Plastic Bottle Watering System

[ethandron]

We've recently planted a few pots..agapanthus, geraniums, etc...but will be spending a number of weeks away from home. We used to have a watering system but got rid of it when we changed to a water meter.
I've read/heard about using 2 litre plastic bottles with a hole in the lid, upended and filled with water to drip feed containers.
Has anyone done this successfully? How many holes do you put in the lid? How long do they continue to drip water? Any suggestions?
We cut a cross in the lid of a bottle with a Stanley knife and it seems fairly successful but maybe a bit too quick.
Thanks.

[Buenchico]

Instructions here:
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Drip-Irrigator-from-a-Plastic-Bottle

Video here:

[bednobs]

if you are going to be away for a few weeks, they won't be big enough

[Tilly2]

Eth, I bought some gadgets from my local garden centre which are spikes that screw on to the tops of plastic bottles. You fill the bottle, screw on the spike and invert the bottle into the soil. You then cut off the bottom of the bottle so that you can refill with water. They are unsightly but brilliant.

I have thrown away the packaging, though and don't remember what they were called.

[Tilly2]

have a look on Ebay.

Self-Watering Aqua Drip Water Spike / Gardens Plants

[ethandron]

Yes, thanks, I've seen those chris, I was just wondering if anyone had had any success and/or any tips.
Bednobs, I realise they won't last the entire time but reckon they could be better than nothing, which is why I was wondering if anyone had used them.
Tilly, I've seen those spike things, you reckon they're pretty good? How long do you think the water lasts for? I'm thinking of putting a couple of bottles in each pot.

[Buenchico]

Where's my video gone?

Let's try another one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZleUGBnTKk

[Tilly2]

Eth, you can put a piece of screwed up paper towel in each spike to slow down the drip. Mine last for a couple of days and the water gets down to the roots where it's needed.
They do look a mess but things survive.

[jollyroger66]

These seem popular:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-Pcs-Bottle-Irrigation-System-Garden-Watering-Spike-Plant-Waterers-Kit-DIY-NEW/2520006

[wolf63]

Is there nobody who will check on them and refill your bottles maybe weekly?

[ethandron]

Thanks Tilly,I think a trip to the garden centre is needed to see if I can get some of those spikes which jollyrogers link shows.
No wolf, I don't, which is why I'm looking for a solution.

[Quoi]

i bought a battery powered water timer like this one..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Electronic-Water-Timer-Battery-Operated-24-cycles-per-day-controlled-watering-/331774200002?hash=item4d3f4888c2:g:3EEAAOSwezVWug0V

it uses the hoselock fittings and connects one end to a larger water butt (or house water outside tap) and feeds through drip hose which is basically long length of hose with holes in it.