watering devices

[notwenty]

hi all

I've been caring for my plot for just over 18 months however my family are demanding a holiday....4 weeks abroad in total!!

A fellow plotholder has kindly agreed to throw on some water when necessary however as for the greenhouse, I'm devoid of any ideas on how to keep plants moist??? Additionally, are there any reputable (and cheap) mechanisms to water the plot during this period of my absence.

thanks for any help in this subject

[Capsid]

I think it is worth investing in a decent timer that fits on the outside tap and then the Gardena drip system which only needs to be a length of tubing and the required number of drip heads. I recommend Gardena as they are qood quality and will last you many years.

[Sanjo]

I'd go with Capsid Notwenty. Is the greenhouse on your plot or at home? Reason I ask is because the timers aren't cheap and can easily go "walkabout". I have used timers for holiday watering for many years.
I have a complete watering system in the front garden which takes care of all my flowers. I spend a lot of time, effort and money on my bedding plants and have more out the front than the back so watering when I am away is important.

The reason I went in for it in the first place was because my then next door neighbour agreed to water all my plants, including the hanging baskets, as a thank you for all the help I had given him and his family. It turned out to be a very hot summer and when we got home I couldn't save a single thing. He hadn't done any of it and admitted that he had forgotten . So never again!

I have tinkered with various systems over the last few years but nothing comes close to rigging up a proper automatic system. It takes time (and money) but once up and running, it's one less worry. I even managed to hang on to my cucumbers last year in the greenhouse by feeding an off shoot from the system in through the greenhouse roof and down onto the tubs. I don't abuse it by using it too much if I am at home, I use what's in the butt. It is, however, a boon for peace of mind when away.