How to Water Plants When Away for a Month

If you're going to be away from home for an extended period – say, for a month-long vacation – you might be wondering how your plants will survive without your careful attention. Fortunately, there are a few easy and inexpensive ways to ensure your plants stay hydrated and healthy while you're gone. Here are some tips for watering plants when you're away for a month:

1. Choose the Right Plants

The first step in looking after your plants while you're away is to choose plants that are particularly drought-resistant and hardy. These plants will be more likely to survive without regular watering. Some examples include succulents, cacti, and other plants that store water in their leaves or stems. It's also a good idea to avoid particularly thirsty plants, such as ferns, and plants that are sensitive to changes in light and temperature.

2. Water Them Well Before You Leave

Before you head off on your travels, make sure you give your plants a thorough watering. This will help to ensure they have a good supply of water to keep them going until you return. Be sure to water deeply, so that the water reaches the roots of the plant, and allow any excess water to drain away (you don't want your plants sitting in water for weeks on end!).

3. Move Your Plants to a Cooler Spot

If you're going to be away during the summer months, it's a good idea to move your plants to a cooler spot in your home. This could be a north-facing room that doesn't get too much sun, or even the basement. By moving your plants to a cooler spot, you'll help to reduce their water requirements and prevent them from drying out.

4. Use Self-Watering Devices

One of the easiest ways to water your plants when you're away is to use a self-watering device. These devices can be purchased from most garden centers or online, and work by slowly releasing water into the soil over time. Some self-watering devices are made to fit into the soil of a potted plant, while others involve attaching a reservoir to the bottom of the pot. There are also self-watering globes that you fill with water and insert into the soil of your plant. These can be particularly useful for larger plants.

5. Use a Watering Spike System

An alternative to self-watering devices is a watering spike system. This involves placing a plastic spike into the soil of your plant and attaching a water bottle to the top. The water bottle is filled with water and then slowly drips water into the soil over time. When the water runs out, you simply refill the bottle. This is another inexpensive and easy way to water your plants when you're away.

6. Ask a Friend or Neighbor for Help

If you don't like the idea of leaving your plants in the hands of technology, you could always ask a friend or neighbor to take care of them while you're gone. Just make sure to give them clear instructions on how much water each plant needs and how often they need to be watered. You could even consider setting up a watering schedule that they can follow while you're away.

Conclusion

With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can easily ensure your plants stay healthy and hydrated while you're away. By choosing the right plants, watering them well before you leave, and using self-watering devices or a watering spike system, you can leave your plants in good hands. If all else fails, you can always ask a friend or neighbor to take care of them for you. Happy travels!