Anyone use an auto watering system?

This one?

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=79458.msg893080#msg893080

Thanks folks.

DD - why can I not find that post whenever I search for 'JohnB47' - perhaps my eyes are failing but I can't see it listed.

unchained - cheers for that. Just found the adjustable ones on the Gardena site - might see if they're available (and affordable, together with the starter kit) at the garden centre.

The thing is, I can't seem to justify buying a set with a timer - the cost would be more than my buying tomatoes for quite a few years and I rarely need to auto water plants (daughter usually does the watering for me but she's coming on hols with me this time).

Thanks again.

You don't put "JohnB47" in the search text box, that single box is for text within the post e.g. watering system.

If you click the Search link underneath the main links near the top of the page, you'll see an Advanced search option - that allows you to search by username.

You could alternatively go to your profile and look near the bottom to see whether you have the option to look at your last posts - if so, scroll back through them until you find what you want.

You don't put "JohnB47" in the search text box, that single box is for text within the post e.g. watering system.

If you click the Search link underneath the main links near the top of the page, you'll see an Advanced search option - that allows you to search by username.

You could alternatively go to your profile and look near the bottom to see whether you have the option to look at your last posts - if so, scroll back through them until you find what you want.

Thanks Yorkie (and DD). I've got the idea now, cheers.

Tried several variants, now plumbed a Tropf Blumat system in - works brilliantly.

Mine's fed from a water tank ~5ft off the floor (with a pumped system to replenish as necessary), and then 8mm pipe down to the various plants in the greenhouse (another 8mm pipe takes a feed to the cold-frame where the melons are growing). Each 8mm hose has a number of 8-3-8mm tee's, which feed the 3mm feed pipe through the Tropf Blumat auto-dripper.

Note, these are adjustable devices that open/close a valve (pinching the 3mm feed pipe, to give an on/off control), based on how damp the soil surrounding the device is, so you can set how damp the soil should be and the device maintains that. As the plant grows/needs more water, it's own demands on water regulate the water flow from the device.  If you have similar plants (need similar water levels) then you can use one device and a number of drip points to feed multiple plants.

They work really, really well. I'm very pleased with the results (apart from they have allowed the melons to overgrow their frame!). Tomatoes never look peaky, but the grow bags are always "just lightly damp".

They're easy to google, but if you're interested I could post some piccies.