How To Set Up An Automatic Watering System For Cannabis Plants?

Cannabis, like all plants and animals, need water to survive — it is the most important input you give to your cannabis plant. But unlike just pouring a glass of water on your plant on a whim, you need to be careful about how you water your cannabis. It's all about creating an ideal balance of moisture in the soil or the growing medium.

To do so, you'd have to water your plant at specific times during the day in the right amount, but let's be honest, most of us don't grow cannabis professionally. We have other things to take care of, and this is where automatic watering systems come in handy. 

An automatic watering system, like drip irrigation, takes the labor off your back, so you can focus on your day-to-day life and other aspects of growing cannabis. Such a system typically uses a water pump, some pipes, and a reservoir that is connected to a timer. And this system delivers the right amount of water to your plant at the right time. 

So, how do you set one up? In this article, you'll learn about how to set up an automatic watering system for your cannabis plant so you no longer have to worry about watering your plant constantly. 

The Best Automatic Watering System: Drip Irrigation 

There are a few types of watering systems available in the market, but if you ask us, the best one for most growers would be a drip irrigation system. This system uses a relatively simple process to automatically water your plant with the right amount of water at the right time, thereby reducing your labor, improving watering consistency, and even saving some water along the way.

Essentially, this system works by — as the name suggests — dripping a predetermined amount of water at a preset time, thanks to a pump and a timer. With this, your plant's roots never get too dry or too wet — they get just the right amount of water that does not get wasted on evaporation or drainage, either. 

And when it comes to drip irrigation, you'll be surprised to know how many types of this system exist — you can either go the DIY route and make one for yourself or get a high-tech one that can even connect to your phone. But chances are, you are a hobby grower, so an expensive irrigation system isn't worth it yet. 

Remember, even a DIY drip irrigation system can sometimes turn expensive, depending on the materials you use and the number of plants you have. A basic setup can be as cheap as $50 but it can go up. 

Coming to an important question, does this system work for hydroponic cannabis plants? Yes, it does. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind while running it. 

If you connect the system to a tap instead of the reservoir, this system takes away your access to testing the water's EC, condition, quality, etc. since the water will run from the tap directly into the soil without ever seeing the light of day. 

So, it is recommended that you connect the drip system to a reservoir in this case. You'll also need to add a water pump with a timer to the system so that it can pull water from the reservoir and give it to the plant. 

So, why is drip water irrigation the best automatic irrigation system for cannabis? Here are some of its pros:

Benefits of An Automatic Watering System

You can water your plants manually, but it can be time-consuming and prone to error. If you set up an automatic watering system, it can offer many advantages to make watering easier and help your plants grow well. Moreover, it can work for plants in soil and those in hydroponic systems as well. 

Here are a few advantages an automated watering system offers:

• Consistency

It provides a level of consistency that is hard to achieve with any other manual watering method. First, your plants will get water at regular intervals, and if you're growing multiple plants, each plant will enjoy it uniformly. Although this sounds trivial, consistency is very important for cannabis plants as they are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment, including moisture levels. An automatic watering system takes a lot of factors into consideration. For instance, if the weather is very hot or humid, the plants will need more water at that point, and the automated system will do exactly that without relying on human intervention. This way, you can stop worrying about your plant's watering needs and focus on other things that also need attention.

• Efficiency

You will save a lot of time and resources with an automated watering system instead of making several trips to the garden with a watering can. Most home gardeners use a can rather than a hose as they have a small grow room and don't have everything necessary to set up a hose. Typically, they don't need it as they grow only a few plants. However, the frequency of watering will be higher. This is where an automated watering system can help by making it incredibly efficient to water plants. In addition, you also don't lose much water to evaporation or drainage, reducing water wastage drastically. Another benefit of less water wastage is that you don't end up losing much of the fertilizer, too

• Precision 

Most automatic watering systems offer precise control as to when and how long the plants are watered, including the amount of water dispensed in one session. Whether the plants are in the vegetative or the flowering stage, and whether different varieties have different irrigation requirements, an automated system handles this aspect without any problems. This degree of detail means that every plant gets just enough water, ensuring robust growth while reducing the likelihood of common problems like overwatering. 

