How to Water Outdoor Plants While Away on Holiday

Going on vacation is often exciting, but it can be stressful to leave your outdoor plants unattended. Without proper care, your plants may not survive your absence. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can ensure your plants stay healthy while you’re away. Here are some of the best ways to water outdoor plants while on holiday:

1. Invest in Automatic Watering Systems

Automatic irrigation systems can be a fantastic investment for keeping your plants hydrated when you aren’t around. These systems pump water from a water source to your plants, ensuring they receive the right amount of moisture every day. Additionally, they will turn on and off at preset times, ensuring your plants get enough water but avoiding overwatering. You can buy these systems at most garden centers, or you can have an irrigation specialist install a custom system for your specific needs.

2. Hire a Plant Sitter

If you have an extensive plant collection or rare plants that require specialized care, hiring a plant sitter might be the perfect solution. Friends, family members, or even professional plant sitters can visit your garden and ensure your plants receive the care they need. You can also hire a house sitter to water your plants and keep an eye on your home while you’re away. Just make sure to provide them with clear instructions on how to care for your plants and a detailed watering schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly.

3. Create Self-watering Containers

Self-watering containers can be an excellent way to make sure your plants stay hydrated while you’re away. These containers have a wicking system that draws water from a reservoir to the soil, providing your plants with the perfect amount of moisture. You can purchase self-watering containers or make them yourself using materials like plastic bottles or buckets.

4. Use Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation systems can be an excellent option for watering outdoor plants while you’re away. They deliver water directly to the base of plants, reducing water loss from evaporation and ensuring plants receive the right amount of water. Additionally, you can purchase timers to automatically turn your drip irrigation system on and off at the times you have set, making it simple to set up and use.

5. Soak Your Plants

Soaking your plants before you leave can help to ensure they have plenty of water to tide them over for a few days. You can do this by watering your plants deeply until you see water seeping out of the bottom of the pots or into the ground. Then, spread mulch around the plants to help retain moisture. Remember, it’s essential not to overwater your plants as this can cause root rot and other issues.

Final Thoughts

Leaving your outdoor plants unattended when you’re on holiday can be a worrying prospect, but with some planning and prep, you can ensure your plants stay healthy and hydrated. By using any of the methods outlined above, you can ensure that your plants receive the water they require, so you can enjoy your vacation without worry.