Watering plants whilst on vacation: how to organize yourself when you're going away for a few days
Whether it's just a for a weekend or for a bit longer, when you go away for a while, there are always lots of things you have to organize first. And amongst these preparations, ensuring your plants will be ok whilst you're away, tops the list.
So, what can you do if you can't find someone to keep an eye on them for you? Well, there's a few things you can do about this, and we detail these below:
Which plants require watering?
First of all, it is a good idea to carefully evaluate the type of plants you have growing at home - some species can withstand short periods of drought, while others will require greater care:
- Succulent plants can withstand drought conditions, so they can be watered before you leave and they will be just fine (as long as you're not away for a really long time, of course);
- Orchids are delicate and do not deal well with drought/arid conditions. That said, orchids can develop root rot if you do not let their soil dry out completely between one watering and the next. Being away for only a few days will not require any intervention on your part, but if you plan to be away for a longer period, it's best to give them to someone who will take good care of them for you;
- Aromatic herbs and Mediterranean plants require a constant supply of water and we show you how to do this below.
DIY irrigators
Using DIY irrigation devices is a practical and cheap way to ensure that your plants receive the right amount of water while you're away.
You can make these irrigators by simply by using plastic bottles: fill the plastic bottle with water, punch some holes into its lid and insert it upside down into the soil next to your plant. Fill the bottle with the amount of water necessary to sustain your plant for the time you'll be away and it will release the water slowly through the holes in the lid, keeping the soil moist.
You can improve the performance of these DIY devices by purchasing low-cost watering nozzles that you can attach to the bottles before inserting them into the potting soil.
For smaller vases, you can use a glass filled with water and a length of cotton cord. By putting one end of the cord into the glass and the other end onto/into the soil, it will wick water continuously and slowly to your plant/s.
A bathtub for your plants
Another useful way to water your plants during your absence is to use a bathtub: fill the bathtub with a few centimeters of water before placing your plants into it. You can also cover the bottom of the bathtub with a towel, which will protect the bottom of the tub from being scratched. Using this method, the roots of your plants will absorb only the amount of water they need and won't become water-logged.
This method will keep your plants watered for up to a week (provided the pots have drainage holes, of course).
DIY greenhouse
Finally, if you're going to be away for an extended period, you can set up DIY greenhouses by using plastic bags. Get one bag for each of your plants (or group of plants) and place them in the bag after having thoroughly watered them. Blow air into the bag to inflate it so that the plastic does not touch the leaves.
Once "bagged", position your plants in spot where they will receive indirect sunlight (which will ensure they don't over-heat).
Now, you can head off out the door - enjoy your break!
