@AALenbecause I don't trust timers nd they're way more expensive than old buckets
I've used a timer to water mine when I am away. I set it up a few days ahead of time to make sure it was working. It literally took me 10 minutes to set up and get the coverage correct.
It worked so well, I use it to water my trees every day now. I keep an eye on it to make sure it does its job.
Its always home even when I am not and I don't have to impose on someone who has no idea what they are doing, don't care and doesn't want to do it and/or forgets.
I would just make sure there is a fresh set of batteries in the timer a couple of days before you leave.
I have 2 areas taken care of by 2 timers and 2 spinklers. They've never failed to water.
The timers cost me @$25 each, which is more expensive than a bucket but my trees also cost a few hundred dollars in total not to mention the time I've spent so I think it's worth it.