best place for cheap moisture retaining mats?

polly nator · « **on:** April 23, 2008, 12:01 »

Where is the best ie cheapest place to get those water retaining mats you can put at the bottom of a pot? I had some hozelock ones which cost an arm and a leg. I am trying to think of every contingency plan whilst I am working abroad for a month (all May) with 22 yr old son left at home who, shall we say, hasnt quite got the same attachment to veg growing as his mum. But he'll be the first to complain if all the toms in the growhouse die and he hasnt got any homegrown to eat in the summer.

Hazel Anne · « **Reply #1 on:** April 23, 2008, 12:10 »

I have same problem (22 year old daughter!!)
We are going away in July for 2 weeks.I have been giving it alot of thought and the only thing i can think off is the watering system from B&Q so she only has to turn the tap on once a day.Also the growbag trays i plan to stand pots in those full of water.Luckily the toms are going into ring culture pots (but i think my liners have holes in so they will need filling every day.)
My daughter will suddenly remember the night before we come home whilst tydying the house that she was supposed to water the plants and feed the fish!!!

jennyb · « **Reply #2 on:** April 23, 2008, 16:40 »

i've read suggestion for using nappies to retain moisture in hanging baskets - would they work in some way?

Ropster · « **Reply #3 on:** April 23, 2008, 17:24 »

if you were feeling flush you could get one of those easy2grow (google it) tomato watering stations, I have not tried it but it looks good

GreenOwl · « **Reply #4 on:** April 23, 2008, 17:29 »

I've got myself some of these but I don't think they'd supply 2 weeks of water especially if its hot.

http://www.travena.co.uk/watering.asp

polly nator · « **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2008, 17:57 »

Babies'nappies! BRILLIANT suggestion! Not only much cheaper but I have a load in the house already which have been outgrown by 13 mth grandson. THANK YOU Jenny B. I didnt really want to spend a lot more.
What I really need is a surefire way of gardentraining my son.

corndolly · « **Reply #6 on:** April 23, 2008, 19:19 »

I think you are going to have to offer money to your son, as a reward for looking after your plants as you would like. Make a list of the basic requirements and negogiate a price then deduct an agreed amount for any plants that are dead or waning due to lack of care !!

jennyb · « **Reply #7 on:** April 23, 2008, 22:08 »

glad to be of help.

please let us know how you get on won't you?

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