Trees in pots when you're on holiday...

[dinah gale]

I have to leave my peach tree while I go away for a fortnight in June. It's in a pot and the neighbour who would normally help care for gardeny things whilst I'm away won't be available.

Does anyone have a cunning idea for watering when they go away?
There is the promise of a lovely crop and it would be a crying shame to lose all those lovely peaches.

I normally try to avoid leaving things for too long at this time of the year. Could just hope for some rain during that time but the stuff rarely comes down when you need it!

[WrexTheDragon]

I cover the pot with black plastic after it has been watered.

I use old black that I got for refuge before we got the dreaded wheelie bin.

Open the bag and put the pot into it, then use a tie to close the bag around the trunk. A few holes in the bag so if it rains, it goes into the soil.

This method works for me.

[lotthedrinkeroftea]

I'd use a pot of water and a wick method. a pot of water and some absorbant rope or cloth running between the two so that as the tree dries out the water is drawn up through the cloth, from the waterpot.

[starloc]

I have an electric timer from ebay, linked to a sprinkler hosepipe, the timer can be set to water 4 different zones for variable times when you want it.

The multi zone ones are from ebay italy or usa , but you can get one to do one hose from this country

NEW ELECTRICAL WATER TIMER DIGITAL LCD IRRIGATION HOSE on eBay, also Watering Equipment, Hand Tools Equipment, Garden Plants, Home Garden (end time 12-Jun-09 20:40:53 BST)

[dinah gale]

So all is not lost!

Thanks all of you for useful suggestions. It's so good to be able to pick one anothers' brains around here.