Taking a vacation or going away for an extended period can be worrisome when you have outdoor plants that need regular watering. Leaving your plants without care for weeks at a time risks them drying out, wilting, or even dying. However, with the right preparation and supplies, you can keep your outdoor plants hydrated even when you’re away for a month or longer. Here are some effective tips to keep your outdoor plants watered while you’re away.
Assess Your Plants’ Water Needs
Before making any plans, take stock of the plants you need to water. Make a list of all your outdoor plants and note their moisture needs. Consider the following:
- Plant type – Some plants need more frequent watering than others. For example, vegetables, herbs, and annual flowers often require daily or regular moisture. Succulents, cacti and other drought-resistant plants may go longer between waterings.
- Plant size – Larger plants with bigger containers generally require more water than smaller plants. Pay special attention to the thirstier plants.
- Location – Plants in full sun or windy areas lose moisture more quickly and need more frequent watering. Plants in shaded areas may last longer between waterings.
- Weather – During hot, dry stretches, your plants will need more water to compensate for moisture lost to evaporation. Adjust your watering plan accordingly.
Once you know your plants’ expected water needs, you can determine the best system to keep them hydrated in your absence.
Choose the Right Watering Methods
To keep plants watered for weeks at a time, you need watering methods that are either automatic or can hold enough moisture to sustain plants. Good options include:
Automatic Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation systems apply slow, targeted watering to the base of plants through tubing and emitters. On an automatic timer, this maintains regular moisture without oversight. Drip kits are affordable and easy to install. Just ensure emitters reach all your plants.
Self-Watering Stakes, Spikes, Globes
Self-watering devices like spikes, stakes, and globes release water as the soil dries out, maintaining moisture autonomously. Use one per plant, adjusting water flow as needed. Remember to refill them before going away.
Soaker Hoses or Leaky Hoses
Soaker hoses have small perforations that “leak” moisture along their length. Place hoses beside plants and secure them in place. Connect to a timer or set up a manual hose splitter to automate watering.
Mulch
Apply mulch like bark, leaves, straw, or gravel around plants to retain soil moisture and slow evaporation. Replenish before leaving. Organic mulches also improve the soil as they decompose.
Water Gels and Polymers
These absorbent gels and crystals absorb water then release it back to plant roots. Mix them into soil or add to containers before going away. This can extend the time between waterings. Follow package instructions carefully.
Self-Watering Planters and Raised Beds
Self-contained raised beds, window boxes, and planters with built-in water reservoirs allow plants to self-water from a hidden supply. Look for self-watering options or add a fill tube to make any container self-watering.
Set Up Your Watering System
With your watering method decided, it’s time to set up the system. Follow these tips for optimal results:
- For automatic irrigation, have a professional install it if needed. Program the timer according to each plant’s needs. As a rule of thumb, most plants need 1-2 inches of water per week.
- For self-watering stakes and spikes, insert one in each container according to manufacturer instructions, then test and adjust water flow.
- Ensure soaker hoses reach all plants. Install a splitter and timer to automate watering. Test the system before leaving.
- Use enough mulch to fully cover bare soil by 2-3 inches. Replenish deteriorating mulch before leaving.
- Mix in moisture retaining polymers per package directions. Water thoroughly before departing.
- Make sure self-watering planters are filled to capacity before you leave. Monitor moisture before going away.
Ideally, set up your system at least 1-2 weeks before leaving. This allows time to address any issues and ensures plants get used to the watering schedule.
Provide Extra Water Before Leaving
When prepping plants for an extended absence, give them a deep watering 1-2 days before leaving to pre-hydrate the soil. Top off any self-watering devices, and turn on automized irrigation to test. Shut off water to outdoor faucets to prevent leaks. Continue usual care like pruning and fertilization right up until departure.
Plants in small containers are at higher risk of drying out. Group together on saucers or trays and let them sit in water for several hours before leaving so they fully absorb moisture. Lift out, let drain, and move to a shady spot.
For extra insurance, place container plants together in a kids’ wading pool, set the pots in water inside the pool, then let the pool slowly drain over several hours. The plants will soak up ample reserve water.
Provide Extra Water Management Support
Even with an automatic watering system in place, it’s smart to have someone occasionally check on your plants, especially if you’re gone for many weeks. Ask a friend or neighbor to visit every 2-3 weeks and look for any issues. Have them:
- Check soil moisture – Probe with a finger to 2 inches deep. Water if dry.
- Adjust watering as needed – Turn off if too wet; increase time if too dry.
- Refill any empty self-watering devices.
- Watch for pests like insects and diseases. Treat if found. Having someone occasionally inspect plants removes much of the worry over leaving them for a month or more.
Prepare Indoor Plants Before Leaving
Indoor plants also need some preparations for extended absences. About 1-2 weeks before leaving:
- Assess all indoor plants and determine their individual water needs. Refer to care guides for each species.
- Group plants with similar needs together on waterproof trays or saucers. This allows efficient, grouped watering.
