Watering systems in greenhouses

[bobleponge]

I seek advice, and couldnt think of a better place to come.
I work away from home 4 weeks at a time, with 4 weeks off. When I am away clearly things will be growing in the greenhouse and I need to keep them watered.
Ideally I would like to use water from the water butts collected next to the greenhouse, already raised up for said purpose.
If money was no object (it is, but just pretend) what would be the best way to ensure I had my treasured plants inside watered adequately.
All suggestions, Heath Robinson or factory made most happily received.
Cheers

[BrideXIII]

I seek advice, and couldnt think of a better place to come.
I work away from home 4 weeks at a time, with 4 weeks off. When I am away clearly things will be growing in the greenhouse and I need to keep them watered.
Ideally I would like to use water from the water butts collected next to the greenhouse, already raised up for said purpose.
If money was no object (it is, but just pretend) what would be the best way to ensure I had my treasured plants inside watered adequately.
All suggestions, Heath Robinson or factory made most happily received.
Cheers

a quick google found this, battery powered and timer too.
Garden Magic - Drip irrigation Starter Kit with digital timer

[sewer rat]

The system Bride describes should be suffiicient but is relaint on there being sufficient fall (and therefore water pressure from the bottom of you butt () to the greenhouse. If there isnot sufficient fall to allow for gravity to force the water through the system, you can buy small electrically powered water pumps especially designed to fit in water butts.

[kentvegplot]

Agree, I used the same idea, with an electric timer attached - just 10 mins a day worked fine this year, with a microbore system to the individual plants/groups of plants.

[bobleponge]

Has anyone used this wonderful looking device, or anything of its ilk? The electric pump is a good idea but not feasible as I turn off the power when I am away from home.
Kentveg, you said you had used the same idea, any pitfalls, possible problems to be aware of?
Thanks again for all help thus far

[Tam]

I think I saw a solar powered pump in a Maplins store.

[darkangel6976]

Hi
What about a water bag system-you fill up a bag (can buy them from most greenfingered stores for about £10-15) and they come with a drip system and all the fittings, you can add extra bags, extra fittiins etc. The sizes of the bags vary too depending on what you're watering.

I think Marshalls sell them but ebay sell them too and I am gettiing one for my greenhouse at my allotment too.

Hope this helps.

[lynda66]

went into wilkies last week, they have drip feed micro pipe watering systems for £6.99 ....... but they had 75% off ....... so i bought the last 3

[bobleponge]

Darkangel, I want to attach it to my water butt as they will be bigger than a bag I would imagine? I am away for 4 weeks at a time, so need to ensure they have water for as long as possible.
Do they run off the water butt Lynda? If so, might have to get my daughter to pop into Wilko's today then.

[rana]

On the water timer question, in the late spring lidl sell a battery powered job for about £13. I bought one 2 years ago and it ihas been an absolute godsend for automatic watering while absent. The batteries last a full season and it is reasonably easy to program with plenty of flexibility. It has standard hose pipe fittings and doesn't leak. Because it runs by controlling a simple valve it will work well on a gravity based water supply.

[bobleponge]

I shall keep my beady eye out. There is a Lidl near me. If anyone sees one going cheap in a shop in a UK chain store, please let me know. Kids living there can have some advantages. Thanks.

[Two_Sheds]

Bob,
I don't know if this is any good, I just wanted to help: Water Butt Dripper Kit HomePage

and a pump & irrigation kit from Amazon £44: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000PBWCTQ

[bobleponge]

Two Sheds
Its that sort of thing, with a battery timer not an electric one, as I turn my power off when I go away.
Thanks for looking though, I reckon the water butt dripper may be the one, and will try and get a battery operated timer from somewhere.

[darkangel6976]

Hi
Both the bag system and the drip system lnda was on about can be attached to a water butt. They sell the drip system just about anywhere but prices vary-B n q, wilkinson's, any garden centre.
I am going to wilkinsons today so will see if they are still selling the drip system as they limit the gardening stuff in winter but still sell some.
Might be going to lidl too so if I do I will check but i didn't see them in the flyer 2 wks ago but you never know.
ps wilkinson's have a website where you can order stuff:
WilkinsonPlus - Whats in store plus more. Home Living, DIY & Decorating. Garden & Outdoor, Cleaning, Household & Pets, Toys, Bikes & Leisure, Special Offers, Health, Beauty & Babycare

Might have found a solution at b n q-you could buy:
B&Q Easy Watering Water Butt Kit-£19.98-has 36 drippers then if you need more buy
On-Line Drippers Super Pack-£14.98
Gardena Water Timer 1830-28 Grey/Orange-this is battery powered. It is half price too now at £25.00
they also do digital garden timers too which are the same price at B n Q.

Hope this helps.

[bobleponge]

Darkangel
I love you!!
Thanks ever so much for your research, very kind.
That is exactly what has been ordered from the wonderful B&Q shop.
Thanks again, should keep my things nice and watered in my absence.