary depending on the type of irrigation system):
- Digging trenches under highways. Depth – 40-60 cm.
- Laying pipes, connecting them with fittings.
- Installation of sprinklers (for a rain watering system);
- Connecting peripheral highways to the main one.
- Attaching the main line to the sediment pipe of the storage tank.
- Burying pipes.
DIY drip irrigation system
Presented to your attention simple circuit from plastic bottles. Automatic drip irrigation at the dacha can be arranged as follows:
- Take a lot of plastic bottles with a capacity of 1.5-2 liters. For moisture-loving plants, larger containers will be required.
- Using a nail, make several holes in the walls at a distance of 3 cm from the bottom.
- Bury the bottles upside down between green spaces at a depth of 10-15 cm.
- Add water through the neck as needed.
How to make drip irrigation with your own hands more high level? At a minimum, you will need minimal engineering knowledge and tool skills. If you can calculate the operating pressure, dig the trenches, lay the pipes at the correct angle, connect them, set the timer, filters, etc., then it makes sense to take on the job. Otherwise, it is better to invite specialists.
Automatic rain watering system at the dacha
Installation of such a sprinkler is not particularly difficult to implement. Stages of work:
- Replace the irrigation hose with an extensive network of pipelines that will cover the entire garden, garden plot or greenhouse.
- Install spray nozzles at the end of each dead-end pipeline. Different models can be found in hardware departments.
- Replace the standard faucet you need to turn on the water with an automatic valve. Equip the device with a power-on timer.
Subsoil irrigation system for a summer residence
Do-it-yourself automatic watering at the dacha of this type is the most difficult to implement. If we describe the construction scheme very primitively, we will get the following system construction plan:
- Dig trenches 20-30 cm deep. The distance between them is 40-90 cm.
- Place porous materials in trenches polyethylene pipes through which water will flow.
- Place tapes under the pipes. They prevent water from going deeper.
- To make the watering system work automatically, install solenoid valve/drain valve/precipitation sensors.
Video: do-it-yourself automatic watering
The construction of various types of automatic watering systems may seem very complicated to you. However, if you watch the videos below, you will understand that everything is feasible. Adviсe experienced summer residents will help automate the process and make caring for plants easier. You will see what the elements of the system look like, how to arrange and connect them to create a high-quality waterer.
Pledge of annual good harvest and soil fertility in your summer cottage is timely replenishment and fertilization of the land and, of course, constant watering. Proper and competent arrangement of the irrigation system will not only ensure timely and regular soil moisture even in your absence, but also save considerable money. In this article we will give some useful advice on organizing irrigation systems at the dacha, Let's look at their main types and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each system.
1. Surface or gravity irrigation system
The simplest system irrigation, the organization of which does not require any specific knowledge or costs associated with the purchase of material. The process of arranging such a system boils down to the fact that a narrow trench, 10-15 cm deep, is dug on both sides of each bed. Then you can either make a connection to each trench or lay it. You can connect the hose to a regular barrel of water, which is installed at a height of 1.5-2 meters above the ground. This will ensure that water flows out of the hose under its own pressure. You can also use a centralized water supply. In this case, a lot of pressure is not required - the main thing is that there is enough pressure for the water to come out of the hose. This is true when the beds are located at a decent distance from the water tap.
In addition to the furrow method, surface system watering can be carried out in an estuary way. In this case, trenches are not required, because the entire surface of the beds is completely filled with water so that it stands on the surface for some time. If you actually use this method, it is worth assessing the condition of the landscape. On sloping or hilly areas, ensuring uniform watering will be problematic. What advantages This irrigation system has:
That's where the positives end. Regarding disadvantages:
- This watering method is not suitable for all garden crops;
- When the soil is flooded with large amounts of water, the amount of oxygen that reaches the plant roots is significantly reduced;
- A hard crust quickly forms on the surface of the earth, as a result of which the soil becomes heavier and loses its ability to absorb;
- Uneconomical water consumption.
Experienced gardeners have long stopped using such irrigation methods and are striving to organize more sophisticated systems. These include the following types. However, if you are completely satisfied with surface watering and, most importantly, it suits the crops growing on your site in terms of frequency of watering and the amount of liquid supplied, you should not refuse it. The irrigation system should meet your personal needs, not the appearance of more modern technologies, which sometimes makes no sense to chase.
2. Drip irrigation system
This method is the most gentle and economical. It is advisable to use it for root watering of plants that are especially sensitive to drought. Setting up a drip irrigation system is quite simple. It includes several main elements:
Such watering can be carried out either from storage capacity, and using the main pipeline. It is necessary to arrange a central pipe, which will have a number of connectors equal to the number of beds. Length drip hose should correspond to the length of the bed and have a small margin. It should be located as close to the seedlings as possible. Watering can be continuous: the main thing is that the capacity of the water tank is appropriate.