• Save Labor

Perhaps the greatest advantage of automatic watering methods is that they reduce labor, which can be particularly helpful if you're running a commercial operation. Typically it takes a lot of time for people to water the plants in commercial setups due to the sheer number of plants. However, with an automatic system, your workforce can focus on other things, including mainlining the plants. This will also save you money in the long run, not to mention that you'll also save water. 

• Minimal Risk of Human Error

Manual watering carries an inherent risk of human error. In a commercial setup, even the most careful of gardeners will make mistakes in watering plants. They may forget to water them or overdo it. Automatic watering systems reduce these risks by providing a reliable and uniform method of watering that is not subject to human errors. By sticking to preprogrammed watering schedules, and providing water exactly as needed, such systems tend to reduce problems like nutrient imbalance, root rot, and water stress which often arise if your people are manually watering the plants. 

Is an Automated Sprinkler System Necessary for Home Gardeners?

While these systems offer convenience and efficiency in watering your plants, the decision to invest in one depends on factors such as the size of your grow room, the types of plants you're growing, and your personal preferences. 

We have already discussed the advantages of using automated watering systems. Let's take a deep look at the disadvantages too. 

• Cost

The upfront cost of setting up an automated sprinkler system can be significant for home growers aiming to grow just a few plants. Not only will you have to spend more for extra components timers, valves, and sprinkler heads, but you may have to spend on the installation as well if you don't know how to do it. On the other hand, if you're growing several plants and have a large growing area, it might make sense. Still, you will have to spend more on elaborate and expensive systems.

• Complexity

Installing and programming an automated sprinkler system can be tricky for those who aren't familiar with irrigation systems or technology. Figuring out how to set timers, adjust watering schedules, and troubleshoot any issues that arise might require some learning and experimentation. However, it's not a big deal — you'll be able to do it if you watch a few videos online. 

• Maintenance

Similar to any irrigation system, automated sprinkler systems require maintenance to ensure they perform well for as long as possible. If you use nutrients in water, the salt can build up over time, leading to clogged pipes. This means that you need to regularly inspect and clean sprinkler heads to clear out debris or mineral buildup, check for leaks in the pipes or connections of the system, and adjust watering schedules based on weather changes or plant requirements. Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to water wastage, and harm the components as well. 

In addition, this system brings a lot of plumbing into your grow room, which can sometimes be a hazard for your plant (and you) — any leakages have the potential to damage your house, flood the plants, or damage the electricals. 

• Risk of Overwatering

One of the concerns linked with automated sprinkler systems is the risk of overwatering if you don't calibrate and monitor correctly. Without supervision and adjustments, these systems can dispense large amounts of water resulting in soil saturation, suffocation of plant roots, and increased vulnerability to diseases such as root rot. To avoid this, you should regularly assess the levels of moisture in the soil and modify your watering schedules as necessary to prevent overwatering.

So, should you get an automated watering system or not? We have outlined both the pros and cons in detail, so you know what to expect. If you have too many plants with no time to take care of them and also have the budget to set up the system, you can consider it. However, if you're just growing 2-5 plants and can spare some time a few days every week to water the plants, you don't need to spend extra. Just continue what you're doing and your plants will do well. 

How to Set up an Automated Watering System

Before beginning the installation process, it is important to carefully plan your automated plant irrigation system, depending on the space you have. Otherwise, your plans may not be suitable for your plants. 

