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.

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.

Automatic Watering 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.

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.

The water in the reservoir should be level with the base of the plants initially. As the plants draw water, the water level will be lowered. Capillary matting is capable of drawing water up about 10 cm (4 inches).

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Greenhouse Staging   Propagation & Mist Cases	Soil Warming Cables Electric Greenhouse Heaters	Watering and Feeding       (you are here)

 

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