Watering baskets and pots is a daily task, especially if it is very hot. However, what happens when you go away? Below are some suggestions to keep your plants alive whilst you are on the beach.
Irrigation systems with drippers are great if you go away frequently. It connects to your tap with a timer so the water comes on automatically every day for the amount of time set. The main pipe then takes the water around the garden with smaller pipes off to the pots.
Although it takes a while to set it up initially once done the main pipes can be left in place permanently. The only bit that will need taking inside in the winter is the timer part. More of an up-front cost but it will last for years.
Kits are made by various companies including Hozelock and Gardena. Google micro-drip irrigation systems to source. Make sure whatever kit you buy includes the timer.
Plant watering spikes or bulbs. These hold a reservoir of water which is then slowly released into the soil. An inexpensive solution if you only have a few pots and don’t often go away. There are lots on both Amazon and Ebay amongst other suppliers.
Bottle-top waterers. These turn your empty plastic bottles into plant watering spikes. You just fill the bottle with water, screw one of these onto the top and invert into the pot! As above Amazon and Ebay are a good source. The bottles might not be glamorous but they do the job.
Capillary matting. This is special material that is able to hold water and has wicking properties. You put a layer in a grow-bag tray, or similar container, wet it and then stand the pots to be watered on top. Then a strip of the capillary matting goes from the tray (making sure it is in contact with the matting in the bottom of the tray) into a bucket of water to draw up more water as the plants need it. Great for watering a greenhouse or indoor plants whilst you are away.
Hopefully these will help and you won’t come back from your holidays to dried up plants!
