How do I install the greenhouse irrigation system?
Harvst WaterMate is supplied with all the fittings and fixings you need to install into a common aluminium framed greenhouse. Using M6 cropped head aluminium bolts, pipe clips and brackets, you mount 13mm LDPE irrigation pipe to the perimiter of the greenhouse. Into this distribution pipe, you either fit sprayers, or dripper lines.
The control box, water valves and solar panel also fit to the greenhouse using M6 cropped head bolts in the frame slots.
Where does the water come from?
You have two options: water tank, or garden tap.
The Mini and the Pro kits pump water from a tank or water butt next to, or inside, your greenhouse or polytunnel. The mini pump is submersible (placed inside the tank) and can be up to 4m away from the water valves. The pro pump is placed inline with the inlet hose, with a dual intake filter to keep debris out.
For the tap option, just connect a hose directly to the inlet of the dual water valves. It uses a Hoze-lock style snap on connector.
How do the alerts work?
If you have a WiFi network within range of your greenhouse, the control system can connect to it, and will send data to the Harvst servers every half hour. If you’ve set your account up to receive email notifications, you can stay in touch wherever you are.
Do I need soil moisture sensors for my automatic greenhouse watering system?
No, the Harvst WaterMate will run fine without soil moisture sensors. It will still respond to environmental conditions using heat and light. You can add sensors at a later date.
Can I run greenhouse heaters and greenhouse lighting with WaterMate?
WaterMate Mini and WaterMate Pro are solar powered, which means you cannot directly run heaters or lights. The core pack is available in a mains powered version (UK 240V) which supports Harvst LED grow lights, Harvst heated seed trays and Harvst soil warming cable.