Pots on patio

[lynbrown]

Any tips on keeping my outdoor potted plants watered while i am away for a week? Can't expect the family to do it everyday and i dont have neighbours to ask.

[Thunderbird+]

I suggest giving them a good soak before you leave and put dishes under the pots, if possible.
If the soil is loose you might be able to mix in some 'swell gel' (water retaining crystals) into the compost.
What I did once was make a pin hole in a plastic milk bottle and fill with water,screw the lid on but not tight and just let it seep slowly into the pots. I later improved on this by fixing some small drip taps to the bottles ( a drip every 10 seconds should last a day or more. hopefully it will rain but not where your going. All the Best.

[King Normie]

I was going to suggest a similar solution as
Thunderbird already done did! An inverted 2-liter bottle of water, hole in the cap, a limited-expanse drip system.....the crystals, they come under various Brand Names, would also help.....I live in the Desert, SE Arizona, and it gets 115 degres F. here but, if one provides enough shade during the afternoon, a hardy plant should survive under the conditions mentioned, i.e. water-retention gel/crystals & a slow-drip water feed......

[King Normie]

I need to add.....the location of your plants and their species would make one heck of a difference in their needs.....

[King Normie]

King Normie, yet again! Depending on just how long you will be away, a large water container, gravity-fed and placed above the potted plant, could be rigged with 1/4" line and a cheap drip emitter, available in many "gallons per hour" specifications, would do the trick......if you haven't a large enough water pot, rig a hose to keep the reservoir full......place it so the run-off, if any, benefits some other project.

[lynbrown]

many thansk - i will try your tips.

[heathfield]

If it's only for a week, water the pot plants and move them into the coolest room in the house. Leave the central heating switched off. They'll be just fine when you get back. (We put ours in the bath - on a sheet of plastic to prevent possible staining).

[shopper]

buy a childs small toddlers blow up paddling pool. Fill with water and put you pots in it. It worked for me last year.