Automated Watering Systems

Hi there, I hope that someone can give me some advice. I am hoping to invest in an automated watering system (with timer) to water hanging baskets and greenhouse in the summer. Has anyone any experience with these? Are they worth the investment in the cost and time to set up?

 

They can be worthwhile, especially when combined with water conservation methods. How many baskets, pots etc are you thinking of supplying?

 

Me and a friend both bought systems last year, we were both worried about watering while away for 2 weeks

I bought a very cheap system, a timer that fixed on to an outside tap, a converter attached to the bottom of that that then supplied 4 outlets and plugged in to those 2 seeping sprinkler hoses that went inside 2 greenhouses and 2 same that went up the garden and around pots etc,

my friend got an expensive drip feed system that connects vis a system of small bore hoses in to each individual hanging basket each container etc and each outlet had individual shut off valves

both our plants and pots were watered ok while away

 

other ideas
1)use a capillary matting in the greenhouse
2) try water retaining gel [also available as a made up compost] to reduce problems
3)be4 you go away, take down the hanging baskets and pop in a bucket filled with water
4)make sure the pots and baskets are saturated by adding a drop of fairy liquid to the watering can
5)ask neighbour to water every 3 days [reward with a present on return]
6) aclimatise tomatoes to bottom watering , they grow a seperate set of roots out thu bottom of pots
i m sure automatic systems would be the best idea, but not evry1 can organise these things in time esp if they are a bit scatterbrained like me!

[ 15. February 2006, 06:26 AM: Message edited by: The Lady Gardener ]

 

Those are good tips, LG, thanks !

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I have just returned from a trip from a mooch around the local garden center (just been totally refurbished) and.........they had a whole hoselock kit minus timer for half price. Reduced to �£8 odd from �£17
So also bought a few more drip outlets and an extra piece of micro hose (also all in the sale) So for just over �£12 looks like I have a whole system. Just got to save my pennies for the timer now

 

I don't know if you have any of the german stores Aldi or Lidl nearby, But I picked up a timer for about ten pound from there, same spec as the expensive ones multi programmable ect they don't have them all the time though and when they do they go quick

 

Set it up & experiment with it in plenty of time,so that it's right when it's needed.

 

B****r!!!!!! Just opened the box and all that is in it is the micro hose... so back to the G.C. tomorrow. Will keep you updated.


Smacky wrists :rolleyes:

[ 16. February 2006, 05:34 PM: Message edited by: mims ]

 

leaky box? :D