Let your plants help themselves
to water
Capillary Watering mimics the natural supply of water to the plants. In the soil there are capillary pathways for water to get from soil grains to plant cells. In the greenhouse you need to provide the water to start this pathway. In the Capillary Watering System the plants help themselves to water from the trays, The water passes into the plant as the plants transpire, the water is then replaced by capillary action from the trays and thence from the supply.
This system is most effective for rapidly growing plants that require a steady supply of water. It avoids the problems caused by any interruption to the constant supply of water to the plants which would become stressed and flaccid when deprived of water. The evaporation of water from the surface of the sand makes for a more buoyant atmosphere in the greenhouse and plants will continue to grow under higher greenhouse temperatures. This system also overcomes the problems of over watering because the pots are not standing in water nor soaked by top watering. The supply tank and troughs on the trays regulate the supply of water to the sand. The water travels by capillary action from sand to pot and thence to plant. A simple "low tech" solution to plant watering.

How to start
Position the trays on level benches in the greenhouse with the trough overhanging the front edge of the bench. (The system does not work well if the benches are not level.)
Cover the trays with coarse sand (children's sand pit sand is ideal). Capillary matting does not have the depth to hold water and does not carry water over distances as well as a thick layer of sand. Connect up the water supply. Press your plants in their pots onto the sand. Plastic Pots with thin bases do not need special preparation and are recommended for capillary watering beds. If clays pots are used it is necessary to insert wicks of glass fibre into the drainage holes. These should just be sufficient to make good contact with the bed of sand and the compost inside the pots. Do not “crock” the pots, but apart from this the normal potting up procedure can be followed. The pots are placed on the sand bed then given a gentle press and twist into the sand. A thorough overhead watering is then required to be sure of establishing a capillary pathway.
Feeding and pest control are best done by overhead watering of individual pots. Liquid fertilisers can be introduced into the water supply but this method can only be used where all plants require the same treatment and has the disadvantage of encouraging algae growth on the sand.

Traditional Metal Watering Cans
A galvanised Watering Can in a traditional design in 1, 2 or 3 gallon sizes. These are available in a galvanised finish or with an additional powder coating in a range of attractive colours.
The Green 2 gallon can is now available with a polished wooden handle. Complete with Brass faced rose. Colours available Green, Blue, Red, Yellow.