Sprinkler controllers

At least as many as the valve wires on your current controller's zone terminals; the common wire doesn't count. A spare zone or two makes it easy to add a bed later.

Not for scheduling on the models here. Rachio sells some extras as one-time add-ons, and Hunter's Hydrawise app has a free Home plan plus a paid plan for extra alerts and longer reports. We found no paid plan for the Orbit or Rain Bird apps.

Rachio says its controller keeps running the stored schedule offline, though weather skips and app control stop until it reconnects. Check each maker's offline notes before you buy.

The EPA certifies weather-based and soil-moisture controllers that adjust watering to conditions. Many utilities offer rebates on labeled models; the EPA's rebate finder and your utility list what qualifies.

Weather-based skipping covers much of what a rain sensor does, but a sensor reacts to rain that actually fell on your yard, and some places require one on automatic systems. Most controllers here have a sensor input.

Once the pipes are drained or blown out, set it to off, rain or hibernation mode as its manual says. Colorado State University Extension suggests leaving it plugged in.