Optimize Garden Irrigation with Plant Cold Hardiness Map

Why are Meteorological Data Important for Garden Irrigation?

Creating the most suitable irrigation program for the plants you grow in your garden requires much more than just regular watering. Every region has different climatic characteristics, and every plant has different water needs. At this point, the plant cold hardiness map comes into play.

The Plant Cold and Heat Hardiness Maps prepared by the General Directorate of Meteorology provide scientific data showing which plants can grow in which regions. These maps were created as a result of years of field observations and laboratory studies.

These maps, prepared for Turkey with 1981-2020 data, allow you to base your irrigation strategy on scientific data by showing your region's:

• Average minimum temperature values
• Number of hot days above 30°C
• Plant hardiness zone values

enabling you to base your irrigation strategy on scientific data.

What are Plant Cold Hardiness Zones?

Developed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1965 and becoming a standard worldwide, this system is divided into 13 different plant cold hardiness zones at 10°F (approximately 5.6°C) intervals.

When examining the regions in Turkey:

• Zone 4a: Coldest regions like Ağrı (Average minimum -32°C)
• Zones 9a-9b: Temperate coastal cities like Istanbul and Izmir
• Zone 10b: Hottest regions like Antalya Kaş (Average minimum 3.1°C)

These zone values indicate which plants can survive the winter in that region without problems. For example, a plant with a zone 6-8 value can be easily grown in cities like Kayseri or Balıkesir.

Heat Hardiness Map: Critical for Summer Months

Another factor as important as plant cold hardiness is heat hardiness. Developed by the American Horticultural Society (AHS) in 1997, this system is based on the annual average of days above 30°C.

According to the map prepared for Turkey:

• Zonguldak: Average 4.59 days per year (Zone 2)
• Şanlıurfa Ceylanpınar: Average 155.5 days per year (Zone 10)

These data are of critical importance when determining your irrigation frequency and amount during the summer months. In regions with many hot days, the water needs of plants naturally increase.

Why is Smart Irrigation Necessary?

Traditional irrigation methods are usually based on a fixed schedule: irrigation at the same time every day for the same duration. However, this approach:

• Does not take weather conditions into account
• Irrigates even when it rains
• Does not measure soil moisture
• Does not adapt to seasonal changes
• Causes water waste and increased bills

Modern smart irrigation systems, on the other hand, create a dynamic irrigation program using meteorological data and soil sensors.

Advantages of Esular Smart Irrigation Systems

Esular offers wireless irrigation automation solutions developed by Turkish engineers and used in agriculture, greenhouse, and landscape areas. The main advantages of the system are:

1. Completely Wireless Infrastructure

The biggest challenge of traditional irrigation automation is the cost and hassle of pulling cables. Esular systems:

• Require no cables at all
• Provide long-range wireless communication with LoRaWAN technology
• Operate with solar energy, no electricity costs
• Installation is fast and practical

2. Meteorology Data Integration

Using real-time weather data, the system:

• Automatically cancels irrigation when it rains
• Increases irrigation duration during temperature rises
• Optimizes irrigation time according to wind speed
• Gives warning if there is a frost risk

3. Soil Moisture Sensor Support

Soil moisture sensors offered in professional packages:

• Measure the actual moisture level of the soil
• Irrigate only when necessary
• Prevent over or under irrigation
• Track soil salinity with EC (electrical conductivity) measurement

4. Remote Management and Monitoring

With the mobile application and web interface:

• You can control your system from anywhere in the world
• You receive instant notifications
• You can see irrigation history and water consumption
• You can perform manual interventions

Esular Product Packages and Usage Areas

Esular offers various package options for different needs:

For Small and Medium-Sized Gardens

Smart Valve Series – 1, 2, or 4-outlet valve control units offer ideal solutions for home gardens and small landscape areas. Thanks to its solar-powered, wireless structure, installation is extremely practical.

For Large Areas and Agriculture

Smart Irrigation Basic Package – A comprehensive solution for large gardens and agricultural lands with control for up to 10 valves, pressure sensor, and M2M communication line.

Smart Irrigation Professional Package – Designed for professional users with advanced automation and scenario support, the system can be expanded up to 20 valves.

Pump Station Automation

F Series Pump Control Packages – Control your irrigation pump remotely, and have pressure protection and automatic pump management features.

Greenhouse Climate Control

Greenhouse Climate Packages – Optimize the climate inside the greenhouse with temperature, humidity sensors, and automatic window control.

Meteorology Station: Advanced Monitoring

For professional users and precision agriculture applications, the Agricultural Climate Station provides significant advantages:

• Temperature, pressure, wind speed, and direction measurement
• Humidity and precipitation amount tracking
• Solar radiation measurement
• ETo (evaporation) calculation
• Frost prediction and disease forecasting

These data provide water and energy savings by basing irrigation decisions on scientific foundations.

Benefits to be Provided by Smart Irrigation

Irrigation Planning Using the Plant Cold Hardiness Map

You can optimize your irrigation strategy using the plant cold hardiness maps provided by the General Directorate of Meteorology as follows:

Step 1: Determine Your Region

Learn your region's plant cold and heat hardiness zone values from the MGM website. This shows which plants can grow comfortably in your region.

Step 2: Choose Your Plants

Prefer plants with zone values suitable for your garden. This will require less irrigation and maintenance in the long run.

Step 3: Create Irrigation Program

Prepare an irrigation schedule considering your region's:

• Average precipitation amount
• Number of hot days
• Seasonal changes

considering these factors.

Step 4: Switch to Smart System

Automate and optimize this planning by switching to a smart irrigation system that uses meteorological data, such as Esular.

Who is it Suitable For?

Esular smart irrigation systems are particularly beneficial for the following users:

• Villa and Garden Owners: Those who want to automate the irrigation of large gardens
• Farmers: Those who want to save water and energy in agricultural lands
• Greenhouse Operators: Those who need climate control and automation
• Municipalities: Those who want to optimize the irrigation of parks and green areas
• Golf Courses: Sports facilities requiring precision irrigation
• Landscape Firms: Professionals who want to offer modern solutions to their customers

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can You Find Meteorological Data?

You can use the following resources for plant cold hardiness maps and detailed meteorological data:

• General Directorate of Meteorology: mgm.gov.tr/tarim
• Agricultural Weather Forecast: Specific irrigation advice for your region
• Plant Chilling Requirement: Important information for fruit trees
• Drought Monitoring System: Water resources management

Conclusion: Smart Irrigation with Scientific Data

Modern gardening and agriculture are now based not only on experience but also on scientific data. The plant cold hardiness maps provided by the General Directorate of Meteorology are indispensable guides for correct plant selection and irrigation strategy.

Esular smart irrigation systems combine these scientific data with real-time weather tracking to offer you the most optimal irrigation solution. With its completely wireless structure, solar energy operation, and remote management features, it has become an indispensable part of modern gardening and agriculture.

Considering the advantages it provides in terms of water savings, energy efficiency, and plant health, the investment made in smart irrigation systems is valuable both economically and environmentally.

Contact and Consultancy

To find the most suitable irrigation solution for your garden or agricultural area, to get information about installation, or for technical support:

Information: All information shared in this article is for general informational purposes. Meteorological data are taken from MGM's official sources. Product features and prices may vary. We recommend contacting Esular's authorized dealers or customer service for the solution most suitable for your region and needs.