Going on vacation but worried about keeping your outdoor plants hydrated while you’re away? Properly watering plants is essential for their health, but it can be tricky when you’re not home. Don’t stress – with some preparation and planning, you can keep your outdoor plants happy and thriving even when you’re on vacation.
Make a Watering Plan
The key is to create a watering plan before you leave. Consider the following factors:
Weather and Climate
What is the typical weather like where you live during the time you’ll be away? Is it usually hot and sunny or cool and cloudy? The amount of natural rainfall and humidity during your vacation timeframe will impact how much additional watering your plants need.
If it will be hot and dry while you’re gone, your plants will likely need more frequent watering than if it’s cool and rainy. Check the weather forecast for your location to help gauge conditions.
Type of Plants
Different types of outdoor plants have different water needs. Succulents and cacti, for example, require less frequent watering than thirstier plants like annual flowers and vegetables. Make a list of all your outdoor plants and research their specific watering requirements.
Prioritize plants that need more constant moisture, like hydrangeas and impatiens. They may need daily watering in hot weather whereas a rose bush could withstand longer dry periods.
Sun Exposure
The number of sunlight hours your plants get affects how quickly the soil dries out. Plants in full sun usually need watering more often than those in shadier spots.
Assess the sunlight exposure for each plant area. South-facing gardens with no shade may dry out fastest. Conversely, a fern under a tree may stay moist for longer periods.
Soil Type
Soil drainage also impacts watering frequency. Sandy, gravelly soil drains faster than dense, clay-like soil that retains more moisture.
Check if your plants are in fast-draining or moisture-retentive soil. Fast-draining soil will require more frequent watering.
Container vs In-Ground
Plants in containers above ground tend to lose moisture quicker than in-ground plantings. Group your plants accordingly when making a watering schedule.
Potted plants, window boxes and hanging baskets may need daily watering whereas in-ground plantings could go 2-3 days.
Plant Age
Younger, establishing plants generally have shallower roots and demand more moisture than mature, well-established plants.
Prioritize watering requirements for newer plantings first when creating your vacation watering plan.
Once you assess these factors, make a schedule for how often each plant or area needs to be watered while you’re away. This will be your vacation watering plan.
Water Thoroughly Before Leaving
A deep, thorough watering of all plantings right before departure helpsprep them to withstand longer dry periods while you’re gone.
Aim to water plants until the soil is fully saturated. This encourages roots to grow deeper where moisture is retained longer.
For containers, water until excess drips through the drainage holes at the bottom.
Rely on Irrigation Systems
Installing automatic irrigation systems is ideal for keeping plants happy while on vacation. Options include:
Drip or Soaker Hoses
Drip irrigation systems apply water directly to soil and plant roots via flexible hoses or tubes with small built-in emitters. This conserves water and prevents diseases spread by wet foliage.
Add timers to automatically turn drip systems on/off on your set schedule.
Sprinklers
In-ground and oscillating sprinklers cover larger garden areas effectively. Use timers or smart controllers to automate when they activate.
Adjust sprinkler run times and frequency per your watering plan. Aim for early morning watering to minimize evaporation.
Smart Controllers
Next-generation smart controllers sync with local weather reports and automatically adjust garden irrigation as needed.
Handy for unpredictable vacation timing – set the controller and it handles adjusting watering based on conditions while you’re gone.
Rely on Neighbors or Friends
If you don’t have an irrigation system, asking neighbors or friends to help with plant watering is a top option. Give them your watering plan and schedule. Offer to return the favor when they vacation!
Provide them access to outdoor spigots and hoses. Make any hose-end attachments easy to use.
For container plants, place pots close together to simplify watering. Group indoor plants on waterproof trays to catch overflow.
Use Self-Watering Devices
Self-watering devices are affordable, low-tech options for maintaining hydration:
Drip Irrigation Watering Stakes
Insert these stakes into container soil. Water in the reservoir gradually drips into the soil through the tip.
They provide consistent moisture for 1-2 weeks. Install them right before you leave.
Wine Bottles or Plastic Jugs
Fill empty wine bottles or plastic jugs with water and poke tiny holes in the caps. Invert and bury in container soil.
As soil dries, water slowly seeps out. Refill them before leaving town.
Absorbent Gels or Polymers
Sprinkle absorbent gel beads on top of container soil to retain moisture. The beads expand and release water into soil as it dries.
Mix the beads into in-ground planting beds for similar effect. Reapply after 1-2 weeks.
Use Quality Mulch
Apply fresh organic mulch like bark chips, grass clippings or wood chips before traveling. Mulching helps:
- Retain soil moisture longer.
