FAQ/Contact

The H₂Ortigator Pod is a clever, watering system that uses ultra low irrigation rates to continuously water the soil over extended periods of time. The output closely matches your plants' needs. It uses a smart combination of gravity, sun-driven pressure, and clever valves that manage both pressure and vacuum to give your plants just the right amount of water with minimal effort from you.
Its designed for home gardens, raised beds, individual plants, and especially for successful tree establishment. It uses a unique "little and often" watering approach to ensure consistent soil moisture, prevent runoff, and conserve water.

Here's how this system works:

• Gravity does the main job: Just like a watering can, the gravity of the water inside the Pod is the primary force gently pushing water out to your plants.
• Sunlight boosts the flow: Because the Pod is black and sealed, it soaks up sunlight. As the water inside warms up, it creates vapor pressure—think of it like a very gentle, continuous steam build-up. This extra pressure acts as a booster, increasing the water flow when your plants are thirstiest on hot, sunny days (what we call evapotranspiration).
• Smart Valve Control & Self-Cleaning: Our unique valve system isn't just for show—it does two super important jobs:
• It carefully manages the air coming into the Pod and can even create a slight vacuum when it's cooler. This helps slow the flow down, for example at night when plants arent using as much water.

Even better, when you refill the Pod using a pressurised water source, the clever design of the valves combine to activate an emitter self-cleaning function. This ingenious feature means your Pod will keep working reliably for long periods, so you don't have to perform much maintenance on the unit.

Check out our page here that sums it up nicely.
Unlike traditional watering methods that deliver larger amounts of water infrequently, the H₂Ortigator Pod releases small, precise amounts of water frequently or continuously throughout the day. This keeps the soil consistently moist, encourages deeper root growth, reduces evaporation, and prevents waterlogging and runoff. The rate is so low that soil never becomes saturated.

Your H₂Ortigator Pod intelligently waters your plants, adjusting based on their needs.
These rates are the maximums the units can release, ensuring precise watering without waste.

• Low Rate Emitter: Averages 0.15 liters per hour (L/hr), peaking at 0.30 L/hr. It delivers 3.6 liters per day (25.2 L/week). A single fill of the pod will last about 2 days. This is ideal for first-season tree establishment.
  
• High Rate Emitter: Averages 0.30 L/hr, peaking at 0.40 L/hr. It delivers 7.2 liters per day (50.4 L/week). A single fill of the pod will last about 1 day. This higher rate is perfect for second-season and older tree establishment.

This can be further extended by using the large/multi tree expansion kit.

These smart, adaptable rates provide precise, automatic hydration for healthy tree growth.

The H₂Ortigator Pod is highly versatile! It's perfect for:

• Newly planted trees, vines and shrubs (its primary focus)
• Vegetable gardens
• Raised beds
• Container plants
• Flower beds
• Small to medium gardens

While your H₂Ortigator Pod is designed for minimal fuss thanks to its self-cleaning feature, a little occasional care will ensure it performs perfectly for years to come.

Here's a simple maintenance guide:

Emitter Filter Cleaning (Every 3 Months, or if Flow Reduces):

• If you notice the water flow from your emitter slowing down, it might be time to check the filter.
• Simply unscrew the emitter unit from the bottom of the Pod base.
• Inside, you'll see a small filter that pushes in and will easily slide out.
• Clean this filter under warm water, and if needed, gently scrub away any stubborn debris with an old toothbrush.
• Pop the clean filter back in, and screw the emitter unit back onto the Pod base.

Top Filter & Control Valve Check (Every 3 Months):

• The Pod also has a filter and control valve at the top.
• Unscrew the hose connection or the 4mm barb connection from the Pod's cap.
• Carefully check the small plastic control valve for any debris or contamination.
• If your water source has a lot of sediment, you might consider adding an additional water filter to your hose connection to reduce how often you need to clean these parts.

External Cleaning & UV Protection (Annually or When Moving Units):

• Your Pods are made with maximum UV protection in the plastic to help them last in the strong New Zealand sun, but like anything outdoors, they might fade a bit over time.
• We suggest giving your Pods a good clean with soapy water (using a mild detergent) once a year, or whenever you move them to a new spot. This keeps them looking good and helps maintain their surface.

By following these simple steps, your H₂Ortigator Pods will continue to provide efficient, reliable watering for your garden, season after season!