Posted on June 6, 2025 by Van Becelaere Greenhouse

For Van Becelaere Greenhouse customers in Pittsburg, Kansas, keeping your garden vibrant and healthy is a top priority. Whether you’re a novice home gardener or a seasoned green thumb, advances in smart technology now make it easier than ever to water your plants efficiently.

Smart irrigation systems and soil sensors are transforming the way we care for our landscapes, saving water, money, and time while promoting plant health. Here’s how these innovations can make a difference in your garden.

What Are Smart Irrigation Systems?

Intelligent irrigation systems utilize technology to automatically adjust watering schedules based on real-time data, including soil moisture, weather conditions, and plant requirements. Unlike traditional irrigation systems that run at fixed timers, smart systems deliver water only when your garden actually needs it, preventing waste and ensuring optimal plant growth.

How Soil Sensors Work

Soil moisture sensors are key components of many smart irrigation systems. These devices, when placed at the root zone of your garden beds or lawn, continuously measure the soil’s moisture content. When the soil is sufficiently wet, the system will delay or skip watering, and when the soil dries out, it will resume irrigation as needed.

Key benefits of soil sensors:

• Prevents overwatering and underwatering
• Tailors watering to specific plant and soil needs
• Reduces water waste by at least 20%
• Can be retrofitted to existing irrigation systems
• It takes the guesswork out of when to water

Why Upgrade to Smart Irrigation?

Traditional irrigation systems often water on a set schedule, regardless of rainfall or temperature changes. That can lead to wasted water, higher utility bills, and stressed plants. Smart irrigation systems, on the other hand, use weather data and soil sensors to water only when necessary, making them both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Advantages of intelligent irrigation systems:

• Save water by irrigating only when needed.
• Lower water bills and reduce runoff.
• Promote healthier root systems and plant growth.
• Minimize soil erosion and nutrient loss.
• Offer remote control monitoring via smartphone apps.

Easy Integration for Home Gardeners

Many innovative irrigation systems and soil sensors are easy to install and use. You can add soil moisture sensors to your existing irrigation system or invest in a complete smart system with weather-based controllers and app connectivity. These systems are suitable for any garden size and can be custom-fitted to any landscape.

Simple steps to get started:

• Assess your current irrigation setup.
• Select a smart controller or soil moisture sensor that is compatible with your system.
• Install sensors in key garden areas.
• Program your system according to the specific needs of your plant and soil.
• Monitor and adjust as needed for seasonal changes.

Sustainable Gardening for Pittsburg, Kansas

Water conservation is more important than ever, particularly in regions where drought and water scarcity are prevalent concerns. By adopting innovative irrigation systems and soil sensors, Pittsburg gardeners can contribute to sustainable water management while enjoying lush, thriving landscapes.

Here’s why it matters:

• Outdoor watering accounts for nearly 9 billion gallons of water daily in the U.S., with up to half of it wasted due to inefficient irrigation.
• Smart irrigation can save millions of gallons annually nationwide.
• Improved soil health and reduced environmental impact.
• Supports local efforts to conserve resources and protect the environment.

Upgrade your garden with smart irrigation systems and soil sensors today, and enjoy a more efficient, sustainable, and beautiful landscape all season long.