We're in near drought conditions and I am hand watering most everything. I planted a large EE in the ground thinking I could keep it watered more easily, but that's not the case. I thought I was smart putting it in front of a tall sprinkler head. That was before watering restrictions when we went to only using sprinklers one day a week. I have drilled a large ceramic water pot and am going to replant the EE in the pot. I hope it likes lots of water! I could only drill a small hole before DH came out and surprised me (he's not a fan of my "projects"). I'll put a mosquito dunk in the pot too.
I also like your idea of placing a bucket behind the plant for extra watering. Genius!
