Summer Watering

I had an epiphany this spring for watering my potted plants this summer.   I have also found this to be helpful to "buy time" if you plan to be out of town for a few days.  Additionally, I live in a century-old house, which has only one outdoor spigot.  This leaves me with the options of wrestling with a long hose or packing water to my porches, and wilty plants at the end a hot summer day.  So, here is my solution:

1.) Use a plastic bottle and drop a stake inside, making sure at least an inch or two remains above the mouth of the bottle.

2.) If you are in a creative mindset, you can stake it in the grass and spray paint it, so it looks more ornamental among your flowers.

3.) Fill the bottle with water leaving about an inch of air so the water has room to expand as it freezes.

4.) Place the bottle in the freezer until it is frozen solid.  Steak the bottle in a flower pot.  As it gradually melts, the water will drop into the dirt.  

Other Notes:

•It takes about 24 hours for the ice to finish melting.  I have found that because of the gradual pace, my plants are less likely to wilt in the summer heat.

•Because it is such a slow process, you shouldn't have to worry about mold or root rot.  You also have a better idea of how much water your plants are getting.

•Because ice is lighter than water, it is easier to carry and prevents the water from slopping all over. 💦