Talkback: Watering the allotment

Posts

• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  July 2009

  Shortly I'll have a greenhouse so I read the advice on the site about damping down the floor in hot weather by emptying a can full of water over it. My greenhouse has a wooden base so is this a good idea? I'm thinking of the water being in contact with the wood and rotting it. Wouldn't standing a large bowlful of water add moisture to the air just as well?

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  July 2009

  Gill, victorian greenhouses had watering tanks in the greenhouse full of water all the time (and staff to do the watering of course!). I think a large bowl would be good, but the water needs changing regularly so as not to go stagnant and bring other pests/diseases in. I stand my tomatoes in pots on large trays which I fill with water, this gives some moisture to the greenhouse atmosphere, and keeps the tomatoes watered for a couple of days.

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  July 2009

  is there anything that will watter plants baskets for 2 weeks while away
  
  ???
  thanks
  sory about spelling

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  July 2009

  ...try neighbours sgtmoody!!

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  July 2009

  If you have no one to ask and don't fancy forking out on drip watering systems, you can stand them in a little water in a paddling pool or in your bath, if they are not plants which hate getting too wet. I have also heard great reviews from friends who have bought the plantpal system, they are only about £7-8 each and sense when to water the pots (they were on Dragons Den I think)
  Neighbours are the best bet though!

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  July 2009

  ~ ~ ~ VACATION WATERING ~ ~ ~ ~
  
  Try a jug of water next to your plant, with a strip of cotton toweling from jug down into pot, and let it wick. If you have time before you leave you can see if it is going to be sufficient for the amount of time yool be gone.

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  July 2009

  We have to use every drop of water sparingly, thus we use all household used water for the garden. Water is metered, like many parts of the UK so it can become very expensive blanket watering. I have tried to plant the vegetables using taller plants to shade the smaller ones, does not make for a very tidy, straight row garden. But the Sweetcorn shelter the runner beans who shelter the marrows and melons and peas, they grow up sticks, unlike the Bulgarian way my neighbour uses, these in turn provide shade for cabbage. The peppers, provide shade for Brocolli.
  The parsnips grow in pots under shade by the shed.
  As for the enquery regarding watering while away, a friend or neighbour is your best bet, you can do theirs when they go away.

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  July 2009

  hI happy here,just a note to find out if any one has any tips on watering pots while away on hols,all suggestions greatly accepted. thnx.

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  July 2009

  cheers Johnny,I will try that as I have upwards of 15 pots I will get my free buckets from Asda flower display as our local store have told me to take as many as I want ,once again tnx Johnny.

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• Gardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147

  July 2009

  i get epty lemonade bottels cut the bottom of then i put an nail hole in the top put the top back on then push it into the midle of your plnter so the compost covers the lid and fill it with water and give the planter a good watering first it works for me when i go away

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