My zucchini seedlings have been wilting a bit between waters already so I’ve looked into some things to help over Summer.

There are various options to give plants slow release water. They’re apparently good because it reduces stress from dryness or wildly varying amounts of water (which may result in zucchini becoming bitter/toxic or tomatoes splitting), reduces water runoff, and avoids root rot.

There are plastic spikes used with plastic bottles or terracotta spikes (aka ‘olla spikes’) used with long necked glass bottles. Note that terracotta spikes may take wear and the rim may break with a heavy wine bottle so from time to time those may need to be replaced.

Another option is to seal the bottom hole of a porous terracotta plant pot with caulk and bury it to the rim so it can be filled with water to slowly seep out through the soil. If you do it this way you can use the saucer as a removable lid. Other people choose to flip it upside down, caulk the saucer to the pot to make a sealed ‘bottom’ and have the hole at the top to pour water in. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GRiLhrY2CMc

This is an ancient irrigation method and used to be done with actual ollas which are shaped more like a vase. You can still buy them or make them but terracotta pots are cheaper and easier.

You can also use old plastic bottles with pinprick holes which I will probably do.

Olla watering spikes vs plastic bottles https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XBaQhNDm7q0&pp=ygUaVGVycmFjb3R0YSB3YXRlcmluZyBzcGlrZXM%3D

These can all be used in-ground, in pots or containers, or in raised beds. You just need to check the spacing