As the tourist season kicks into high gear, the holidays are upon us. But unless you want to bother your neighbors or hire a local to water your garden, you need to have a plan for how you’re going to water your plants while you’re away. A little planning ahead can help you water your plants while you’re away. Whether it’s houseplants or an entire yard that needs some attention, here are some tips on how to water plants while you’re away so you can come back to a lush landscape.
How to water plants while on vacation
Stopping or picking up the mail and taking care of pets are two things that can be done before you leave, but you also need to figure out how to water your plants while you’re away. Watering your plants while you’re away may require hiring someone to help, investing in some tools, or moving your plants to a more convenient location on short notice.
1. Ask friends, family or neighbors
(Image source: RgStudio / Getty Images)
If you have a close friend or family member, or a good relationship with a neighbor, there is nothing wrong with asking. Leave very detailed instructions on how and when to water, especially if the person is not familiar with plants. A young person in the area may be interested in doing the job for a few dollars. Make sure you take a few minutes before you leave to walk around and give instructions.
2. Set the sprinkler on a timer
(Image source: GordonImages / Getty Images)
Technology to the rescue. Sprinkler timers are cheap and easy to program. You can set the time, number of days, and watering duration after installing the battery. Set them up a few days in advance so you can check on your work. There are timers for one to four taps so you can set up the entire system from one outdoor tap, timing each zone to water consecutively.
3. Plant in self-watering pots
Automatic watering cans are a great way to water plants while on vacation. These have a reservoir of water underneath the pot’s drainage holes. The roots can then absorb the water at their leisure. The amount of water in the reservoir is limited by its size, so these won’t last for weeks, but they’ll be enough if you’re only away for a few days or up to a week.
TruDrop Rim Modern Self Watering Round Planter
Entrust your indoor plants to these beautiful self-watering planters from Crescent Gardens.
4. Try drip irrigation
(Image source: AleMasche72 / Getty Images)
Watering directly to the roots of plants with a drip irrigation system is not only a water-saving method, but when set up properly, it can be the answer to watering plants during the holidays. This can be done with plants in the ground or in containers. For plants in containers, group them fairly close together and run tubing to each plant with a sprinkler head attached to each plant. Plants in the ground will be watered the same way, with tubing leading to the bed and a drip head at the base of each plant. You can have a neighbor come over to turn on the system or set it up for regular watering times.
5. Go back to classic with Olla
(Image source: Helin Loik-Tomson / Getty Images)
If you don’t know what an olla is, it’s basically a clay pot with a lid. The pot should be unglazed so that the water inside can seep through the clay. Bury the olla in the soil and fill it with water, then put the lid on. This is a method of slow watering for plants in pots or in the garden.
6. Recycle plastic bottles
(Image source: Rafmaster / Getty Images)
When it comes to watering systems, the plastic bottle method is inexpensive, easy to find, and reuses a discarded item. Poke several small holes in the cap and 1 or 2 holes in the bottom. Fill the bottle with water and replace the cap. Turn the bottle upside down and bury it lightly in the soil. The small holes will slowly release water to the plant roots.
7. Create a simple wicking system
Take advantage of osmosis and build a small wick system. This system is great for potted plants when you are away. For this system, you will need an outdoor water reservoir, wicks or garden wire, and scissors. Group plants together so that you can serve multiple plants with the water reservoir. Cut pieces of wire or wick that can be soaked in water and can be inserted into the soil of the plants. The water will soak into the wick and flow into the pot.
Tips to keep plants from drying out
(Image source: SolStock / Getty Images)
There are water retention and hydrogel products that will absorb water and release it into the soil over time. These products can help but are expensive and do not last long. There are some simple steps you can take to keep your plants more comfortable and prevent water from evaporating too quickly.
Move containers to shade
Moving the plant to a less exposed area will prevent the heat from the sun from burning off the moisture. This will keep the plant cooler and less stressed. If you live in a windy area, move the container to an area where it can be protected from drying winds.
Place the plant in the sink or bathtub
Place the stopper in a sink or tub and fill it with a few inches (7.62 cm) of water. Make sure all containers have drainage holes. Place the containers, minus the saucer, in the tub. The roots will absorb the moisture they need.
Be sure to mulch.
Outdoor plants benefit from mulch at any time of year, but especially when you’re on vacation. Mulch retains moisture, cools the soil, and helps suppress weeds. So when you water, the water will seep through the mulch and into the soil, allowing plant roots to absorb the water longer.
