Can I slow my babies down?

Hi Guys,

What a stupid question I hear you say, no seriously, I need to go away on business for 5 days and was thinking how to keep my babies happy without having to ask somebody to water them, which I really don't want to do..
I have four Skunk #11 seedlings that entered this world, on average, 12 days ago and are looking pretty good. They are in 11Lt pots each. Would I be able to saturate the soil before going, and it would last? The grow room is 1M sq by 1.2M high with a 400W HPS lamp and reflector.
Also, can I at this early stage give them more darkness, but not 12H, to try and lower the growth, maybe even lift the light up some way.

Any suggestion would be appreciated. even a quick, yes, they'll be fine if you do such and such.

Thanks
Bazza

"Also, can I at this early stage give them more darkness, but not 12H, to try and lower the growth, maybe even lift the light up some way."

I think this will make them grow taller. I turn off my lights for a couple of hours a day during veg so they can stretch a little. Putting the light further away will also cause them to stretch to reach the light. When the light is close, they don't have to go up. They grow out to the sides. Not sure how often your soil needs watering, but try to keep the temps down around the low 70's so they can go longer without needing water. The hotter the room, the quicker they'll dry out and need more water. Also, if you can keep some standing water in your grow room it will help raise humidity and get you by until you return. I'm also gonna state the obvious by telling you to water right before you leave. They won't be in optimum conditions, but I think you plants will be ok when you return. Give them a nice dose of fertilizer when you get back and they will be happy you did. Hope this helps.

Also, you can put saucers (I think they are called saucers) under your pots. So when you water before you leave the water will stay in the saucer under the pot. The roots will travel towards the water searching for humidity. Like I said, will a little fine tuning, you should be ok.

Thanks M8.

Sound advice much appreciated.

Bazza