Just A Random Tip

I've just been browsing through some gardening blogs on google and I read quite a random tip that seems to be quite a good idea.

Instead of watering, use ice cubes, the water drains slower preventing over watering apparently!

Obviously this should only be used within the boundaries of practicality, no rushing up and down allotments with massive bin bags full of cubes, but for smaller plants or container growing it seems to be quite a good idea!

 

uummm... this idea needs thinking about
robert

 

I think I might give it a go with one of my indoor plants before I go ice cube crazy (I do need them for evening drinks too of course )

I always get excited about random things I read on websites :D

 

Someone told me about that before .... good for hanging baskets apparently. Have never tried it though!

 

I shudder at the cost of electricity / environment ... small pot with a bit f fabric in the bottom would do just the same job, wouldn't it?

 

I`ve heard of that before with hanging baskets where water runs away the cubes melt slowly so no waste

 

"I shudder at the cost of electricity / environment "

If you had to make a provision for it, yes. But if you have a freezer that's not full ? One of the things that I always have trouble with, is watering (baskets). The compost always seems to glaze over, and the water just runs over the top and down the sides. At least doing it this way the water has a chance to soak in, doesn't it ?
Cheers...freddy.

 

I might try it with house plants. I have too many in pots outside to even consider using that method there, and certainly not enough space in the freezer!

 

"But if you have a freezer that's not full ?"

You may up the efficiency of the freezer by keeping it full of ice cubes (interesting idea!) but every time you take an ice cube out, and put a unit of water to be frozen in its place, you are using energy for sure :(

 

Ok then Kristen, what if i put in/take out my ice cubes as I put in/take out my pork chops ?

 

What they do here is take 5 liter water bottles, punch several holes in the bottom, fill them up with water, replace the cap to avoid evaporation and place them next to the plants .... it works in a country where we are already at 30 degrees daytime.

 

With the heat we`ve had here today, they wouldn`t last 5 minutes. Just water the plants when they need watering.

 

We've constantly got ice anyway, so I don't think we'll waste too much electricity! I'm going to give it a go for a week or two and see how it goes!


Thanks for the fabric tip too by the way! I appreciate all little tips, gives me new things to do

 

Shiney: That's exactly what we do when growing Tomatoes in Growbags. We use one pot between every other plant and it makes watering so much easier.