First, you need to know about the watering needs of your plants. For example, plants don't need too much water as seedlings. During the vegetative phase, they will need more, but as they go into the flowering phase, they will become more hungry as they take in all the nutrients. Usually, they will need more water during this stage. Of course, this will change depending on the environmental conditions such as the humidity and temperature as the plants may dry out fast too. Some strains will need more water as well, so keep that in mind while planning for an automated watering system. Once you've planned all that, you can choose the components and place them in the right place for maximum effectiveness. 

Here are some components you'll need:

Watering Timer: This device regulates when and for how long water goes out onto your plants. Consider it as the heart of the system you're setting up as it controls the water delivery. When shopping for a timer, select the ones that allow you to play around with the settings. For instance, you should be able to control the schedule, duration, and frequency of watering. In short, the timer should allow you to adjust the watering cycles depending on your plant's needs. If possible, get a high-quality timer that lasts for a long time. The timer should be waterproof, have a battery backup, and operate without interruptions so your plants never suffer.

Lines and Tubes: Choose high-quality options that can efficiently distribute water from the source to your plants. Opt for tubing that won't easily kink or puncture. Irrigation lines and tubes carry water from the water source to your plants ensuring proper distribution across your garden. This way, none of your plants will suffer from lack of water. When selecting irrigation lines, go for tubes made using PVC, polyethylene, or drip irrigation tubing. Avoid using materials that tend to bend or deteriorate over time.

Also, you must select tubing that's perfect for your system's flow rate and water pressure. While you can choose tubing with a small diameter for small containers or individual plants, go for tubing with a larger diameter if you have many plants or growing them outdoors. Choose flexible tubing to make it easier to work with as you'll have to navigate around your grow room to check and maintain the plants. 

Sprinklers or Drip Emitters: For watering, consider using drip emitters or sprinklers. Drip emitters work well for watering directly at the plant roots while sprinklers are more suitable for areas like outdoor gardens. Opt for drip emitters or sprinklers that allow you to adjust the flow rates and spray water, giving you the flexibility to tailor watering according to your plant's specific requirements. When choosing them, opt for those crafted from materials like UV plastics or other alternatives that are resistant to corrosion so they work for a long time. 

Water Source: If your setup requires a water reservoir to store and supply water to your plants, you need a water reservoir. Think about the size of the grow tent or space before choosing the reservoir and make sure it is big enough to meet your plants' watering requirements. Just go for a simple one where you can install an automatic refiller to deliver water consistently to the plants. Also, consider adding a filtration system to keep the water clean.

Pressure Regulators and Filters: To maintain water quality and consistent pressure in your system, use filters and pressure regulators. Filters help remove debris that could block irrigation lines while pressure regulators protect components from damage. Therefore, choose filters that come with a fine mesh to filter the debris efficiently. Coming to the regulators, purchase the ones with adjustable settings so you can tweak the water pressure and flow rate.

Deciding Where to Install the System

The last step in planning your automated watering setup is figuring out the spots to position all the parts for top-notch performance. You need to consider various factors including how close they're to water sources, ease of access for maintenance, and the layout of your garden.

Place your water container or source in a spot that makes refilling and maintenance easier. Next, position your watering timer near a power outlet. Make sure it's shielded from moisture and other risks.

How to Build a Bottle Drip Irrigation System for Cannabis?

If you've decided to go down this route and are growing an outdoor cannabis plant, you can easily make a DIY drip system with a few household items. In this section, you'll learn the steps to set up a bottle drip system for your cannabis plant. 

Why a bottle-based system? Because setting up plumbing isn't always viable. This will help you in some situations when you only need drip water irrigation for a temporary period. 

