Automated watering system

[christoff]

I am off on my holidays in a few weeks....
I have 15 chilli plants that will need watering,
what automatic systems have people come up with??
I was thinking of a dustbin filled with water, with some string/rope/straps placed into the chilli pots, would this work?
anything better??
TIA
Chris

[Bren In Pots]

Chris here's an earlier thread you might get some ideas from it.

https://growfruitandveg.co.uk/grapev...way_96193.html

[bikermike]

I've bought one.
they really do make a difference.

As a half-way house, could you put them on capilliary matting and have a timer on a tap to give it a flooding every morning and/or evening?

[christoff]

I have found some old hose, and tubing, and various connectors at work....
I will see what I can mackle together..

[Bren In Pots]

Let us know how you got on Chris.

[christoff]

I managed to mackle this lot up, for very minimal outlay. The timer was from screwfix, and was £13, the rest of the stuff was re-cycled stuff from work. I will set the timer for 1 minute in the morning, and 1 minute in the evening..
It looks a bit messy, but will get tidied up.

[christoff]

Next year, I will use much bigger pots, and double the growing area.. what started out as a gimmicky birthday present, has developed into a full on obsession..

[Bren In Pots]

It looks a bit messy, but will get tidied up.

If it works Chris that's all that really matters

[mrbadexample]

That's a decent timer I reckon. I have one the same. Easy to use and reasonably cheap.

Oh, and once you've set it all up and are ready to go away, don't forget to TURN THE RUDDY TAP ON.

[simplesamen]

This looks great christoff. I'm researching doing something similar on a little plot I just bought, on which I wont be around to water all the time. Can I ask...does this timer and autodripper system run off mains? Or 12volt?

I'm offgrid so will be looking at creating a solar powered (12volt) system, if possibe.

[christoff]

Just got back from my Holidays, and very pleased to say It worked.....

[christoff]

This looks great christoff. I'm researching doing something similar on a little plot I just bought, on which I wont be around to water all the time. Can I ask...does this timer and autodripper system run off mains? Or 12volt?

I'm offgrid so will be looking at creating a solar powered (12volt) system, if possibe.

The timer is battery powered, and is connected to an outside tap

[boatsman]

Galcon make a battery operated timer, two 9v batteries. The unit has 1/2" BSP male and female threads and is fitted on to a garden tap.