Advice re growing veg in "Self watering containers"

[veggiechicken]

Perhaps we could go back to basics here - before we go down the peat v non-peat discussion again.
If you tell us what you want to grow and how much time you can give it - as I assume your problem is that you don't have enough time to water your containers - then we may be able to suggest alternatives for you to consider.

[Penellype]

I'm having a play with self watering containers this year having had issues last year with spinach bolting after getting too dry and tomato plants having rotten roots after being too wet. I'm trying 2 sorts:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garland-Self.../dp/B001D1ITRG for the tomatoes indoors
and Chilligrow Grow Your Own Chilli Planter for some of the tomatoes and cucumbers outdoors as well as Vegetable & Salad Planters - Perfect for Balconies & Patios for the spinach.
These are not cheap (I asked for some of them for Christmas presents) so I am hoping that they live up to their billing.

It is too soon to say how they perform, but they certainly take the anxiety out of having to water frequently when it is sunny.

The instructions for the Quadgrow type planters say use ordinary MPC, so I'm using Westland MPC for the spinach and Westland Tomato Gro-bag compost for the tomatoes.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I have just realised I have told a fib

I do use a form of self watering containers in the form of troughs with a reservoir built in the bottom. I have had them that long I tend to forget I have them. Not good enough for everything but do a good job on strawberries and salad crops.