5 useful tips for watering plants when you are on vacation
All year round we enjoy the garden which is decorated with plants that brighten our homes and maybe even improve the quality of of our lives, but what can we do when we want to go on vacation, very far away from all our plants and flowers? There are those who can count on someone else to take care of the plants; then there are those who have an efficient automatic irrigation systems. But what about other cases where these resources are lacking?
There are a series of tips that will help to take care of the plants, even when we are away. These range from making the plants more capable of retaining water during hot periods, to building DIY watering systems. Read on to find out more:
First of all, it is important to know the watering needs of plants: some can withstand drought periods much better than others. Some are more capable of tolerating dry periods if they are in pots and they are moved to shaded areas. Still others can be equipped with saucers (placed under the pots), and other useful accessories. However, avoid overdoing watering as you could end up with rotting the plants caused by stagnant water.
Lawns
In the case of lawns, it is generally considered that the amount of water needed is around 6 liters / quarts per square meter per day, or 12 litres / quarts every two days. But when there are water shortages, it would be better to stop, or at least reduce, the frequency of watering. The lawn, in fact, can often manage to grow back "by themselves" as soon as the temperatures drop and the rains start up again.
In any case, avoid cutting the lawn before leaving the home: the higher the grass, the more effectively it will be able to dissipate heat, so there will be no overheating of the soil. Grass is able to carry out photosynthesis, even at temperatures that are higher than normal.
Mulch
Help the soil around plants, even those in pots, to retain moisture longer by adding a layer of organic mulch. Plants lose 25% less water due to evaporation when they have been mulched. Don't just do it around those plants that like heat and dry climates (like succulents, for example).
A drip system is best
If you have a chance to purchase and prepare one , install a drip irrigation system for the plants and flowerbeds. Surface watering is quite inefficient and evaporates quickly - but a drip irrigation system allows the water to penetrate deep into the ground reaching the roots, where it is stored.
DIY watering systems
Some people also manage to make DIY irrigations systems that work with upside-down bottles (glass bottles) with their necks stuck into the ground, or with containers full of water and connected to the soil of the plant with twine or cloth cords, (which slowly draw the water up and into the ground itself, continuously).
There are also ready-to-buy ampoules and kits you can get that work in similar ways. You can do tests of these methods when you are at home, and if they work you, your plants will be safe when you are on vacation.
Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is the method of designing gardens based on the choice of plants that store water, i.e. those capable of withstanding periods of drought. It is mistakenly believed that these are only cacti or other succulent plants, but there are many other varieties with truly wonderful shapes and colors that could be the right choice for many sunny gardens and balconies.
Are you now ready to leave home and not worry about your plants?
