How to easily winterise your garden pump
Before the temperatures drop permanently, it is worth taking a closer look at the pump technology installed outdoors. Many owners ask themselves whether water-bearing components should generally be drained or whether certain models require a special procedure. Basically, this depends on the frost-free positioning and the design, which is why a careful check is crucial to ensure safe operation in spring.
In order to winterise a garden pump, it is particularly important to completely remove any residual water from the pipes, pump housing and suction nozzle. Frost leads to expansion even with a small amount of liquid, which can cause fine hairline cracks or serious damage to the housing. It is therefore advisable to switch off the system early, drain it properly and then store it in a dry place. Many models can be opened in a few simple steps, which makes draining easy and protects the pump permanently.
You should also clean the hoses and filter inserts thoroughly. Deposits and residues can harden over the winter and lead to a loss of performance during subsequent operation. Careful cleaning ensures that your technology starts without delay the next time it is used and that the maximum flow rate is achieved. If you also check all seals, you can recognise potential leaks at an early stage and rectify them before the start of the new season.
Summary
- Disconnect from the power supply
- Drain the water completely
- Disconnect or remove hoses if necessary
- Clean the pump
- Check and maintain seals
- Store the pump in a frost-free, raised and dry place
Types of cistern and garden pumps and their special features
The AspriPlus suction and pressure pump works above ground and is particularly suitable for installations where rainwater needs to be reliably drawn from a cistern or tank and transferred at a constant pressure. It is characterised by a robust design that enables stable pumping.
The Multigo submersible pressure pump is operated directly in the water and, with its compact design, delivers a high pumping capacity even from greater depths or distances. It is optimised for use in cisterns and remains particularly quiet thanks to its positioning in the water. As it is fully submerged, it is generally suitable for winter operation at frost-free depths. It can remain in use in the cistern as long as the pressure hoses are also protected from frost.
The Provedo submersible feed pump is suitable for demanding applications where a constant supply from rainwater cisterns is required. Installation below the frost line means that the pump remains well protected, which supports long-term operation and at the same time ensures a stable supply.
The Beta submersible garden pump is designed for typical garden applications. With its integrated control system, it impresses with its reliable pumping of rainwater. It can be flexibly integrated into existing systems, allowing different irrigation concepts to be realised. As it sits in the water, it benefits from the insulating effect of the cistern, which protects the sensitive components from extreme outside temperatures and ensures operational reliability even in cold months.
Sustainable and inexpensive DIY ideas
There are many creative ways to water raised beds efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way without having to purchase expensive systems. Simple do-it-yourself solutions offer a good alternative, especially for hobby gardeners who value sustainability.
Here are some tried and tested ideas that are easy to implement:
- Build your own watering system using PET bottles: Drill holes in the lid, stick the bottle upside down in the soil, the water is slowly released.
- Clay cone with water bottle: Stick the clay cone into the soil and place a filled water bottle upside down on top. The clay slowly draws the water out of the bottle and releases it evenly into the soil.
- Moisture reservoir for plants: Combine your raised bed with plants that retain water in the soil, such as Marigolds or clover.
- Recycle old hoses: Drill small holes in an old garden hose and place it between the plants in the raised bed. Connect the hose to the water source to create a simple drip irrigation system that delivers water evenly and sparingly directly to the roots.
- Rainwater utilisation: A rainwater barrel with hose system combines a sustainable water supply with raised beds.
- Do-it-yourself ollas: Use self-made clay jugs or clay pots as underground water reservoirs. To do this, bury the containers in the raised bed up to the edge and fill them with water. They release the water slowly and evenly into the soil through the porous walls.
These sustainable DIY methods save water, reduce costs and promote environmentally conscious garden maintenance. In combination with the high-quality solutions from WISY, efficiency can be further increased for healthy plant growth and resource-saving irrigation in your own garden.
How much water does a raised bed need?
The water requirement of a raised bed depends heavily on the plants growing in it and the composition of the soil. While herbs often manage with little moisture, vegetables such as tomatoes or cucumbers require significantly more water. The type of soil also plays an important role. Sandy soil dries out more quickly, while humus-rich soil retains water for longer. A good rule of thumb is 10 to 20 litres of water per square metre, depending on the weather and plant type. With a well-designed raised bed irrigation system, the amount of water can be adjusted and controlled efficiently.
To avoid waterlogging and evaporation losses, deep watering is recommended instead of surface watering. This strengthens the roots and retains moisture in the soil for longer. A raised bed with a water reservoir is particularly practical here, as it releases moisture continuously and ensures an even supply. Checking the soil moisture, for example with a finger test or a moisture meter, also helps to determine the ideal watering time. Watering regularly and thoroughly ensures strong plants and uses water sustainably.
Save water and protect the environment
If you want to water your garden sustainably, you should use rainwater instead of tap water. This natural resource can be used efficiently with a rainwater barrel or tank, ideal for anyone who wants to build their own raised bed irrigation system and be environmentally friendly in the process. Mulching with leaves or straw also helps to reduce evaporation and retain moisture in the soil. The choice of plants also plays an important role. Species with low water requirements, such as Mediterranean herbs or drought-resistant flowers, help to reduce water consumption.
Smart systems with sensor control, for example connected to a drip irrigation system with a hose, are ideal for using water in a targeted manner. This technology delivers the water directly to the roots and prevents unnecessary losses due to evaporation or overwatering. Enriching the raised bed with additional materials such as coconut fibres improves the soil's storage capacity and ensures an even supply of moisture. This makes it possible to provide the plants with optimum care, conserve valuable resources and at the same time make an important contribution to environmental protection, in line with WISY's sustainable solutions.
Avoid common problems and mistakes
A common problem when watering raised beds is that they are watered too frequently. However, too much water can favour root rot. The right balance is crucial. Equally problematic is an uneven water supply, which can cause growth problems or crop failure. An even distribution of moisture is crucial in order to create stable growing conditions and provide the plants with an optimum supply.
The timing of watering also plays a major role. If you water in the midday sun, you run the risk of a large proportion of the water evaporating before it can even penetrate the soil. Instead, watering should take place in the early morning or late evening hours. Furthermore, not all systems are suitable for raised beds: Lawn sprinklers, for example, usually only moisten the leaves, wasting water and promoting fungal diseases. Watering cones or drip systems that channel the water directly to the roots are much more efficient.
Another point that is often underestimated is the correct raised bed irrigation and drainage. Raised beds without sufficient water storage or a drainage layer dry out much more quickly, which can be particularly problematic in hot summer months. Regular monitoring of soil moisture helps to avoid over- or undersupply. With suitable WISY solutions for rainwater harvesting and clever irrigation techniques, raised bed maintenance can be optimised in the long term and the risk of typical mistakes significantly reduced.