Toro ECXTRA manual Planning Your Watering Schedule, Guidelines for Watering

 Planning Your Watering Schedule

Note: You can use your personal computer and the Toro Scheduling Advisor interactive software to guide you through the complete watering schedule process. When the schedule is ready, simply transfer it to the ECXTRA with the Time Pod–and it’s ready to run.

It is always helpful to plan your watering schedule on paper before beginning the programming steps. You will have a record of your watering schedule and zone locations which can be kept with your ECXTRA after it is installed. If you have an indoor model timer, a watering schedule form is provided on page 20 for you to fill out then remove to keep with the timer. This form is duplicat- ed on a decal located on the inside cover of the outdoor model timer.

Guidelines for Watering

There are several factors to be considered when decid- ing when and how long to water. For example, the soil type (i.e., clay, loam, etc.), the part of the landscape being watered, climate conditions and the type of sprin- klers being used. Because of these variables, we cannot provide an exact schedule to follow, but here are some general watering guidelines to help you get started.

•Water early in the morning, one to two hours before sunrise. You will have the best water pressure at this time and the water can soak into the plant root zone while evaporation is minimal. Watering during mid-day or in the evening may cause plant damage or mildew.

•Watch for signs of under- or over-watering and make program adjustments immediately.

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Filling Out the Watering Schedule Form

When filling out this form, use a pencil so changes can be easily made. After installing the indoor model timer, remove the form and store it in the pocket formed between the mounting bracket and the back of the timer housing. Refer to the example form shown on the oppo- site page and fill out your form in a similar manner with the following information:

•Location - Identify the location of each watering zone and the type of plant being watered.

Note: Enter the following information for each pro- gram. If the program is not needed, leave its informa- tion column blank.

•Watering Day Schedule - For a Calendar schedule, circle day(s) of the week watering is desired. For an Interval schedule circle the desired Interval number. For Odd or Even days, simply mark the appropriate box. If you need to restrict watering on certain days, circle the Exclude day(s).

•Zone Run Time - Indicate the amount of run time

(1 minute to 4 hours) for each zone. Write “Off” for any zone which you do not want to operate in the program.

•Program Start Times - Indicate the time of day to start the program. Each program can have 1 to 4 start times per watering day.

Note: A start time that occurs while a watering

cycle is in progress will be delayed until the current watering cycle is finished. Therefore, when using multiple start times within a program or when using multiple programs, schedule the start times to allow each watering cycle to run completely before the next cycle starts.