If you use water from a pipeline, you can equip the system with a timer, which will open and close the water supply according to the set mode. When organizing a drip irrigation system, be sure to install a filter before the water enters directly into the drip hose. Process water contains many impurities and small debris, which quickly clogs the holes. Drip irrigation has a lot of advantages:
- Due to the fact that water gets directly to the roots, its consumption is minimal, and moisture is more than sufficient;
- Uniform water supply to plants;
- The system is practically insensitive to pressure changes;
- For the same reason, plants do not need to be watered early in the morning or in the evening. The stems and foliage remain dry, and the plants will not burn under the scorching sun;
- Full access of oxygen to the roots is maintained;
- A hard crust does not form on the surface of the earth.
- It is possible to make the watering process automated.
TO shortcomings This can only be attributed to frequent clogging of small holes on the bottom of the drip hose. In addition to the fact that plaque will settle in the holes, the lower rows will become clogged with particles of wet soil. In this regard, many experienced gardeners It is recommended to lay the hose at a low height above the soil level. Then this problem can be avoided.
3. Sprinkler system
One more no less effective method moistening the area - using so-called sprinklers. They can have different irrigation angles and be rotary or static. This makes it possible to water the entire area without leaving dry islands. It makes no sense to use a similar method on . The radius of action of water spray reaches about 2 meters. This method of irrigation will not be effective even if the pressure in the system is insufficient. In this regard, the system is additionally equipped with a pump. It works in automatic mode and turns on only when necessary, when the pressure is insufficient. In this way, it is possible to compensate for deficiencies and maintain constant pressure at the required level.
Static sprinklers can have an irrigation angle of 90°, 180° or 270°. Respectively rotary cover an angle of 360°. By combining systems of different angles, you can easily ensure uniform watering even in the most remote places or, conversely, limit the territory. Similar system suitable for humidification and flower beds with ornamental shrubs and trees.
If you plan to irrigate a plot of vegetable crops in this way, you should provide a timer that will turn on the water supply early in the morning or in the evening so that the sun does not burn the young shoots. Plots with lawn grass You will have to mow it periodically. To ensure that the irrigation system does not interfere with this process, give preference to types of sprinklers that, when not needed, hide in a special depression in the ground and become almost invisible. To the obvious benefits This system includes:
Flaws are manifested in the following:
- If you do not turn off the irrigation system in time, puddles of standing water will form locally in the area, and too wet soil will stop absorbing water altogether. The recommended watering time is no more than 30 minutes. This is quite enough for deep, high-quality irrigation;
- If the above is not observed, a hard crust forms on the soil, which prevents oxygen from reaching the roots;
- At strong wind water splashes will be carried in different directions, which will make uniform watering impossible;
- The range of action will be incorrect even with low water pressure in the line.
- High cost of the system.
4. Subsoil irrigation
The subsurface irrigation system is a system that is installed throughout the entire area underground. The minimum installation depth is 30 cm. At a certain distance, small holes are made in the pipes to provide water access to the plant rhizomes. Typically, such a system is used in areas that cannot be dug up. Optimal material for organizing a subsoil irrigation system are . They have a number benefits before other species plastic pipes, namely:
When laying pipes, then small crushed stone is poured onto the bottom of the trench, then the pipe is laid and the trench is backfilled. Sand-crushed stone pillow provides a diversion excess moisture. It will not be difficult to route the pipes around the area and connect them to each other. It is only important to calculate correctly required amount material. This process is quite labor-intensive, but has many advantages:
- Subsurface watering is very economical, since the water goes directly to the roots.
- It also has a minimal evaporation rate;
- The formation of harmful crust on the soil is completely eliminated and free access of oxygen to the roots is ensured;
- In this regard, there is no need to constantly fluff the top layer.
TO shortcomings include:
- Lack of irrigation of the above-ground parts of plants, which is designed to increase their fertility;
- Not used on sandy soils;
- The complexity of the process and the costs associated with the acquisition of material.
5. How to choose the most suitable irrigation system
The answer to this question is quite simple to find, after analyzing the features your landscape plot and the types of plants that grow on it. It often happens that trees grow in one area along the perimeter, one part is reserved for recreation and is sown with lawn grass, and the second is a small vegetable garden. Many people grow grapes in their dachas. It is clear that it is impractical to water plants that differ in both height and water consumption rates in the same way. Some will drown in excess water, while others will not receive even half of the necessary moisture. In this regard, the irrigation system often consists of several lines. For example, sprinklers can be used to water grass and trees, while a drip system is ideal for moistening vines and vegetable crops. You can organize subsoil irrigation over the entire area of a small garden. To understand how organize correctly watering system yourself, you must:
6. Types of irrigation system control
Control of the irrigation system at the dacha can be either manual or more advanced. Let's consider three main types:
7. Types of installation of an irrigation system
We mentioned that polyethylene pipes are used to organize the irrigation system at the dacha. The diameter of the main line should be larger. For example, a pipe with an internal diameter of 40 mm is most often used, while 20 mm is sufficient for branch pipes. Connections are made using compression fittings, eliminating the need to purchase or use special tool. It is only necessary
Every year, owners of suburban areas are faced with the fact that the lawn, which delighted the eye with fresh greenery in the spring, loses its brightness by the end of May and gradually becomes brownish-yellow, although it is still only summer and far from autumn. To solve this problem, you need to water your lawn at least once a week. This is quite a labor-intensive task that requires regular expenditure of effort and time. An alternative solution is automatic watering of the site using Rain Bird technology.
