The watering cone is a useful self-watering system that allows you to automatically water your plants when you're away. But how does watering with the cone work and what should you look out for when buying one? Find out here!
Irrigation cones are practical and decorative
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Blumat Classic watering system, 3 pcs.
11.35 EUR To the product| material | clay cone/plastic |
|---|---|
| functionality | with hose and container |
| capacity | flexible |
| delivery amount | flexible |
| number of cones | 3 |
The Blumat Classic Irrigation System (€32.95) made in Austria is literally the classic among the irrigation cones. There is one reason above all that this product is generally very popular: The self-watering system is designed in such a way that the plants practically draw the water they need from the clay cone themselves at any given moment. Almost all Blumat Classic users praise the easy commissioning and the impressive functionality. The plants should do much better with the irrigation system. So you can go on holiday with peace of mind!
our recommendation
Bio Green Plant Watering Wine Clay Cone, terracotta/green - for wine bottles
16.29 EUR To the product| material | clay cone |
|---|---|
| functionality | with wine bottle |
| capacity | 0.75L |
| delivery amount | about 75 ml per day |
| number of cones | 4 |
The Bio Green set includes four high-quality clay cones. To use one of the cones to water your plants, all you have to do is place it on a wine bottle with a maximum capacity of 0.75 liters. Before that, you need to fill the bottle with water. Finally, simply stick the whole system upside down into the ground - i.e. with the tip of the cone first. The manufacturer states that your plants will be watered for about ten days. Above all, reviewers praise the simple handling, the good functionality and the absence of plastic.
our recommendation
Relaxdays clay watering cones, set of 4, watering aid for plants, for 1.5 L bottles, HxD: 11.5 x 4.5 cm, terracotta
EUR 12.90 To the product| material | clay cone |
|---|---|
| functionality | with PET bottle |
| capacity | 1.5L |
| delivery amount | about 300 ml per day |
| number of cones | 4 |
The majority of reviewers on Amazon are enthusiastic about the clay cones from the German brand Relaxdays. They should work great and fulfill their purpose absolutely. Some of the users use the watering cones made of first-class ceramics regularly, not just when they are on vacation. Incidentally, for daily use it should be completely sufficient to just fill the clay cone with water. As with the other two recommendations, the price-performance ratio also seems to be absolutely right here.
Purchase Criteria
material
Irrigation cones are commonly made of either clay or plastic. There is a lot to be said for choosing a clay cone. Experience has shown that a clay cone releases the water more reliably to the substrate. The irrigation water easily seeps through the porous material. Plastic cones feature a drainage hole to allow water to pass through. Depending on the size of the hole, the water flows faster or slower and more or less extensively into the earth.
functionality
With reservoir and hose: The cone is connected to a reservoir via a hose. The water from the water dispenser enters the cone and further into the substrate through the hose. To be preferred if you will be away from home for a long time and therefore a larger water supply is required.
With PET/glass bottle: A filled PET or glass bottle is coupled to the cone. This system is less stable and often comes with a lower capacity.
handling
The method of screwing the cone onto a PET or glass bottle is clearly the more difficult one - not in terms of pure implementation, but in terms of general functionality. In principle, nothing can go wrong with an external water dispenser; on the other hand, with the cone-bottle combination there is always the danger that the bottle will tip over and the water will then run out unhindered through the air hole. If you choose this system, use smaller or not overly full bottles.
capacity
Specifically, capacity is how much water you can put in the container. Rely on the variant with storage container and hose, enjoy absolute flexibility here. In the case of the irrigation system with a water bottle, on the other hand, you have to pay attention to what the irrigation cone can withstand at most. As a rule, there is no longer sufficient stability with more than 1.5 liters. Consider the information provided by the cone manufacturer.
delivery amount
It describes the approximate amount of water that the cone directs into the ground per day. There is no general recommendation, because the right amount depends on the water needs of your plants. The following applies: The thirstier your plants are, the more water the irrigation cone should allow to flow into the substrate every day. Some manufacturers indicate how many days the full water tank is sufficient for instead of the amount dispensed per day.
Set Scope
Most irrigation cones are not offered individually, but as a set with several specimens. This has two advantages: You can stock up and save money at the same time. Because normally the unit price per cone is lower, the more pieces are included in the set. This purchase criterion also makes it easy for you to make a comparison between the products and ultimately order the most lucrative item.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is an irrigation cone?
The so-called irrigation cone is an automatic but not electric irrigation system. As the name suggests, a cone-shaped element is used to release irrigation water into the ground without the gardener having to do anything. To do this, insert the cone into the substrate. An external source supplies it with water, which continuously seeps into the ground.
How do I apply an irrigation cone?
There are several variations of the cone irrigation system. However, the basic principle always remains the same: the gardener inserts the irrigation cone into the ground and connects it to an external container. He fills this container with water. The cone then takes over - it gradually directs the water into the substrate.
Which brands offer good irrigation cones?
Blumat and Aquasolo are the best-known and most popular brands for high-quality irrigation cones. In addition, however, there are also other more or less well-known manufacturers of practical irrigation systems. These include, for example, Relaxdays, Bio Green and Scheurich, with Scheurich's designs being particularly creative and ideal for a household with children.
our recommendation
Scheurich Bördy M, Waterreserve water dispenser made of plastic and clay cone, Green, 20 cm high, 0.22 l vol.
4.99 EUR To the productWhere is the best place to buy an irrigation cone?
You can buy high-quality watering cones in any well-stocked hardware store or garden center, such as OBI, hagebaumarkt, toom, Hornbach, Bauhaus or Dehner. You may also find what you are looking for in the garden department of a large supermarket, seasonally maybe even in discounters (Lidl, Aldi). However, Amazon usually offers you the most diverse selection.
How much does an irrigation cone cost?
Irrigation cones are among the simplest and cheapest solutions within automatic irrigation systems. For a solid single cone with a container, you can get it for around five euros. Most irrigation cones are sold in convenient kits that typically cost you between $10 and $30 depending on the manufacturer and the number of cones included.
Can I build an irrigation cone myself?
Strictly speaking, an irrigation cone itself acts as a utensil for powerful DIY irrigation. If you have manual skills and also own a kiln, you can also make the cone yourself. All you need is clay, which you shape into a hollow cone and then fire in the kiln.
equipment
water tank
For the irrigation system with a clay cone and hose, you can basically use any bowl from your household as a water container. Perhaps you would like to buy an extra bowl for this purpose, which on the one hand has a relatively large capacity and on the other hand looks wonderful with your plants.
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