- Prune or trim overgrown plants so they require less water. Remove any dead or dying foliage.
- Give all plants a deep watering until it drains from the drainage holes. Allow to drain completely.
- Top off humidity trays. Group together plants that prefer high humidity.
- Move plants away from direct sun to limit evaporation. A bright, north-facing window is ideal.
- Ask plant sitters to check indoor plants every 2-3 weeks as well. Have them water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Provide detailed care instructions.
With some preparation, indoor plants can readily go 3-4 weeks or longer between waterings and be just fine until your return.
Prepare the Garden Before an Extended Absence
Your overall yard and garden also deserves some care before leaving for a month or longer:
Stop Regular Garden Maintenance
Discontinue usual maintenance like mowing, pruning, fertilizing, or overseeding in the weeks before leaving. This prevents new growth that would require extra water.
Remove Weeds
Eliminate weeds that would compete for water while you’re gone. Hand pull or use an organic herbicide a couple weeks in advance.
Adjust Automatic Irrigation
If you have an automatic lawn sprinkler system, adjust the timer to water very early in the morning just 1-2 times per week while away. This keeps grass and gardens alive without overwatering.
Mulch Beds
Replenish any fading mulch in beds and tree rings. A fresh layer of bark, leaves, or straw helps retain moisture.
Edge Along Beds and Walks
Use a lawn edger to define neat edges. This keeps beds and paths tidy and helps prevent unwanted spread of grass or weeds.
Stake Up Plants
Add stakes and ties to any plants or vines that tend to sprawl or sag. This prevents breakage in summer storms.
Clean Up Debris
Remove fallen leaves, branches and other debris that could block irrigation systems. A tidy landscape withstands your absence better.
Address Pest or Disease Issues
Check for any pest or disease issues and treat accordingly. This prevents problems from worsening while you’re away. Call in a lawn care company if needed.
How to Maintain Your Returned Garden
You’re back from your vacation and greeted by a parched but surviving landscape! Now it’s time to rehabilitate your plants and get the garden thriving again.
Water Thoroughly
First, give all beds, yards, containers and hanging baskets a deep watering over several days. Let them soak up as much moisture as possible to fully rehydrate.
Prune and Trim
Remove any dead, damaged or overgrown plant parts to restore shape and vigor. Don’t remove more than 20% of growth.
Weed and Mulch
Pull early weeds, cultivate soil, and replenish fading mulch. Healthy mulch reduces future weeds and retains moisture.
Fertilize Lightly
Apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer to rejuvenate plants. Don’t use high nitrogen blends which promote leafy growth needing more water.
Adjust Watering Schedule
Ease plants back onto a normal watering routine. Adjust irrigation timers accordingly. Check soil moisture before watering again.
Monitor for Pests
Check for signs of pests like spider mites that may have moved in. Apply organic treatments if found. Targeted pruning removes damage.
Reduce Sun Exposure
Move struggling plants into shade to avoid added stress. Prop up wilting plants and gently tie or stake any floppy stems.
Within 2-3 weeks of renewed care, most plants that received adequate water in your absence should regain their vigor. Then you can finally relax and enjoy your garden once more!
FAQs About Watering Plants When Away
How long can outdoor plants go without water?
Most outdoor plants need some moisture every 5-7 days to survive, especially in hot weather. Succulents and cacti may withstand 10-14 days without water. Drip irrigation, soaker hoses and self-watering planters can supply regular moisture for weeks when programmed properly.
What is the best way to water plants outdoors when away?
Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, self-watering devices, and heavily mulching beds are the most reliable methods for watering when away for extended periods. The key is providing slow, steady moisture to plant roots over time, without overwatering while unattended.
How do I prepare container plants for a month away?
Before leaving, give container plants a thorough watering and let them sit in full saucers for hours to absorb moisture. Group together on trays and move to shade. Use mulch and moisture retention polymers. Arrange for someone to check them every 2-3 weeks if gone for many weeks.
How long do indoor plants need water when on vacation?
Group indoor plants by similar light and watering needs, then give them a deep watering before leaving. Plants staying in air conditioning may only need water every 2-4 weeks. Plants in hot, dry conditions will need water more often. Arrange for someone to check and spot water indoor plants every 10-14 days as needed.
How can I keep my garden alive when away for a month?
Adjust automatic irrigation to water minimally 1-2 times per week. Replenish mulch, remove weeds, clean up debris and stake vulnerable plants before leaving. Eliminate fertilizing and maintenance practices that stimulate thirsty new growth. Have someone check periodically for any issues.
Conclusion
Going on vacation or taking an extended trip no longer means coming home to dead plants. With preparation using the right watering methods, even the most ardent gardener can keep their outdoor and indoor plants hydrated for a month or longer. Arrange for periodic garden checks, prepare plants beforehand, and invest in reliable self-watering systems. Then you can truly relax and enjoy your trip, knowing your beautiful garden will thrive in your absence!