Keeping outside potted plants watered.

[trish1234567]

I am frequently away for one or two weeks at a time during the summer months. For this reason, I have stopped planting out geraniums, etc. in pots because I am not there to look after them. However, I am again about to leave plants out for a minimum of two/three weeks period. I thought of putting them on a clearing of earth and leaving the hose to drizzel very slowly in the centre. The plants do no warrant an expensive watering system. Any other ideas?  Thanks in anticipation.

[shaneystar]

Gather them all together in a shady spot and stand them on a bed of well watered gravel.Give them a really good soak before you go.Geraniums are quite drought tolerant anyway.Have you got a kind neighbour who would water for you?

[pauludall]

Or you could plump for the plastic pop bottle turned upside down with the bottom cut off and holes drilled in the cap, stick the cap end in the soil next to the shrub and fill with water, it should filter through slowly enough to help for a few days at least

[trish1234567]

Thankyou shaneystar and pauludall for good sensible tips!  Trish.

[Matheous]

I think you can get a small-bore tube system which has to be connected to a tap of course....and you simply coil the rubber or pvc tube around the soil in your containers . The tubes are perforated with small holes which allow the water to 'seep' through and keep them constantly moist.
I don't have -but want ..... Used to be available at B&Q at around twenty pounds.

[trish1234567]

Thank you Matheous. Sounds a really good idea. Well worth the �20 if still available. Will enquire at B&Q on my next visit. Regards Trish.