- Reduce weed growth that competes for water.
- Insulate plant roots and prevent evaporation.
Reapply mulch around thirsty plants to get the biggest water conservation boost.
Group Container Plants Together
Place container plants close together in a shady spot, ideally on a waterproof surface with a drainage collection tray underneath. This simplifies the watering process while you’re gone.
Group plants with similar light and watering needs. Avoid crowding them too close or leaves touching.
Install Rain Barrels
Rain barrels collect free rainwater from roof gutter downspouts that would otherwise go unused. The stored water is perfect for irrigating gardens while away.
Install rain barrel(s) and connect a hose to use for manually watering plants when home watering isn’t possible.
Just be sure to sterilize and filter rainwater first to remove contaminants before applying it to edible plants.
Let Nature Take Its Course
Some very drought tolerant plants like succulents, palms and olives may survive without any watering while you’re on a 1-2 week vacation. Evaluate the climate and your plants’ needs to assess if they can endure on natural rainfall alone.
Allow container soil to dry out some before departing. Remove any delicate annuals that won’t tolerate drought. When in doubt, opt for one of the above watering methods. But letting nature run its course could work for some landscapes.
Have Backups Ready
No matter how thorough your watering plan, problems can still pop up like pumps failing, timers malfunctioning, or helpers forgetting. To be safe:
- Provide house sitters or plant waterers with backup contact info for irrigation specialists to call if issues arise.
- Have a secondary timer ready to install if the first one fails.
- Set up a sprinkler or soaker hose as a temporary backup measure.
With some preparation and proactive steps, you can relax and enjoy your vacation knowing your outdoor plants are happily hydrated. Implementing the right watering plan makes leaving your garden in good hands easy. Bon voyage!
Frequently Asked Questions About Watering Plants While on Vacation
How often do outdoor plants need to be watered when away?
Frequency depends on climate, plant types, soil factors and more. Assess each plant’s needs 1-2 weeks pre-vacation and make a schedule. Most gardens need watering every 1-4 days on hot, dry trips.
What is the best way to water plants while on vacation?
Automatic irrigation systems like drip hoses, sprinklers, and smart controllers are ideal. Self-watering devices and rain barrels also work well. Relying on house sitters or neighbors to follow your plant watering schedule is another good option.
How do you keep potted plants watered when away?
Group together in shady spots. Use self-watering stakes, water-filled bottles or absorbent gels. Place on trays to catch overflow. Mulch to retain moisture. Have plant sitters follow your watering schedule.
Should plants be watered before going on vacation?
Yes, deeply water all plants 1-2 days before leaving so they are hydrated going into your absence. This encourages deeper root growth to access moisture.
What can damage plants when you don’t water them?
Lack of water causes wilt, browning leaves, stunted growth, low flower production and death. Prolonged drought makes plants more prone to pests and diseases. Prioritize consistent water for young and delicate plants.
How do you keep hanging baskets watered when away?
Install drip irrigations systems or watering stakes for automated/self-watering. Place several baskets together to simplify plant sitter watering. Or take down and place in a shady spot on trays with other containers.
Can outdoor plants survive without water for a week?
Some drought tolerant plants like cacti and succulents may, but most gardens need some moisture every 4-7 days in summer’s heat. Assess each plant’s needs. Rely on irrigation systems, plant sitters or self-watering devices for gardens that need regular water.
What happens if you don’t water plants when it rains?
With adequate natural rainfall during your trip, plants may survive without additional watering. But unpredictable weather makes relying just on rain risky. It’s safest to use irrigation systems or plant sitters to supplement natural rainfall while traveling.
How do I prepare my garden before going on vacation?
- Water plants deeply 1-2 days prior
- Mulch beds and containers
- Group container plants, install self-watering devices
- Set up irrigation systems, program timers
- Remove delicate annuals as needed
- Provide plant sitters with your watering plan & contact info
Final Thoughts on Watering Outdoor Plants While Away
Leaving your beloved plants and garden while on vacation doesn’t have to be stressful. With some planning and preparation, you can keep your landscaping happily hydrated in your absence.
Assess each plant’s specific water needs based on climate, exposure, soil, plant age and other factors. Use this to make a detailed vacation plant watering schedule.
Rely on automatic irrigation systems like drip hoses or smart controllers. For containers, use self-watering devices. Or have trusted neighbors follow your watering plan.
Thoroughly watering plants right before departure and mulching plant beds also aids moisture retention.
Don’t just hope for the best and assume nature will water for you – take proactive steps tailored to your unique garden! Implementing the right game plan makes going on vacation carefree and enjoyable knowing your plants are covered.