How to Water Outdoor Plants When Away

Going out of town for a few days or weeks can be exciting and a much-needed break from our hectic lives. But if you have outdoor plants that need regular watering, leaving them may create a worrisome situation. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your plants hydrated while you're away, which we'll detail below.

Get a Plant Sitter

One of the best options to ensure your plants get watered when you're away is to hire a plant sitter. Ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to drop by your house and check on your plants once or twice a week. If you have a close friend or family member nearby, they may even be willing to take care of the plants in their own homes while you're away!

Invest in a Drip Irrigation System

A drip irrigation system automatically waters your plants using a series of tubes and emitters that release small amounts of water at regular intervals. You can set up an irrigation system to run on a timer, so your plants receive water at the same time every day. While they can be more expensive than other watering methods, they are a smart long-term investment for your garden.

Use Wicking Methods

Wicking is a method of watering plants where a cord or rope is placed into the soil next to a plant. The other end of the rope is placed in a water reservoir, like a bucket or jug. The water from the reservoir is then drawn up through the cord and into the soil where the plant can absorb it. Wicking is an inexpensive and effective way to keep your plants hydrated while you're away.

Try Self-Watering Planters

Self-watering planters are containers with a built-in reservoir that holds water. The water is drawn up through a wick or a soil separator and into the soil, where the plant can absorb it. Self-watering planters work well for individual plants or small container gardens, but may not be practical for larger gardens.

Use a Watering Globe

A watering globe is a glass or plastic bulb that you fill with water, then insert into the soil near a plant. As the soil dries out, the water slowly seeps out of the bulb and into the soil, keeping the plant hydrated. Watering globes come in various sizes and can sustain plants for several days.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the ways to keep your outdoor plants hydrated while you're away. A combination of these methods or picking one that works best for your garden can help prevent your plants from drying out and dying when you're away. So go ahead and plan that much-needed vacation, and rest assured that your plants will be green and hydrated upon your return!