Whether you want to save your garden ideas or are more of an indoor plant enthusiast, the problem of keeping them healthy is the same. There are, however, some solutions that will ensure your blooms continue to thrive while you are away, as well as expert advice on when to water plants.
TIPS THAT WORK INDOORS AND OUTDOORS
Going away does not require you to neglect your best indoor plants or garden. According to the experts, here’s how to water plants while on vacation.
Make use of ceramic watering stakes
Brody Hall, a Certified Horticulturist and Co-Founder of The Indoor Nursery(opens in new tab), explains that there are two kinds of ceramic watering stakes that allow you to water your plants while you’re away.
The first type allows water-filled wine bottles to be inserted directly into the stakes’ tops. ‘The water from the wine bottle slowly percolates through the ceramic stake, watering the plant,’ he says.
Find a new application for your liquor bottles
It might be worth saving a few bottles for when you’re cleaning up after your next garden party. Whether you drink liquor, beer, or wine, you can put your empty bottles to good use the next time you go on vacation – but how does this unconventional method work?
‘You can use these bottles to water indoor plants by filling them with water and placing them in the plant’s soil,’ Brody explains. ‘Fill the bottle with water, dig a hole with your finger wide enough for the bottleneck, and insert into the soil with the bottleneck facing downward. The water will slowly seep into the soil, keeping the plant hydrated.’
Apply a plastic covering
Brody recommends using a plastic covering to keep the humidity levels high for both indoor and outdoor potted plants. This will help to insulate the plants and prevent them from losing moisture as quickly.
Instead of covering the entire plant and risking mould and mildew infection, he recommends laying dampened mulch around the base of the plant and covering it with a dark plastic bag.
Buy a self watering system
If you’re going to be travelling for an extended period of time or are a frequent flyer, it might be a good idea to invest in a self-watering system.
The system that works by slowly releasing water into the soil over time is one of the best ways to water your outdoor plants while you’re away, according to Gardening Boost expert Roger St. Hilaire(opens in new tab).
‘If you don’t want to invest in a self-watering system, a water timer attached to your hose will suffice. This will automatically turn on and off the water, so you won’t have to worry about it.’
Final Verdict
Knowing how to water plants while on vacation is a constant concern, especially during the summer months. This season sees the most travel, both domestically and internationally – but no matter where you go, you’ll be away from your greenery.
