self-watering of tomatoes plants

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by miraflores, Jul 11, 2011.

  1. miraflores

    miraflores Total Gardener

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    In my bid to promote self watering of my tomatoes I have filled a couple of empty milk bottles, made a hole with a heated NEEDLE (so we are talking about a tiny hole) underneath hoping that the water would last at least a couple of days, and placed the bottle next to the tomato plant...


    The 6 pints bottle was empty after about three hours! What have I done wrong? I did leave the lid on. Other suggestions?
     
  2. Jack McHammocklashing

    Jack McHammocklashing Sludgemariner

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    I would think the container is too flimsy material, and is collapsing in on itself

    Suggest a glass demi-john, with two very small holes in the bung/stopper
    Never tried it , but I do know that your problem is the milk container too soft a material (that is if you are using the standard supermarket 6 pint container)

    I am unsure scientifically but I think with the demi-john you would need two pin holes to allow it to drip feed

    Jack McH
     
  3. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    You could try it the other way up, i.e. make the hole in the lid, that should get a better vacuum stopping the water flowing out so quick. You'll need another empty milk container. I'm only guessing here, it's not something I've tried myself.
     
  4. miraflores

    miraflores Total Gardener

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    Now that you say that: yes, it does look like the container is shrinking on itself, like when you put boiling hot water in a bottle which is not thick enough to widthstand it.
     
  5. Jack McHammocklashing

    Jack McHammocklashing Sludgemariner

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  6. Jack McHammocklashing

    Jack McHammocklashing Sludgemariner

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  7. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    Miraflores, I saw some excellent watering products at the Hampton Court Flower show last Friday:
    House Plant Watering Systems

    Only £12.99 to water 6 plants, it might save you the hassle of making something yourself.
     
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    • Jack McHammocklashing

      Jack McHammocklashing Sludgemariner

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      It appears that is the answer then Perfect

      Jack McH
       
    • miraflores

      miraflores Total Gardener

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      The capillarity system is what I more or less what I had in mind, so, I will try and assemble something similar...
      Thanks for the suggestions.
       
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