Many families vacation during the peak of summer. Many plants grow the most active during this time with the constant sunshine, yet are also vulnerable to drought.
When you’re travelling, your plants are at stake unless you have an automated irrigation system covering your whole yard and for your indoor plants. If you don’t, you may likely return home to find many of your favourite plants have died due to the summer drought.
If you’ve packed your bags, it’s about time you make sure your plants get water, even if you’re away from home. So here are five ways you can ensure your plants are thriving in your absence.
Heavy mulch and deep water
Outdoor gardens require a lot of water while you’re away, especially if they are full of annuals. Quality soil and mulch can help retain moisture for your plants and flowers.
However, if you are going away for an extended period, you might have to use other methods to keep your garden hydrated.
Drip irrigation systems
Drip irrigation systems are straightforward to install. A low-cost kit has everything needed to connect to a regular water line. Timers can be used to water your garden automatically. Higher-end models can monitor rainfall and turn off the water if there is too much or too little. Although this option is the most expensive, it’s also the most convenient and effective.
Drip-watering jugs
Drip-watering jugs may not be the most attractive option here but are helpful for a 2-3 day trip. You can use this simple device to make a DIY watering system.
Just put some holes in the bottoms of regular plastic bottles or milk jugs, fill them with water, bury them next to your plants, and leave them alone! Your plants will get plenty of water without your having to come out to water them.
Water-holding crystals
A plant pot with polymer crystals is a great choice when you need to hydrate your plants while away. This is yet another affordable and quick solution you can use.
Polymer crystals absorb as much as 200x their weight in water and slowly release the water back to your plants. This allows your plant to be watered without worrying about dying because of overwatering.
Watering wicks
Watering wicks or self-watering pots are the easiest way to take care of your plants without worrying about them dying from lack of water in your absence.
You place the string a few inches in the soil and put the top of the container above the soil level. Then you fill the container with water. Over time, the water will slowly seep into the soil and be absorbed by your plant’s roots.
A garden sitter
Hiring a garden sitter is a definitive solution to having your yard taken care of while you’re gone. You’ll know your plants are being looked after by a professional. Make sure your garden sitter is trustable and has knowledge of looking after plants.
In the end, an actual person looking after your plants is much better than leaving them on their own, especially if you’re going away on an extended vacation.
Keep Your Plants Alive
When planning a vacation, you must consider methods to keep your plants alive. Depending on the duration of your trip, you can use any of these techniques, and your plants will still be thriving by the time you’re back!