Lacking time to tend to your garden? Hose timers are a great solution. They’ll get your hose going in water beds, borders, and on your lawn by a programmed schedule or for a set number of minutes. You can even choose a version with more than one outlet to run two hoses or more at the same time. We’ve rounded up the best options.
Orbit 62061Z hose watering timer
Simple set-up
The dial of this timer is easy to read and operate, and it has a clear LCD screen. The timer can be programmed to water at a frequency from every six hours to every seventh day and for a period from 1 to 240 minutes to suit your needs. There’s a manual button, so you can use the faucet without disrupting the program, and a rain delay to pause the schedule for 24, 48, or 72 hours.
Gilmour 804014-1001 400GTD electronic water timer
Runs on batteries
Get more watering done at once with this dual outlet electronic timer. Schedule a start time, as well as frequency and duration from 1 to 360 minutes with this model. The water will shut off when the battery is low to avoid waste. This design also allows a rain delay and has an on/off function for manual watering.
Raindrip R675CT analog 3-dial water timer
Low battery indicator
For a great value way to water while you’re otherwise occupied, check out this timer. It doesn’t keep track of the time, so you’ll need to set it up at the time of day you want the watering to take place. After that, you can specify watering frequency, from once an hour to once a week, and running time. There’s a manual timer to use if you prefer. Bear in mind that you’ll need a water pressure of greater than 15 PSI for this timer to work properly.
Rain Bird 1ZEHTMR electronic digital hose end timer
Up to a six hour run time
A highly readable screen and large dial make this hose timer straightforward to operate. It shows the next scheduled cycle as well as the time remaining on the current one. Up to two start times a day can be programmed, and instant override buttons allow cancellation or manual watering.
Galcon garden programmable drip timer
Easy and convenient
If you need to water for long periods of time, this could be the timer for you. It offers a duration from 1 minute up to 12 hours. Six buttons allow you to set up a schedule, including four start times in a single day, with instructions are on the unit if you need a prompt.
Orbit 62034 mechanical watering hose timer
Operable with gloves on
This timer doesn’t offer scheduling, but it does allow you to set the water for a time period so you can get on with something else instead. You can specify a duration from 15 to 120 minutes, after which the timer will shut the water off. The dial is easy to grip, even if you’re wearing gardening gloves or have wet hands.
Our verdict
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Hose timers can ensure plants and lawns stay healthy thanks to regular watering schedules, and prevent overwatering and high bills, too. The Orbit 62061Z hose watering timer offers useful programming options. There's a manual button and rain delay option as well.
For easy readability and program input, take a look at the Rain Bird 1ZEHTMR electronic digital hose end timer. It also offers the option to set two start times a day.
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