Watering Systems and Caring for hanging plants

It is impossible for a hanging garden to reach its full growth potential without water. The plant and containers lose a lot of water through evaporation and will need watering. There are various watering systems to guarantee a steady supply of water to the plants.

The effects of evaporation can be reduced by using plastic, stoneware and glazed ceramic containers. Containers made of the above material do not absorb water from the compost, away from the plant because they are not porous like clay pots.

There are various methods of watering the hanging plants. You can water by hand; use semi-automatic watering systems and full automatic irrigation systems.

  • Watering using a can with a spray attachment is the easiest method. A spray stick attachment can be connected to the garden hose. This method allows you to water containers above head level. Alternatively a pump can be used.

  • Semi Automatic watering systems are available at reasonable prices and are reliable automatic water suppliers which are relatively less complex to install. There are different types of semi-automatic systems namely ceramic cones and water reservoirs.

  • Ceramic cones involve watering using a cone with a hose connected to it. The end of the hose will be in water and the cone is inserted to the top of its compost. Two cones can be used for large vessels. Use light non-porous material for the reservoir to prevent algae growth.

Water reservoirs

Some flower boxes have built in water reservoirs. The compost draws water up through a wick leading to a tank in the container's double floor. A refill pipe replenishes the reservoir.

With full automatic irrigation systems there will be no need to perform any and watering. Installation is slightly complicated when compared to semi-automatic systems but the trouble is worthwhile as most tasks will be automated and thus there will be less work.

Automated systems usually lead to full plant growth. Water comes from the mains by means of a valve and an in-built pressure control. A Thin plastic hose distributes the water, having some system even being computer monitored.

The water supply is regulated by two systems a ceramic feeler and a time clock. Te ceramic feeler is inserted into the compost for each irrigation circuit. When there is little moisture in the compost the feeler produces an electric impulse that is picked up by the valve which opens and supplies more water. When the compost is moist the feeler ten activates closing of the valve.

A time lock makes sure that water is pumped into the compost at regular intervals. The feeler is more reliable because the time clock does not cater for plant water requirements or consider weather changes.