Caring for your outdoor plants while you’re away on vacation can seem daunting. After all, plants need regular water to stay healthy and thrive. But with some preparation and planning, you can ensure your outdoor plants are properly watered even when you’re gone for up to a week. Here are the best tips and techniques for watering outdoor plants while you’re away.
Assess Your Plants’ Water Needs
Before determining the best watering method, assess each of your plants’ water needs. This will vary depending on:
- Plant type – Some plants need more frequent watering than others. Succulents and cacti, for example, can go longer without water than tomatoes or lettuce. Know the needs of each plant species you have.
- Time of year – Plants need more water in hot summer months than in cooler spring and fall weather. Adjust watering accordingly.
- Size of plant – Larger, established plants generally require less frequent watering than smaller seedlings or transplants.
- Soil type – Sandy soils drain quickly and will need more frequent watering. Heavy clay soils hold more moisture.
- Sun exposure – Plants in full sun often need more water than shaded plants.
Take these factors into account as you determine the best how to water outdoor plants when away for a week system. Prioritize plants with higher water needs.
Choose the Right Watering Method
With your plants’ needs in mind, select the best watering method for the duration you’ll be gone. Options include:
Self-Watering Systems
These provide water to plants automatically at preset intervals. Options include:
- Drip irrigation – A network of tubing and valves that drip water directly onto soil near plant roots. Needs a water source and timer.
- Ollas – Unglazed clay pots buried near plants to slowly release water into soil. Fill before leaving.
- Wicking beds – Plants set in beds with absorbent fabric “wicking” water from a lower reservoir.
- Sub-irrigation – Pots set in a water-filled tray. Soil absorbs water from below as needed.
Water Reservoirs
These hold a quantity of water that’s gradually released:
- Watering globes – Upside-down bulbs set into soil. Water slowly seeps out hole in bottom.
- Watering spikes – Stakes inserted into soil with water reservoir to release water into ground.
- Absorbing polymers – Gel beads mixed into potting soil hold and release water.
Wicking Devices
Objects placed in pots to deliver water to plants:
- Absorbing cords – Cotton cords set in pots with one end in water reservoir.
- Terracotta pot shards – Partially buried in soil to absorb and release moisture.
Mulch
A thick layer of mulch around plants helps soil retain moisture longer. Wood chips, grass clippings, straw, and leaves all work.
Determine How Much and How Often to Water
When preparing your watering system, assess:
- Water needs – Consider each plant’s normal water requirements.
- Duration of absence – Adjust amount and frequency for longer vs shorter trips.
- Weather forecast – Will it be hot and dry or cool and rainy while you’re gone?
- Water volume – Calculate quantity needed per plant for duration of absence.
- Watering frequency – How often will self-watering systems release water?
Ideally, have a gardening neighbor or friend check on water levels mid-way through longer trips to ensure plants won’t dry out.
Set Up Watering Systems Before Leaving
Install any self-watering systems, water reservoirs, or wicking devices before leaving, according to manufacturer’s instructions. Fill reservoirs fully. For non-automated systems, deeply water plants to saturated soil the day before leaving. This gives plants a good start if you’ll be gone up to a week.
Additional Tips for Success
- Move potted plants to shadier areas to reduce water needs.
- Use shade cloths or screens to protect from harsh sun.
- Group pots together to create shade and reduce evaporation.
- Avoid fertilizing, pruning or transplanting right before leaving.
- Check for leaks in irrigation systems before leaving.
- Leave plant care instructions for house/pet sitters.
What to Do When You Return
When you get back from your trip:
- Check soil moisture of all plants. Water thoroughly if dry.
- Refill any empty self-watering reservoirs.
- Inspect plants for signs of under- or over-watering.
- Remove any watering devices no longer needed.
- Resume your normal watering routine.
- Remove any protective shade screens installed.
- Prune off any damaged foliage or stems.
With the right preparation, your plants can thrive while you’re gone on vacation for up to a week. Determine each plant’s needs, select a suitable watering method, and set up your systems properly before leaving. You’ll return to healthy, happy plants!
Frequently Asked Questions About Watering Outdoor Plants When Away
How often should outdoor plants be watered when away for a week?
How often plants need watering depends on factors like plant types, weather, and watering systems used. For a 1 week absence, aim to have self-watering systems deliver water every 2-3 days on average. Individual plant needs may vary.
What is the best self-watering system for outdoor plants?
Drip irrigation, ollas, and sub-irrigation systems are very effective for self-watering outdoor plants when away. They efficiently deliver water directly to plant root zones without waste.
How do you calculate how much water plants need when away?
Check typical water needs for each plant variety. For a week away, allow for about 1-2 inches of water per week for annuals and vegetable plants, and 1 inch per week for established perennials, trees and shrubs. Adjust for weather.
Can outdoor plants survive a week without water?
It depends on the plant variety and environmental factors. Drought-tolerant plants like succulents and cacti may survive a week unwatered. But most plants, especially annuals, seedlings and potted plants, require some watering for a week-long absence.
What are the signs that plants need more water when you’re away?
Look for wilting, drooping or curling leaves, dull color, and dry, cracked soil. Slowed or stunted growth can also indicate underwatering while away. Check soil moisture when you return.
How do you keep potted plants watered when away?
For potted plants, group pots together, add mulch to soil and use self-watering pots or sub-irrigation trays. Water retaining gels or polymers in soil can extend water supply too. Prioritize high water-need pots.
Can you overwater plants when away for a week?
Yes, it’s possible to overwater if systems supply too much water too frequently while you’re gone. Signs include spots on leaves, mold, or overly soggy soil. It’s best to have someone check mid-trip if possible.
How long can plants go without water?
It varies but most untreated outdoor plants can only go 3-5 days maximum during warm weather before underwatering damage occurs. Succulents and cacti may go 1-2 weeks without water. Prioritize watering before damage happens.
Conclusion
Caring for outdoor plants while traveling can certainly be a challenge. But with some preparation using self-watering systems, reservoirs, wicking devices, and mulch, you can keep your plants hydrated even during a week-long absence. Know your plants’ needs, assess watering duration and frequency, and properly set up your watering methods before leaving on vacation. Your plants will reward you with health and vitality when you return!