Greenhouse Irrigation Scheduler
Design efficient irrigation schedules for your greenhouse crops. Calculate optimal watering duration, frequency, and flow rates to maximize water efficiency while meeting plant water requirements.
Irrigation Planning
Greenhouse Irrigation Best Practices
Drip Irrigation Benefits
- Water Efficiency: 90-95% efficient vs 60-70% for sprinklers
- Disease Prevention: Keeps foliage dry, reducing fungal issues
- Precise Delivery: Targets root zone directly
- Weed Control: Only irrigates planted areas
- Automation Ready: Easy to integrate with timers and sensors
Scheduling Factors
- Plant Stage: Seedlings need frequent light watering
- Growing Medium: Soil holds more water than soilless mixes
- Season: Summer requires 2-3x more water than winter
- Humidity: High humidity reduces water needs
- Container Size: Smaller pots dry out faster
Irrigation System Components
| Component | Function | Flow Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Drip Emitters | Point source watering | 0.5-4 GPH per emitter |
| Drip Tape | Linear crop irrigation | 0.25-1 GPM per 100ft |
| Micro Sprinklers | Small area coverage | 5-25 GPH per sprinkler |
| Soaker Hose | Continuous seepage | 0.5-1 GPM per 100ft |
Water Requirements by Crop Type
Leafy Greens
Lettuce, Spinach, Kale
0.5-1 gal/day/sq ft
Fruiting Crops
Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers
1-2 gal/day/sq ft
Herbs
Basil, Oregano, Thyme
0.3-0.8 gal/day/sq ft
Automation & Controls
- Timer Controls: Program multiple daily cycles for consistent moisture
- Soil Moisture Sensors: Trigger irrigation based on actual moisture levels
- Weather Integration: Adjust schedules based on humidity and temperature
- Zone Control: Different schedules for different crop areas
- Flow Monitoring: Detect clogs or system failures
- Remote Access: Monitor and adjust via smartphone apps
💡 Pro Tips
- Start with shorter, more frequent cycles and adjust based on plant response
- Water early morning to reduce disease pressure and water loss
- Monitor runoff - if water drains from containers, reduce duration
- Install pressure regulators to ensure consistent emitter performance
- Clean filters and flush lines regularly to prevent clogs