Depending on what's in the pots and the size of the pots, I sit them in a big tub with about 2 inches of water in the bottom.
If it's hot and the pots are large and you pack them closely and keep the plants in the shade....they will flourish.
Just remember to put them to drain when you come home.
Linda C

Do not put grass clippings on your flowers, nor wet newspaper. Get them out of the sun and in a shade situation, and water them in well. I don't know what to tell you about the beds. Do you really have to water them more than every three days? If you do, water them in well late thursday night or very early Friday morning before the sun hits them. Not usually a recommended practise, but it will help the soil and plants get turgid without a lot of evaporation. I'd consider planting something with easier upkeep. I do not water my beds at all, just choose plants for each location tolerant of the conditions. I'm serious. Other than immediately after planting, I do not have to water my flower beds.

I go on vacation for 2 wks every year in late July. I do something similar to Linda. I have some very large saucers that I fill with water and keep my pots in a shady area. My son only has to water them twice a week then. By the time he comes over, the pots have soaked up the water and they are getting on the dry side. I have a couple of gardens that need a deep watering once a week. I mulch them, but these dry out more than my other gardens. My other gardens can handle going without water for 2 wks. Even when the temps are in the 90s, they still do ok.
Btw, I do most of my watering late at night after I come home from work. I work 2nd shift and this time works the best for me. I use a water wand and just water the ground, not the leaves. I've been doing it this way for 28 yrs and I've never had a problem with my plants or my lawn. I feel the plants have a longer time to absorb the water before the ground and pots dry out.

Kat

I keep moisture crystals in my pots. You can also run a soaker hose thru your beds and turn it on a "trickle" instead of full-bore.