How far do you need to move the water and what is the grade? A small electric pump would have limited head.

Oh, probably no more than about 50-60' and a slight uphill grade, but just enough to make static flow a problem.

I picked up a small submersible pool cover pump at the local pool supply store. It was a Little Giant model, less than $50. I think it transfers 170 gallons per hour at 1 foot head. It's small (fits in the palm of your hand) and quiet.
You can put it inside an old nylon to prevent clogging of the pump.

Last summer I got a bilge pump from Wally World for $20.
It is rated at 1250 gph at 0' head. Max head is 6 feet.
I mounted two 55 gallon drums on a trailer and towed
them down to the river and filled them with that pump.
At about 5 feet head it took 20 minutes to fill the barrels.
The pump is 12v dc and I powered it off
one of those jump starter battery packs.

Pooh Bear

Wouldn't mind having that pump for quick work, Pooh Bear, but I'm gonna need a little slower approach to my situation given I'm just gonna water some plants and won't need a great deal of pressure.
ralph - I'd rather not go the submersible pool cover pump if I don't have to, but it's an option.

Been kind of looking at this one for home use and low GPH, which is all I need. Didn't want to spend that much, though.

Would this same pump only factory reconditioned rahter than new be a safe buy, or stay away from it??

Here is a link that might be useful: linky

Looks like it could be a well made pump (brass parts), but the review indicates it needs to be primed in order to work. It doesn't look submersible, but can't really tell from the pictures. It does indicate it can move almost all the water less 1/8 inch. My pool cover pump will probably only get down to about an inch or so before it starts to cavitate.
Ralph

How about this one...and teh price? Can I find a good one cheaper?

Here is a link that might be useful: #311 self-priming