Samples of Irrigation Schedules
Many homeowners request irrigation schedules to help them program their traditional controllers. Any schedule provided needs to be adjusted based on the type of watering device, soil, slope and plants.
The tables below are samples of controller settings that may be successful in the Tri-Valley. These tables assume that your irrigation system works efficiently, and that you have resolved any common irrigation issues.
Keep in mind that, "cycling and soaking," turning the controller on for a recommended number of minutes several times an hour apart, results in deeper watering, less run-off, and a healthier root system.
Sample Controller Settings
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Days per Week | 3 | 4 | 2 | Off |
| Start Times per Day | 3 | 3 | 3 | Off |
| Minutes per Station | 5 | 5 | 5 | Off |
| Total Minutes per Day | 15 | 15 | 15 | Off |
| Total Minutes per Week | 45* | 60** | 30*** | Off |
*In the Spring, you can water at 2 a.m., 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. for five minutes three times a week.
** In the Summer, you can water at 2 a.m., 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. for five minutes four times a week.
***In the Fall, you can water at 2 a.m., 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. for five minutes twice a week.
Sample Controller Settings
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Days per Week | 2 | 3 | 1 | Off |
| Start Times per Day | 2 | 2 | 2 | Off |
| Minutes per Station | 3 | 3 | 3 | Off |
| Total Minutes per Day | 6 | 6 | 6 | Off |
| Total Minutes per Week | 12 | 18 | 6 | Off |
Sample Controller Settings
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Days per Week | 2 | 3 | 2 | Off |
| Start Times per Day | 1 | 1 | 1 | Off |
| Minutes per Station | 20 | 20 | 20 | Off |
| Total Minutes per Day | 20 | 20 | 20 | Off |
| Total Minutes per Week | 40 | 60 | 40 | Off |
A drip system can run during the middle of the day so you can check that emitters are working and see that the ground is wet. However, 6 a.m. is an ideal time for a drip system to turn on so you can perform an early morning check-up on its functionality.