How to Water Plants If Gone for a Week

If you love your plants, you must take care of them as you would take care of yourself. However, traveling or going out of town for a week can pose a great challenge when it comes to watering plants. But, this doesn't mean you need to resign to the fact that your plants will die in your absence. Here are some simple tips and tricks to help you learn how to water plants if gone for a week:

1. Water your Plants Vigorously Before Leaving

If you are leaving for a week, make sure you saturate the soil in your plants as much as possible before leaving. This is one of the easiest yet effective ways to ensure that your plants can withstand the long dry period without showing signs of wilting. Water the plants deeply and slowly to reach the roots and ensure that all the water is absorbed.

2. Choose the Right Container

The type of container you use for your plants will impact on the amount of moisture they retain. Plastic pots tend to retain more moisture than ceramic or terracotta pots. If you are going for a week or longer, consider using a self-watering container. They are designed with an inbuilt water reservoir at the bottom that releases moisture to the soil via a wick. This will ensure that your plants have a constant supply of water in your absence.

3. Use a Drip Irrigation System

If you are planning to stay away for a longer period, perhaps two weeks or longer, you should consider investing in a drip irrigation system. The system consists of a hosepipe that carries water to your plants in a slow drip. You can easily program the system so that it releases water at regular intervals, ensuring your plants are watered sufficiently. You can set the time and amount of water required and let the system do the rest.

4. Create a DIY Irrigation System Using Bottles

If you don't have a drip system but still want to keep your plants hydrated, you can create a DIY irrigation system using bottles. All you need to do is make several small holes at the bottom of the bottle and place it upside down in the soil. Fill the bottle with water, and it will seep slowly into the soil, ensuring your plants get the much-needed moisture.

5. Ask a Neighbor or Friend to Help

If you have friends or neighbors that love plants, you can ask for their help watering your plants in your absence. Ask them to check in on your plants every few days to ensure they are thriving. You can also show them how to take care of your plants to ensure they do it right. Alternatively, you can hire a house sitter that will take care of the plants as well as your house while you are away.

6. Group Plants Together

Plants that are grouped together tend to retain more moisture than plants placed far apart. When plants are placed together, their leaves trap moisture, which helps keep the soil moist for a more extended period. Grouping also helps to create a microclimate that can benefit your plants in your absence.

Conclusion

Keeping your plants alive and healthy while away from home is not a difficult task if you adopt the right techniques. You can use one of the above methods or try a combination of two or more to ensure that your plants are healthy and happy when you return.