I can tell you that watering was no different for me last year in my hot and dry summer. All my plants that were in the hot sun all summer were actually holding moisture better than the peat based mixes. If you are concerned about having to water in the gritty mix and you live in an area where your soil dries out too fast, why not adjust your mix by adding more turface? Mike:-)

I have three rocks running off one pump. I measured the rocks and then asked the pump seller to recommend the size of pump. The first one wasn't strong enough so I returned it for a stronger one. DH made a three prong T with PVC pipe to split water to all three rock columns.

Tracy - it depends on the humidity. Mine are all on wicks and I bottom water streptocarpus plants in 5" pots about every 5 days. We are so dry in Colorado that I never use a hair dryer - so everything violets included needs more water - and wicks and mats create the necessary humidity around the plants. In other climates may be it is 50% humidity at home and 90 - outside, so the plants grow better and bigger. The only very scientific gadget I use is my index finger. You touch the soil - and you can tell - dry - or needs to be watered tomorrow - or wet. That's why there is always dirt under this nail - while the rest of the hands look nice and clean. :-)) I.

Any way to delete this post? I was able to read all the re-posts of Al's (Tapla) Container soils and water retention originals and comments and questions (lots of free time! he he) and I believe I have found the answers in there. If there is a way to delete this post. please let me know. Thanks, Robert