Are you planning to independently develop a project for suburban area and install the system with my own hands? Then this article will be useful to you. Rain Bird automatic watering will help organize uniform and timely moistening of the lawn to avoid drying out of the grass and gradually strengthen the root system.
In this article we will tell you how to independently develop a project and then install an automatic watering system on your summer cottage with your own hands. Her correct use allows you to water the lawn evenly and in a timely manner, avoid the appearance of dried grass and strengthen the root system.
Advantages of an automatic irrigation system:
| You save water. Due to the programmable controller, automatic watering is carried out at a time when evaporation is not very large. Regular and timely irrigation of the lawn helps the plants stay beautiful and healthy. Excellent results after just a few uses. | |
| You save money. Thanks to the Rain Bird automatic watering system, plants are watered according to their moisture needs. This eliminates additional costs for grass care. Additional measures are simply not required. Timely watering and cutting the grass is the basis of lawn care, allowing you to achieve its magnificent appearance for a long time. | |
| You save time. Automatic watering technology relieves you of a number of hassles and worries associated with caring for plants and gardens. Forget about it. Now you have more time to relax and communicate with loved ones. Enjoy your weekend or vacation with the peace of mind that your lawn is receiving proper care and control. |
Scheme for designing automatic irrigation
In the diagram below you can consider the elements of an automatic watering system, as well as where they are used in a suburban area.
Static sprinklers for automatic watering of small areas
Static sprinklers are used to water shrubs, flower beds and small lawns. They are installed at the same level with the ground. When water pressure appears, the sprinkler rod extends, and when watering is completed, it automatically retracts.
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Irrigation radius is from 1.2 to 7.6 meters, operating pressure is 1-2.1 bar.
Rotating nozzles allow you to effectively distribute water in cyclic jets with low rainfall. They spray water evenly, reducing erosion and soil erosion.
Rotors for automatic watering of medium and small areas
Rotors are recommended for areas with a small to medium area. Water pressure lifts the rod to the surface. This is how watering is carried out. The rod lowers automatically after completion of work. The irrigation sector can be adjusted from 40 to 360°.
The technology allows you to create a “rain curtain” for optimal water distribution. This guarantees quality lawn care. Rotors with check valves are used to avoid waterlogging in areas with elevation changes.
Rain curtain technology helps to properly distribute water for irrigation, which guarantees excellent lawn quality. Rotors with check valves help avoid waterlogging in areas with elevation differences.
Valves
Special solenoid valves are controlled by a controller and open to supply water to the sprinklers.
The Low Flow DV DRIP valve was designed specifically for drip irrigation systems.
Even with low water consumption, the device functions perfectly. DV and HV solenoid valves are a good option for small areas of private households.
 Valve Application |
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| LFV - Low Flow | H.V. | D.V. |
Controllers for automatic watering
Using the controller, the signal to open or close the water supply is transmitted to the system valves.
Timers installed on the water tap are characterized by ease of setup and programming. They effectively regulate even minimal water flow. Automatic systems include sprinkler shutoff devices that operate when it rains. These elements assess the level of precipitation and, if necessary, automatically block the water supply, allowing you to save it and eliminate the risk of waterlogging of the soil.
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| ESP-RZX | ESP-Me | WP1 | WP6 |
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| 1ZEHTMR | Rain sensor RSD-Bex | Wireless rain sensor |
Humidity sensor soil SMRT-Yi |
Automatic watering microirrigation
- Emitters. Rain Bird self-piercing emitters consume from 2 to 68 l/h. This guarantees ideal watering of beds, shrubs, trees and flower beds. To make installation more convenient, use the XM-TOOL.
- Drip hose. It is designed for drip irrigation and is available in two versions - for installation above or below ground. The element is suitable for irrigating beds, trees and shrubs, as well as hedges.
- Start-up kits for micro-irrigation. They contain a filter, a pressure regulator and a low-flow solenoid valve.
- Microirrigators. Such devices are recommended for watering bushes, flower beds and flower beds. Micro-sprinklers are connected using a distribution tube with a diameter of 6 mm. The irrigation radius is adjustable.
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 1. Emitters. The consumption of Rain Bird self-piercing emitters is from 2 to 68 liters per hour. This provides excellent watering of shrubs, beds, flower beds and trees. For ease of installation, use the XM-TOOL installation tool. |
 2. Drip hose. A special hose designed for drip irrigation is well suited for watering beds, hedges, as well as trees and shrubs. It is available in two versions: for laying underground and on the surface. |
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| 3. Start-up kits for micro-irrigation. They include a pressure regulator, filter and low flow solenoid valve. | 4. Microirrigators. These micro-sprayers are perfect for watering flower beds, bushes and flower beds. Connected with a Rain Bird dispensing tube with a diameter of 6 mm. Adjustable watering radius. |
Accessories for automatic watering Rain Bird
All elements for self-installation Automatic watering systems can be ordered from the company