The WaterMate system is a complete kit of parts; containing everything you need to set up automatic irrigation.
Control unit
The brains of the system, uses sensor data to control pump, water valves and any additional outputs (for mains powered versions)
- Solar powered
Inside the control unit is a battery and charging system. A solar panel is connected to keep the battery topped up. - Mains powered
A mains power supply is used to power the outputs directly, without a battery. The "4-season" model of control unit has extra outputs, which can be used for additional pumps, LED grow lights, heaters etc.
Settings are changed either directly on the device using it's own WiFi network (using the Device Control Panel and a smartphone), or on the Harvst web app, if the control unit is configured to connect to your home WiFi network.
- Mounting the control unit
- Accessing the Device Control Panel
- Solar control unit connections
- Mains control unit connections
- Managing WaterMate settings
- Manual override for watering
- Assigning control unit to your Harvst account
Temperature sensor
Used to monitor temperature inside the greenhouse or polytunnel. Can be used to trigger extra watering when it's hot, and/or less watering when it's cold.
A single sensor is supplied with the kit. An additional sensor is also supported, which can also be used for triggering watering (or other outputs on mains powered devices, such as heaters).
Dual zone valves
All models are supplied with twin water valves, so you can water twice as much area, or have different watering regimes or watering methods (eg sprayers vs drippers).
Read about installing the water valves.
Water supply
Water can be provided by one of two methods:
- Connect the inlet to a garden tap. Read more here.
- Use a pump and water tank. The most common method.
Water pump
If you are using the tank & pump method, you'll have one of two types of pump:
- WaterMate mini : submersible pump placed in the water tank.
See here for mini pump installation. - WaterMate pro : inline pump, positioned in the pipework between the tank and the valves.
See here for pro pump installation.
Irrigation pipework
There are three types of pipe/hose supplied:
- Braided (flexible) hose, like garden hose. This is for connections "upstream" of the water valves.
- LDPE pipe (13mm). Sometimes called "irrigation hose". This is used to distribute water around the perimeter of the greenhouse or polytunnel.
- Micro irrigation hose (4mm). This is used for final delivery to the plants, if you are using drippers.
For more information and installation information:
Irrigation emitters
These are the bits of kit that drip or spray water. There are many types available; in the WaterMate kit we supply a selection of common ones for you to get started.
- Sprayers are usually fitted directly into the LDPE pipe and can cover an area up to 1m2 - good for covering a salad bed, for example.
- Drippers are usually fitted into sections of 4mm hose, so they can be positioned at the base of certain plants such as tomatoes, peppers, aubergine etc.
Read about sprayer and dripper installation.
Soak hose or porous hose is also compatible with the WaterMate Pro, or if you are using a mains water connection. Read more about soak hose here.