Re: watering plants



James N. Tilton wrote:

> Hi all.
> Does anyone have any suggestions for keeping plants relatively well
> watered while you're away on vacation?  I can't ask neighbors/friends to
> do it, they have enough to handle already.  Has anyone used those
> crystal/polymer things (that absorb water and then slowly release it) in
> garden beds?  I was wondering about scratching them into the surface
> and watering well...and then hoping for the best.  Our (still
> pathetically small-sized) gardens have at least 2-3" of mulch on them.
> Any ideas? TIA
> Barb (southeastern PA, zone 6/7, where the Japanese anemones are
> beginning to bloom)
>

Barb, I usually use an inexpensive battery operated timer which was
originally purchased to keep a newly seeded lawn from drying out while I was
at work.  These can be set to water one or two times a day in 15 minute
increments up to 2 hours if memory serves.  I'm sure there are more
expensive ones that will include a weekly schedule.   They attach directly
to the spigot.  Just program, turn the water on (I'd double check the
duration by setting it off say the day before leaving to make sure enough
water is getting into the root zone).  It's not ideal, but relatively
inexpensive, won't get ill or have something more important to do.  Will be
trying the timer in the greenhouse with a mist nozzle -IF it ever gets hot
here in the NW this year. Diane
PNW USDA z7/Sunset z4


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