The parts needed to set up an automated plant watering system are available at your local home improvement store and also on many websites. The set up is easy and the system will give you peace of mind knowing that your plants will survive without you there.
Step2
The first item needed is a hose timer. For an example, enter the term "hose timer" into an Internet search engine and you should get many results. There are inexpensive models (under $15.00) and some that are quite complex and can manage multiple hoses. You will also need a length of hose long enough to stretch from the spigot to the location where your plants are.
Step3
The next significant item that you will need is a sprinkler nozzle or a "water wand." Both may be found online by searching for those exact terms. The idea is that when the hose timer allows the water to flow, there should not be anything to restrict the flow of water through the nozzle attachment.
Step4
Connect the hose timer firmly to your spigot using care not to over tighten it. Next, connect your length of hose to the hose timer. Connect your nozzle of choice to the other end of the hose and position it over, or in close proximity to the plants that will receive the water. Turn the water ON at the spigot and return to the plants. Adjust the nozzle so that each plant receives adequate water. Be sure the nozzle is held securely in place so that the pressure of the water flowing through it does not cause it to move and miss the plants entirely.
Step5
Following the instructions that should have been included with the hose timer, set the appropriate watering time for the type of plants that you will be caring for. Leave the water turned ON at the spigot. Watch the system for a few days to be sure that it is turning ON and OFF at the correct times and that the nozzle is still pointed correctly. Once everything looks acceptable, you're ready to head off on your adventure without the need to worry about your plants at home.
Tips & Warnings
Be sure to check your "plant watering system" periodically for leaks.
on 8/19/2008
Indoor plants to be watered when away??????Just stand in bath on a towel and let tap slowly drip onto towel.....slowly though as you don't want a flood, but this works for me every time.
on 9/11/2007
Hey julie_c_228! I don't think I'd use this system indoors or you may come home to find that your furniture and carpet have been watered too. :) Fortunately, there is a solution. I found a product called Plantastic on the website liquidfence.com. When you visit the website, click on "Auto Watering System" on the left hand menu under "Liquid Fence Products." The Plantastic watering system will water your indoor plants for up to 3 weeks and it's inexpensive. Basically, it's a water bottle with a slow release that gradually moistens the soil. I hope this helps. Thank you for reading my article!
Components of a system to water plants automatically
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Comments
artym said
on 8/19/2008 Indoor plants to be watered when away??????Just stand in bath on a towel and let tap slowly drip onto towel.....slowly though as you don't want a flood, but this works for me every time.
vikki9 said
on 7/30/2008 Good to know - we're still celebrating Vacation Season.
julie_c_228 said
on 9/12/2007 thank you for the info. this is great!
nethopperz said
on 9/11/2007 Hey julie_c_228! I don't think I'd use this system indoors or you may come home to find that your furniture and carpet have been watered too. :) Fortunately, there is a solution. I found a product called Plantastic on the website liquidfence.com. When you visit the website, click on "Auto Watering System" on the left hand menu under "Liquid Fence Products." The Plantastic watering system will water your indoor plants for up to 3 weeks and it's inexpensive. Basically, it's a water bottle with a slow release that gradually moistens the soil. I hope this helps. Thank you for reading my article!
julie_c_228 said
on 9/10/2007 Does this work for indoor plants?