sl,

How much are willing to spend? With that info I think we can help. There is a Nelson mechanical(no battery needed) hose bib timer that goes for around $18. Open link to see reviews. Also purchase a hose bid splitter to divide you source in to for independent operation. You would need to purchase two timers one for each side of the splitter. Different types of plants need different watering time. Google any hose bib timers for other brands and prices. JMHO

http://www.amazon.com/Nelson-56600-Shut-Off-Water-Timer/product-reviews/B0015AP1QM/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

aloha

lehua - Since this would be my first-ever purchase of this kind, I have not set a budget yet. Since it is only for vacation use, once or twice a year at most, I would not want to spend too much. The only concern is avoiding materials with PVC, BPA, phthalates or metal toxicity on my edibles.

sl,

That was I suggested the Nelson timer. But like anything else. Test what ever you purchase well ahead of time and learn its capabilities. My $.02 is that you run some rigid pipe above ground and not hoses. They have a higher risk to leak or burst and flood the area if unattended. But hoses with an in-line pressure regulator would probably be fine. PVC is used through out the USA for domestic water use and won't contaminate the water going through it. Burning it as scrap is a different story. Just run elevated spiked sprinklers that will irrigate the area temporarily. GL JMHO Aloha