Hozelock Micro System

About Hozelock Micro System

The Hozelock Micro System represents a versatile and efficient solution for targeted watering in gardens, greenhouses, patios, and conservatories. This precision irrigation system delivers water directly to the roots of plants through a network of narrow-bore tubing and specialised fittings, making it ideal for hanging baskets, container plants, grow bags, and flower beds. Unlike traditional watering methods, the Micro System minimises water waste whilst ensuring each plant receives exactly the right amount of moisture it needs to thrive.

Designed for both amateur gardeners and professional horticulturists, the system comprises a comprehensive range of components including drippers, spray jets, misters, connectors, and complete watering kits. The modular nature of the Hozelock Micro System allows users to create bespoke irrigation layouts tailored to their specific requirements, whether watering 15 pots on a balcony or maintaining an extensive greenhouse display. Many kits include programmable timers and sensors that automate the watering process, providing reliable plant care even when you're away from home or during busy working periods.

With 37 compatible products available, the Hozelock Micro System offers exceptional flexibility for expansion and customisation. From basic dripper stakes for individual containers to sophisticated adjustable spray jets with 180° or 360° coverage patterns, every component is engineered to work seamlessly together. The system connects easily to outdoor taps via standard Hozelock connectors and runs on low pressure, making it economical to operate whilst delivering professional-grade irrigation performance.

Jargon Buster

Dripper

A controlled water outlet that delivers a slow, steady flow directly to plant roots. Measured in litres per hour (typically 2-4 L/h), drippers prevent waterlogging and ensure deep root penetration.

Micro Bore Tubing

The narrow-diameter supply pipe (typically 4mm or 13mm) that distributes water throughout the system. Its small size allows discreet installation around plants and through tight spaces.

Varijet

An adjustable spray nozzle that allows you to control the water flow pattern and intensity, providing flexibility for different plant types and growth stages.

End Line Fitting

A component designed to be placed at the furthest point of an irrigation run, closing the system or providing final water distribution without requiring additional tubing beyond it.

T-Piece/Elbow Connector

Joining fittings that allow the micro tubing to branch in different directions (T-piece) or change direction at 90° angles (elbow), enabling complex irrigation layouts.

Sensor Timer

An intelligent control unit that monitors soil moisture levels or weather conditions and automatically adjusts watering schedules, preventing over or under-watering.

Who Uses Hozelock Micro System?

• Professional Gardeners and Landscapers – Installing efficient irrigation for client properties and commercial plantings
• Greenhouse Growers and Nurseries – Managing precise watering for large numbers of containerised plants and seedlings
• Market Gardeners and Smallholders – Automating irrigation for polytunnels, raised beds, and vegetable plots
• Garden Centre Staff – Maintaining display plants and stock areas with consistent watering
• Allotment Holders – Reducing time spent hand-watering whilst ensuring plants remain healthy during dry spells
• Homeowners and DIY Gardeners – Caring for patios, balconies, hanging baskets, and container gardens
• Property Maintenance Contractors – Installing low-maintenance watering solutions for rental properties and holiday homes
• Facilities Managers – Managing planters and green spaces around commercial buildings and public areas

How to Choose the Right Hozelock Micro System

Assess Your Watering Needs: Count the number of pots, containers, or planting areas requiring irrigation. Complete starter kits are available for 15, 20, or 25 pots, providing everything needed including timer, tubing, and fittings. For larger installations or custom layouts, individual components can be selected and combined to suit your requirements.

Select the Appropriate Water Distribution Method: Drippers deliver targeted watering directly to individual plant roots, making them ideal for containers and pots. Spray jets and misters provide wider coverage for beds, borders, or groups of plants. Choose adjustable varijets for versatility across different plant types, or fixed-pattern jets (90°, 180°, 360°) for specific coverage areas.

Consider Automation Options: Basic mechanical timers offer simple scheduling with manual override, whilst digital timers provide multiple daily programmes and longer battery life. Sensor timers represent the most sophisticated option, automatically adjusting watering based on soil moisture or rainfall, preventing waste and ensuring optimal plant health.

Plan Your Layout: Sketch your garden or greenhouse, noting tap locations and plant positions. The system works best with supply hose (13mm) forming the main distribution network, with 4mm micro tubing branching to individual plants. Use T-pieces for branches and elbows for direction changes. Ensure adequate connectors, stakes, and blanking plugs are included for a complete installation.

Check Pressure Requirements: The Hozelock Micro System operates efficiently at low water pressure (typically 0.2-4 bar), making it suitable for most domestic water supplies. For properties with high pressure, consider adding a pressure reducer to prevent fitting leaks and ensure optimal dripper performance.

Popular Accessories

• Additional Micro Tubing – Extend your system or replace damaged sections with 4mm and 13mm bore hose
• Extra Drippers and Stakes – Add more watering points as your container collection grows
• Blanking Plugs – Seal unused holes in tubing when reconfiguring layouts
• Filter Units – Protect drippers and jets from blockages caused by sediment in mains water
• Pressure Reducers – Ensure optimal system performance in high-pressure water supply areas
• Hozelock Hose Connectors – Quick-release fittings for easy system connection to outdoor taps
• Tubing Support Clips – Secure hose runs neatly along fence panels, greenhouse frames, or walls
• Replacement Timer Batteries – Maintain automated watering throughout the season
• Water Computer Controllers – Upgrade to advanced multi-zone watering programmes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave the Hozelock Micro System running whilst I'm on holiday?

Yes, this is one of the primary benefits of the system. When fitted with a timer, the Micro System will maintain your watering schedule automatically. Digital and sensor timers offer the most reliability for extended absences, with long battery life and fail-safe features. Ensure you test the system thoroughly before leaving and check that the water supply remains turned on.

How do I prevent the drippers from becoming blocked?

Install a filter unit between your tap and the system to remove sediment and debris from the water supply. Periodically remove and rinse drippers in clean water, particularly if you notice reduced flow. Using mains water rather than collected rainwater reduces the risk of blockages, though filtered rainwater can be used successfully.

Can I expand my existing Micro System kit?

Absolutely. All Hozelock Micro System components are designed to work together, so you can easily add extra pots, change spray patterns, or extend coverage areas. Simply purchase additional tubing, connectors, and water outlets as needed. The modular design allows unlimited customisation and expansion.

What's the difference between 4mm and 13mm tubing?

The 13mm supply hose forms the main distribution network, carrying water from the tap or timer to different areas of your garden. The 4mm micro tubing branches off from the supply hose to deliver water to individual plants via drippers or jets. Most installations use both sizes together for optimal performance.

Will the system work in a greenhouse or conservatory?

Yes, the Hozelock Micro System is ideal for greenhouse use, where it excels at maintaining consistent moisture levels for potted plants, grow bags, and propagation benches. The discrete tubing can be routed around staging and frameworks, whilst automated timers ensure plants receive water even when the greenhouse is closed during hot weather.