Who will water my plants?

[garden ann]

There are times when I have to go someplace for several days and I worry that my plants inside the greenhouse will all be dying when I come back. Sometimes it is a spur of the moment decision and I don't have time to ask a friend or neighbor or a family member to look after the plants.

Are there other ways to make sure they get what they need when I'm away?

[sakura]

Try this thread: Any suggestion for watering plants..

Or this one for a simple irrigation system: DIY Drip Irrigation

There's quite a few suggestions there for watering your plants when you are going away.

[beezybody]

Try a humidifier or a mist system on a timer.

However, this system may be overwhelming to young and delicate plants.

High moisture levels within the greenhouse can also create a favorable habitat for the invasion and multiplication of disease organisms which can remain unchecked until you return.

[fleurdelys]

If you can spend the expense, go for the humdifier. But if you'd like to save money and willing to do a bit of effort, try the do-it-yourself drip method.

[ladybug]

I have localized water sprays to target rows of plants with drip irrigation.

These are simple greenhouse accessories which you can connect to a single water supply and also have a timer. You can also put separate timers depending on what you type of plants you have. These localized water sprays can also be excellent media for providing nutrients to the plants by mixing them in water.

[krissy]

Try capillary mats...These are the latest trends in greenhouse irrigation technology. and putting it up is very simple. just place one end of the mat in a tray of water and extend the rest of the mat over a polythene mat, then you can put your potted plants and seedlings on top where they can wick water through the mat.

[farmerbrie]

I used this method when I was away for a week and there was nobody I can count on to water my indoor plants.

1. I filled up a bucket with cool water and placed the bucket in the bathtub.

2. Next, I placed plants around the bucket.

3. Then cut strings long enough to touch the bottom of the bucket and into the plant. The strings will act as wicks where water can seep from the bucket to the plants.

[John S.]

Simple!

Hire a plant sitter

[rosiethumb]

If you will be gone over the weekend, then you could put ice cubes (the larger the better) so that they do not touch the your plant just the soil. The ice will melt over the weekend watering your plant.

[starcandy]

Here's another version of that ice trick: Fill a plastic bag (a regular sized Ziplock will do) with water and freeze it. A few hours before you leave, put it out and let it melt a bit. Poke a few holes in the plastic to let the water drip onto the soil. The ice will melt but the water won't run out immediately. I think that should last you a good two days or so.

Or, as John suggested, if you can afford to, hire a plant sitter