An irrigation controller is one of the most important components of a successful landscape. At Details Landscape Art, we have been designing and installing gardens throughout Sonoma County since 1991, and proper irrigation is one of the keys to maintaining healthy lawns, shrubs, trees, perennials, and vegetable gardens.
Over the years we have installed many different irrigation controllers, but one of our favorites remains the Rain Dial HR6100. We find it to be reliable, flexible, easy to program, and straightforward for homeowners to operate.
The Raindial HR6100 irrigation controller
The controller is available in both indoor and outdoor models and can accommodate six, nine, or twelve irrigation valves depending on the size of the landscape.
Why an Irrigation Controller Is Important
A well-designed irrigation system is only as effective as the controller operating it.
The irrigation controller determines:
- When watering begins
- How long each valve runs
- How frequently watering occurs
- Which areas of the landscape receive water
Different parts of the landscape often require different watering schedules. Lawns, shrubs, drip irrigation zones, and vegetable gardens all have unique water requirements.
A quality irrigation controller allows these different needs to be managed independently.
Programs A, B, and C
One of the most useful features of the Rain Dial HR6100 is the ability to operate multiple independent programs.
Program A, Program B, and Program C each function as separate watering schedules.
We typically use:
- Program A for lawn sprinklers
- Program B for drip irrigation
- Program C for vegetable gardens or specialty planting areas
This flexibility allows each type of plant material to receive the appropriate amount of water without affecting the others.
Irrigation Controller Functions
The controller includes several basic functions that homeowners use most frequently.
The OFF or STOP position temporarily suspends watering during rainy weather or whenever irrigation is not desired.
The SET PROGRAMS position is used when adjusting watering schedules, run times, and start times.
The RUN position is where the controller remains during normal operation. In this position the controller automatically operates all programmed watering schedules.
The controller also includes manual operation features that allow homeowners to run individual valves or entire programs whenever supplemental watering is needed.
Flexible Watering Schedules
A good irrigation controller should be easy to adjust as weather conditions change.
The Rain Dial HR6100 allows the user to assign run times to individual valves, select watering start times, and determine watering frequency.
We particularly like the flexibility provided by the skip-days feature. Rather than assigning watering to specific days of the week, the controller can be programmed to water every few days, creating a schedule that is easy to adjust throughout the year.
This flexibility helps conserve water while maintaining healthy plant material.
A Valuable Landscape Tool
Many homeowners think of sprinklers, valves, and drip tubing when discussing irrigation systems. In reality, the irrigation controller is the brain of the entire system.
A properly programmed controller helps maintain healthy plants, improves water efficiency, and allows different areas of the landscape to receive the watering they require.
At Details Landscape Art, we continue to use and recommend the Rain Dial HR6100 because of its reliability, flexibility, and ease of operation. A quality irrigation controller remains one of the most important investments in the long-term success of any landscape.