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AUSTIN - Now that daylight savings time has kicked in early this year it may be taking you a while to adjust the electronics, from microwaves to VCR’s to answering machines. There is one timer that is easy to overlook-your landscape irrigation controller box.
Controller boxes can be a mystery, but they all use a clock to determine when to turn on the sprinklers. Now is an excellent time to take a peek at the controller’s time, date and watering schedule settings. While you are in there, you may wish to change the battery on the controller as well. The battery helps ensure that programming is kept intact in the event of a power outage.
An average-sized irrigation system can use 2,000 to 3,000 gallons of water every time the controller runs through a cycle. If the system runs during the day, much of the water can be lost to evaporation. Checking in on your irrigation controller can save water as well as money on your utility bill.
Perhaps you have lost the instruction manual to your irrigation controller. No worries-these manuals are available for download on the Web site of the controller manufacturer.
Don’t know your proper watering schedule? Check with your water utility provider. Most utilities have recommended irrigation schedules posted on their Web sites. During this cooler spring season, you can run your system at 50 percent of the recommended summer schedule. Many irrigation controllers have a budget feature to make this adjustment simple.
Take a few minutes of the extra evening daylight hour to be sure your irrigation controller is on the right schedule. Your yard will benefit throughout the watering season, and you may be able to save money as well.
For more information about Hill Country gardening and landscaping contact Elizabeth Drozda-Freeman, conservation landscape specialist for the Lower Colorado River Authority. She can be reached at (512) 473-3200, Ext.2230, or elizabeth.drozda-freeman@lcra.org if you have comments, questions or suggestions for future gardening topics.
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