Hand Watering and Irrigation System Costs
Because the cost of hand watering is hidden within the wage bill, many people do not appreciate how much it costs to hand water garden centres and nursery stock.
How much does it cost to hand water your environment?
If you pay your staff £10 per hour, and it takes a single person 6 hours a day to water in the hottest 4 months of the year, and 2 hours a day for the other 4 months of the season then the annual cost of hand watering is a massive £11,500.
Over 3 years, the cost of a single person hand watering would be £35,000.
Investing in the future
The cost of an automated irrigation system would probably be less than half this amount, giving a payback period of less than 18 months. In fact many customers pay for their systems in just one season. In addition, the entire capital cost of the garden centre can be claimed back from the taxman in the form of capital allowances.
How do irrigation systems save time and money compared to hand watering?
Irrigation systems offer several advantages over hand watering, resulting in time and cost savings in the long run. Here are a few ways irrigation systems excel:
- Automation: Irrigation systems can be programmed to water your plants at specific times, ensuring consistent and precise watering without manual intervention. This saves time spent on regular watering tasks.
- Efficiency: Irrigation systems deliver water directly to the roots, minimising water waste due to evaporation or runoff. This efficient water usage reduces water bills and saves money in the long term.
- Scalability: Irrigation systems can cover large areas simultaneously, providing efficient watering for extensive landscapes or agricultural fields. This saves time compared to manually watering each plant or area separately.
- Consistency: Irrigation systems deliver a consistent amount of water to plants, promoting healthy growth and reducing the risk of over or under-watering. This helps maintain plant health, reducing the need for replacements or extra care.
- Flexibility: Modern irrigation systems can be equipped with sensors and timers, adjusting watering schedules based on weather conditions and plant needs. This flexibility ensures optimal water usage and saves money by avoiding unnecessary watering.
Overall, the time saved from manual watering and the cost savings in terms of water efficiency and plant health make irrigation systems a wise long-term investment compared to hand watering.
