skip to main content

Container Gardening

How to protect a timer from the elements?

17 years ago

Just a request for a practical solution here if anyone can think of something.

I set my container plants' drip system on a timer today, and the way the system is set up, the timer is in the bright sunlight, heat, and even rain when we should be so blessed. I can't move it to where the faucet comes out of the house -- our part of the hose is on a Y adapter because we share with a neighbor. Therefore, I need to protect the timer with something right where it is.

The timer is located just before the "T" that sends my drip system two ways, left and right.

Anyone have any ideas about covering it so it will stay relatively cool and shaded?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

utsharpie
17 years ago
put an inverted bucket over it
andy_e
17 years ago
How about aluminum foil...it is tough, doesn't rot, reflects light/heat, and can be molded around the timer so it stays on. I would use it with the dull side out though so you don't accidentally get reflections that burn your plants.
Related Discussions
Protecting roses (fortuniana) from freeze
Q
Comments (4)
It depends on where the grafts on your roses are. If they are up in the air (the way some recommend), you may have a problem. Re you other plants: Gingers will come back from the roots, as will philodendrums and angel trumpets (this from experiences in NOLA when temps got that low and froze pipes. We kept our tree fern alive by wrapping it with incandescent Christmas lights and then with plastic. You will probably lose your Meyer Lemon because it's grafted and coming back from the roots .....you know the rest.
...See More
Let's See How the First Timers Did!
Q
Comments (5)
My first try at winter sowing was somewhat of a disappointment, as the weather warmed a seeds started sprouting, I moved all my pots to a portable greenhouse. In a nasty wind storm everything came toppling down. I had piles of pots and soil everywere, I tried to save what I could, the lavetera, lupine, sweet pea, and hollyhocks are all that survived out of about 40 different kinds of seed. I took it as a lesson learned, my plants could have been in there, I staked it down after the storm and we had some windy days after that but my plants survived the move outdoors to the greenhouse. This year the stakes go in first. Janet
...See More
Landscape Lighting- Indoor Timer ok if protected?
Q
Comments (1)
I have no experience with that timer. Outside experiences more extreme temperature changes and more changes in humidity. If the enclosure is in direct sunlight, the temperature changes are more extreme and occur more rapidly. When it cools, condensation will occur. I would not consider that timer suitable for that installation.
...See More
I finished painting my table.. but how do I protect it?
Q
Comments (6)
You should not need to poly your paint in order for it to be "protected". The proper prep job will determine if you have issues with it chipping, and water spots shouldn't occur on fully cured paint. If the prep didn't include TSP, sanding, priming with an alkyd primer, and two top coats, then you will have issues with the finish regardless of if you apply poly. In fact, applying poly could accelerate the issues. Wait a week for the paint to be fully cured, and it should withstand normal wear just fine if you used a quality paint.
...See More
username_5
17 years ago
I don't know what they cost, but there are plastic units made for protecting timers out in the elements. A homemade version just requires some creativity.

A common system is to bury it inside a waterproof box with a lid/cover. The top of the box should be a little above grade so water runoff doesn't flood it. To use, just open the top. This arrangement allows for easy mowing of the lawn if there is a lawn in the area.
anney
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks, all. I ended up constructing a styrofoam sort-of box out of meat cartons for it, taped together, open where the hose enters the timer and open on both sides where the drip system "T"s. It was okay during the downpour we had yesterday, though I used duct tape and it gets gummy and doesn't stick to the hose long when wet. I think wide plastic packing tape would work better.

Andy, I may take your suggestion and cover the styrofoam with aluminum foil to help reflect the heat/light.

Related Stories

Protected from the Elements: Great Cozy Spaces

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Plan for Summer: Protect Your Family With a Safe Pool

By Melissa Alvarado Sierra

Fencing, presence detectors and non-slip materials help keep your pool area accident-free

ARCHITECTURE Architectural Elements of a Perfect Coastal Florida Home

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Embrace the outdoors while protecting your home from storms with these design ideas from a Floridian architect

GARDENING GUIDES Protect a Precious Resource With a Rain Garden

By Bruce Parker

Promote pure water and a beautiful landscape with a garden design that makes the most of the rain

REMODELING GUIDES 5 Ways to Protect Yourself When Buying a Fixer-Upper

By Christine Tusher

Hidden hazards can derail your dream of scoring a great deal. Before you plunk down any cash, sit down with this

ENTRYWAYS Glass Doors That Welcome — and Protect Your Privacy Too

These front-door designs let in the light but keep your air-guitar performances safely in-house

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY 5 Essential Elements of a Storm Evacuation Plan

By Lisa Frederick

Be ready to make a quick getaway from a storm with these tips for packing up, planning and protecting your home while you're away

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING How to Screen a Seaside Garden From the Wind

By Falon Mihalic

Lucky enough to live by the coast? Here’s how to protect your garden and deck from the harsh sea breezes

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Elements of Modernist Landscapes, Classic and New

By June Scott Design

Can a garden be modernist without the lawn and glass-walled views from indoors? See which midcentury principles still work for today

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 8 Elements of Mediterranean Garden Style

By June Scott Design

Opt for olives and take up with tile. Mild-climate gardens everywhere can benefit from the features of their Mediterranean cousins

Sponsored

More Discussions

Yellow leaves: to remove or not?

5

Combine 5-1-1 And Gritty Mix?

3

How to prune dracaena

0

Gashed caused on ponytail palm. Is it a goner?

9

Needed plant for sun/shade deck

6