What if we told you that you didn’t have to spend your precious Saturdays mowing the lawn, or remembering to water the plants every few days? What if someone – or something – could do it all for you?
If you like the sound of it A low maintenance gardenWhere everything is magically taken care of, then you might want to consider some of the smart devices below.
From robotic lawn mowers to soil moisture sensors, we’ve rounded up the smartest garden upgrades that are worth the investment—and how you can incorporate them into your outdoor space.
1. Smart irrigation system
We all know how unpredictable the UK weather can be, which can sometimes make it difficult to establish an efficient watering routine. That’s where the smarts are Garden irrigation Systems come in handy – they water your plants according to conditions, rather than on a normal schedule, making sure they get exactly what they need.
“This not only reduces water wastage, but also promotes healthy root growth by preventing overwatering and drought stress,” says Martin Chaplin, head of horticulture. Hedges Direct.
“They are especially beneficial for newly planted hedging, trees and shrubs, which rely on constant moisture during establishment. Plants such as Portuguese laurel, cherry laurel, photinia and beech hedging benefit from regular watering in their first growing season, and smart irrigation takes much of the work out of keeping them healthy.”
But before you set up your irrigation system, make sure you know Best time to water plants So you don’t waste water, or cause problems with plant health.
Smart Irrigation System
This smart irrigation system adapts your watering schedule to weather, rainfall, humidity and wind levels.
Martin brings over 35 years of experience in the horticultural world, shaped by a lifelong curiosity and deep appreciation for plant diversity. He has worked with high-profile nurseries, growers and specialist breeders, contributed to new plant releases and held senior roles in retail, garden centers and landscape supply.
2. Smart lighting
Even if it is for Home security Or aesthetics, well Lighting design A must in every garden – and smart bulbs make it even easier by allowing you to schedule when to turn on and off using your phone or voice.
That’s how smart lighting systems work inside your home,”Smart plug Outdoor lights can connect to devices via Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth, giving you control over when they’re turned on and off or allowing you to change the mood without having to do it yourself,” says John Saeed, managing director. Lighting legends.
To make the most of you garden lighting ideas, Make sure you understand the best Landscape lighting techniques So your smart lighting not only saves you time, but illuminates your garden in the best possible way.
Shop for smart outdoor lighting
These smart-controlled string lights can flash any color of the rainbow and can be set on a schedule.
Highlight your garden’s best features with these app-controlled smart lights by Philips.
Sleek and stylish, these modern up-and-down wall lights can be controlled by your phone or voice.
John Saeed is the co-founder and managing director of Lighting Legends, a UK-based outdoor lighting company selling weatherproof lighting products.
3. Robot lawn mowers
Mowing the lawn isn’t the most glamorous job in the world, which is why more and more people are switching to robotic mowers. These clever devices cut your grass for you, giving you more time to enjoy your space.
We’ve tested a number of them here at Homebuilding & Renovating and they’ve generally been met with approval, making them one of the things most of us consider smart garden must-haves.
“For many households, robotic lawn mowers are a worthwhile investment because they maintain the lawn little and often, encouraging thicker, healthier grass without the need for weekly mowing. PruningMartin Chaplin says.
“Weed clippings are also left behind to break down naturally, returning nutrients to the soil and reducing the need for additional feeding.”
While robotic mowers can be incredibly handy, Martin notes that they “work best in relatively simple gardens with clearly defined lawn areas”.
Lawnmaster L10
4. Smart soil sensor
Often used in conjunction with smart irrigation systems, or drip irrigation system, Soil sensors let you know if the soil is getting too dry or wet enough. They are an especially good investment for valuable plants, assuring you that they are not stressed.
“Many gardeners are surprised to learn that plants are often overwatered rather than submerged, especially in containers or after periods of rain,” notes Martin Chaplin.
So using a soil sensor can help you take the guesswork out of why your plants aren’t thriving, helping you establish if you have problems. Box blightOr if it’s just a case of too much or too little water.
5. Motorized shading
Every garden design needs a shaded area, but sometimes the hassle of folding up and down a clumsy canopy is just too much. The solution? A motorized patio canopy or Awnings, like this one from Amazon.
“Motorized patio umbrellas allow you to easily shade your garden during a heatwave,” says John Saeed. “Instead of struggling to get them up and down, you can just press a button to do it automatically – a much more hassle-free solution.”
Not only are they easier to use than manual parasols, but they also give you more flexibility in how long you keep them open. Other options include: Pergolas with roof which can be opened and closed using power rather than by hand.
Or, if you’re happy to open and close by hand, but are considering upgrading yours Decorating ideas With smart garden furniture pieces that perform multiple roles, this Kettler 3.3m Free Arm with Dual Tilt – Gray Frame / Gray Taupe Canopy from Robert DiasCurrently reduced by £143, offering shade, music and lighting in one.
“Ultimately, smart gardening technology isn’t about replacing the gardener, it’s about making routine maintenance easier,” concludes Martin Chaplin. “By combining smart watering, soil monitoring and automated mowing, homeowners can spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time enjoying their garden.”
For more ideas on making your garden functional, see our guide to creating one Garden design It works all year round, and while smart garden lighting can save you time, make sure you understand Laws on garden lighting Before you start scheduling it.