Things You Need

Here are the materials you'll need to set up this system:

• A 2-liter plastic bottle (with caps) — one bottle for each plant 
• A drilling machine to make holes in the bottles 
• String or thin ropes 
• A scissor 

Follow These Steps

You'll be surprised to know how ridiculously easy this method is. Follow these steps:

1. Completely cut off the bottom of the bottle using a scissor or a knife
2. Then, poke holes on either side of the bottle — make sure the holes are a couple of centimeters from the cut 
3. Pass the string through the holes to create a sling, which is what you'll use to hang the bottles above your plant
4. Hang the bottle 30 to 60 cm from the growing medium 
5. Fill the bottles with water or nutrient solution
6. Now, gently screw the cap slightly open until water starts seeping out 
7. Refill the bottles when required

Two things to remember here. One, make sure the water dripping from the caps is not wetting your cannabis plant's stem. Two, you may want to experiment with the water seeing frequency — you don't want to drown the plant nor do you want to over-water it. 

How to Build a Line Drip Irrigation System for Cannabis?

The above method won't work forever for some growers, so if you want a proper drip irrigation system, you need to take some time off your schedule and prepare the system with the following steps. 

Things You Need

Here are the materials you'll need to set up this system:

• A tap near your cannabis plant, which will be the source of water, unless you want to use a reservoir 
• A drip irrigation adaptor, which comes with a backflow preventer, 25 PSI pressure regulator, a hose adaptor, and a mesh filter 
• Half an inch of watering line
• Water drippers that can compensate for pressure 
• Stakes 
• Hole punch or drill to make holes in the water line 
• Optional joints, if required 
• A timer-controlled adaptor
• Water pump if you are using a reservoir 

Follow These Steps

To set up line drip irrigation in your cannabis grow room, follow these steps:

1. Start by connecting the drip irrigation adapter to the tap and then connect the water line to the adaptor with the timer
2. Do a test run to make sure that the adapter works properly without any leakages 
3. Make holes in the line where necessary with a hole punch — make 3 holes for each plant and place the plants equidistant from each other 
4. Press the drippers into the holes and make sure they only wet the growing medium, not the plant's stem or leaves 
5. Use tent stakes or zip ties (or anything else) to hold the line in place
6. Cut the line's end and plug it with an end plug 
7. Do another test run to ensure the drippers are allowing the water to flow into the growing medium properly 
8. Set the time as per your plant's requirements; generally, this would mean it should turn on every 5 to 10 min to allow some water 

Your line drip irrigation system is ready. 

Maintaining Your Automated Watering System

It is vital to maintain your automated watering system to ensure its effectiveness and dependability. Regular maintenance tasks such as inspections, cleanings, and replacing worn-out parts are crucial to keep your system working. It's also important to winterize systems in some regions to prevent damage due to freezing temperatures.

Routine inspections of your watering system can help catch issues. Here's what you should include in your inspection routine:

• Check for Leaks: Look for any leaks in connections, valves, and irrigation lines as even small leaks can waste water and affect system performance.
• Cleaning: Clean filters or screens to prevent clogging and ensure proper water flow especially if your water source has sediment or debris.
• Inspect Sprinkler Heads: Check sprinkler heads for clogs, damage, or misalignment. Replace any malfunctioning heads to ensure water distribution.
• Test Watering Schedule; test your watering schedule to ensure all plants receive enough moisture. Adjust watering times based on weather changes or plant growth.

Ensure that any blockages like debris or plants are cleared from the path of water flow from sprinkler heads or drip emitters. It's important to replace worn-out parts of your watering system as they can affect its efficiency. Also, look out for sprinkler heads, valves, tubing issues, and malfunctioning timers or controllers. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your system running. 

Summary: How to Set up an Automatic Watering System for Cannabis Plants?

Growing cannabis is fun but many growers don't like the chores that come with it, including watering the plant at a particular time every day. What if you get stuck in traffic, have tickets booked for a movie, or are heading out on a date? You need not have to worry about watering your plant at such times. 

Fortunately, there is a nifty solution to this — two solutions, actually — drip water irrigation in the form of line irrigation and bottle irrigation. The former is an investment that will go a long way but the latter is something that can come in handy for a couple of days. 

Pick the one that would work best for you and go with it. Follow the steps and tips listed above and take the effort of watering your plant off your shoulders.