Timers & controls
Rain Sensor or Soil Moisture Sensor? Check Before Automating Watering
Compare rain and soil moisture sensors, check exact controller compatibility and test what happens when a watering cycle is blocked.
Read article →All Mersey Direct articles
Blog
The latest buying guides and practical watering advice, newest first.
53 articles · Newest first
Drip irrigation
Drip Irrigation on Slopes: Uneven Flow, Runoff and Drainage
Separate uneven dripper flow, surface runoff and drainage after shutdown when planning irrigation for a sloping garden.
Read article →
Drip irrigation
Drip Irrigation Under Mulch: Placement, Access and Watering Checks
Plan drip irrigation beneath loose organic mulch, keep fittings accessible and check that water reaches the soil before adjusting your timer.
Read article →
Drip irrigation
Drip Irrigation Filters and Pressure Regulators: What to Buy
Compare combined and separate drip irrigation filters and pressure regulators. Check water source, flow, pressure and connections before buying inlet equipment.
Read article →
Drip irrigation
Irrigation Tubing and Fittings Buying Guide: 4 mm, 4.6 mm and 13 mm
Buy compatible irrigation tubing and fittings. Compare 4 mm, 4.6 mm and 13 mm systems, pipe measurements, connectors and complete-basket costs.
Read article →
Drip irrigation
Drip Irrigation Drippers Buying Guide: Fixed, Adjustable and Pressure Compensating
Choose drip irrigation drippers by flow, pressure compensation and inline or endline placement. Compare Gardena examples and compatibility before ordering.
Read article →
Timers & controls
Garden Watering Timers Compared: Mechanical, Preset or Programmable?
Compare mechanical, preset and programmable garden watering timers. Check schedules, pressure, tap fittings and power before buying for drip irrigation.
Read article →
Drip irrigation
Greenhouse Irrigation Kits: Check Contents Before Buying
Compare greenhouse drip irrigation kit options, plant capacity, tubing and automation. Build a compatible shopping list before choosing Hozelock or Gardena.
Read article →
Drip irrigation
How to Test Dripper Output: A Simple Catch Test
Measure dripper output with a timed catch test, convert collected millilitres to litres per hour, and compare watering points before changing your irrigation system.
Read article →
Timers & controls
How to Plan Irrigation Zones and Extend a Drip System
Plan separate watering zones by plant needs and system capacity, then extend drip irrigation with checks for pipe lengths, flow and control.
Read article →
Indoor & holiday watering
Holiday Watering System Checklist: Before You Go Away
Check an automatic garden watering system before a holiday, including scheduled operation, emitter output, reservoir capacity and backup instructions.
Read article →
Drip irrigation
How to Prepare Drip Irrigation for Winter
Prepare a garden drip system for colder weather by checking storage instructions, draining accessible lines and protecting sensitive inlet equipment.
Read article →