Jetting off on a well deserved vacation is pure bliss. But for any gardener, the excitement is often mixed with a little bit of worry. Who’s going to water the plants? The good news is, you don’t have to choose between your trip and your garden. With a few simple DIY tricks, you can keep your plants perfectly hydrated while you’re away. You’ll come back to a container garden that’s just as lush and green as when you left it.
This guide will walk you through some easy techniques to ensure your garden thrives, even when you’re miles away.
Taking Care of Your Container Plants While You’re Away
1. Keep them in a bright or sunny place
Your first task is a simple one. Reposition your container garden so that every plant gets the right amount of sunlight. Since you won’t be there to troubleshoot, you want to prevent any wilting before it starts.
The best strategy is to find a middle ground, a spot that’s neither in harsh, direct sunlight nor completely in the shade. This creates a balanced environment. If you have indoor plants, placing them near a window behind sheer curtains is a perfect solution. They’ll receive enough filtered light for photosynthesis without getting scorched.
Before you lock the door, do a final check to make sure all your curtains are open. You want that valuable light to reach your plants while you’re gone.
2. Use manure and plant nutrients
Plants in a container garden have limited soil, which means their roots can’t go searching for more nutrients. Before you head out, it’s a great idea to enrich their soil with some manure.
This simple addition will provide a slow release of essential nutrients, keeping your plants well fed and healthy while you’re enjoying your vacation.
3. Use drip irrigation
If watering is your main concern, drip irrigation is here to save the day. It might sound technical, but setting up a DIY system is surprisingly easy.
The idea is to give your plants a slow, steady supply of water, drop by drop. You can achieve this using a water pipe or by simply hanging a small bucket above your plants.
For a pipe system, arrange a tube to run from a large tub of water to your plant, adjusting it so that it releases a single drop every two or three seconds. Set the pressure, and you’re good to go.
Alternatively, the bucket method works wonders. Carefully make a very small hole in the bottom of a plastic bucket and hang it over your plant.
You want the hole to be just big enough to release one drop every few seconds. Fill the bucket with water, and you’ve created a self watering system that will last for days!
4. Use a sponge to keep your plants wet
Planning to be gone for a week or so? A common kitchen sponge can be a fantastic tool for keeping your plants moist.
While this trick may not be as effective for very large containers, it’s a game changer for smaller plantings. All you need to do is put a water soaked sponge in the bottom of the container.
This creates a mini reservoir at the base of the pot. The sponge will hold onto excess water, and the plant’s roots can draw from it whenever they need a drink.
5. Spray some pesticide
If pests are a frequent problem in your area, or if your plants are particularly susceptible to bugs, a little preventative action is a smart move. It’s a good idea to spray a pesticide about a week before you leave. Just remember to use it sparingly, as too much chemical treatment can do more harm than good.
6. Clean your plants
This one is a must. If you’re a passionate gardener, you probably already enjoy tidying up your plants and removing old, dried leaves.
Make sure you give your plants a good cleaning before you go. Dried and fallen leaves can attract insects and other pests, which could cause problems while you’re not around to manage them.
7. Cut off any affected limbs
Give your plants a quick health inspection. You don’t want any diseased or affected limbs to compromise the health of the entire plant. If you find any branches that look unhealthy, it is highly recommended to trim them off.
Other Tips To Keep Your Container Plants Alive While On Vacation
On top of the steps above, here are a few more simple tips that can make a big difference:
- Group your containers close to each other. This allows the plants to provide shade and humidity for their neighbors.
- Move outdoor containers to a spot sheltered from the wind so they can better conserve water.
- For very large plants, you can lay several layers of damp newspaper over the soil’s surface to help lock in moisture.
Now, It’s Your Turn!
These are just a few of the ways you can ensure your container garden stays alive and well while you’re gone. But if you don’t want to leave anything to chance, asking a friend to pop in and check on your plants is always the best bet. Otherwise, hiring a plant sitter is another excellent way to make sure your garden gets the care it needs.
What do you think? How do you prepare your container garden before a trip? Let us know in the comments below!
