Need some advie/tips with a micro set up

I’m reading over all of the forum as I type this but would like some constructive criticisms and the ability to pick all of you veteran growers brains for info with my set up. Ok so heres the deal. My little brother has been bothering me to set him up a nice little grow op that he can maintain while I’m at school. I have grown before but he has not. So basically I have 4 weeks to set up a micro grow and get some seeds sprouted over xmas break. I’m going to be using cfl lights in my bedroom closet. So what I need from you guys are ideas on how to make the workload as little as possible on my brother while he gets his feet wet in growing. I know he can take care of the plants and address any problems that come up bc he has observed me grow before and can always call me with questions. The problem is that I know he will forget the little things like watering them and running the light cycle. I’m going to put a light system on a timer so that’s not a problem. I’m trying to figure out a diy automatic watering system on a timer or think of another way to water the plants without blowing a bunch of cash on a huge set up. P.s. I’m going to be home every few weeks to keep an eye on him and this is just going to be a few plant grow. So any tips/criticisms/advice you guys have for me.