"mt006b1198" wrote:

I am thinking of trying to grow cactus plants...

I was just wondering if anybody could advise me
on how often I should water them?

You can pick up a soil moisture meter for a few quid - such as the one at:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gardman-Soil.../dp/B000QVSI5M

Though there were some of almost identical design in my local Aldi store
this week at less than two pounds. The scale was marked for the optimal soil
moisture state for both houseplants and cacti.

I also have, but am not sure where they came from, some ceramic waterers as
at:

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/astral....mp/waterer.jpg

They come in different designs and water by capillary action through the
unglazed 'nose' from a reservoir in the body. They seem to work quite well
with cacti. You might try a garden centre if little china figures nestling
in your plants is to your taste.

Mel.