Capacity of the watering
can is important. To avoid constant refilling of a watering can, buy the
biggest size that you think you can comfortably carry. Watering cans of 6
litre capacity are fine for most men, though women may find these too
heavy when completely full. Make sure the rose (where the water comes
out) is brass. Plastic ones will deform in heat or cold leaving you with
a watering can which dribbles!
When buying a watering can remember that they can last literally
decades, so buy the best one you can afford that does the job you want. Click here for a range of professional watering cans that do the job well and
efficiently.
GREENHOUSE WATERING - AUTOMATIC SYSTEMS
These systems rely on gravity or electricity to deliver water in
controlled amounts to individual plant pots. These systems can supply
water (or water with liquid feed in it) to many plant pots at the same
time. They are great timesavers and can also be used to automatically
water plants when you are not at home. Click here for a range of automatic watering systems from our recommended suppliers.
GREENHOUSE WATERING - CAPILLARY MATTING
This system of watering is covered in another section of our site but we
repeat it here because it is probably the cheapest method of automatic
watering. It is also surprisingly accurate given its simplicity. Again,
this system is good for saving time and for watering plants automatically
when you are not at home.
A special purpose greenhouse staging, called a capillary bench, is also
widely available. This bench has a surface with edges raised a couple of
inches (5cm). The surface is lined with capillary matting which goes over
the side of the bench into a vat of water. The capillary matting will
suck up the water and remain damp at all times. Pots placed on the
surface of the capillary matting will then suck up the water and remain
automatically watered.
This is very useful at any time of the year because the potted plants
will remain evenly watered. It is especially useful if you plan to leave
the plants uncared for whilst you go on holidays. Add some liquid
fertiliser to the water vat and the plants will be automatically
fed and watered.
You will need a level bench, some plastic sheeting to protect the bench
and capillary matting to transfer the water and feed to your plants. A
reservoir of water is also required. Simply lay the plastic on the bench,
then cover with capillary matting. One end of the mat should be placed in
the water reservoir. Then place the plants firmly on the capillary
matting and they will draw the water from the reservoir, through the
matting and into the soil.
Click here if you wish to buy capillary matting equipment online
from our recommended suppliers for this equipment. |
