If you go away for more than three days in summer, your containers need a watering system. A basic drip kit costs under EUR 100 and takes an afternoon to install.
What you need
- A tap timer (battery-powered is fine).
- A pressure reducer and filter.
- 13 mm supply pipe along the base of the wall.
- 4 mm micro tubing with one adjustable dripper per pot (two for large ones).
Settings
Start with 10 minutes at 6:00 every morning and adjust after a week by checking how damp the soil is 5 cm down.
No tap on the balcony? A gravity-fed system from a 50-litre water barrel works for a week’s holiday.