Greenhouses dry out fast on sunny days, and inconsistent watering is a common cause of stress and disease. An irrigation system keeps plants evenly watered — essential if you’re away during the day or on holiday. This page covers the options and bridges to the wider watering guides.
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The main options
- Drip irrigation + timer — the workhorse: emitter line to pots and beds on an automatic timer. See drip irrigation kits & timers.
- Capillary matting — pots sit on absorbent matting that wicks water up from below; great for seed trays and small pots on benches.
- Misting — for propagation and humidity-loving plants (see greenhouse propagation).
- Hand watering — a good watering can or wand still has its place.
Drip & automatic watering
Capillary matting
How to choose
For pots and grow-bags, a drip kit on a timer is the most reliable. For trays of seedlings, capillary matting is simple and even. Combine with a moisture meter to avoid overwatering. The watering principles are in how to water greenhouse plants.
Choose by your setup
- Pots & grow-bags — a drip kit on a timer is the most reliable; see drip kits & timers.
- Trays of seedlings — capillary matting waters evenly from below.
- Propagation / humidity lovers — add misting.
- Small collections — hand watering with a long-reach can is fine if you’re around daily.
Automate before you go away
The main reason to automate is consistency and holidays — a battery tap timer plus drip line prevents the dry-out/over-water swings that cause disease. Pair with a moisture meter to avoid overwatering.