Taking a vacation or going away for an extended period can be worrying when you have outdoor plants that need regular watering. Proper plant care is crucial for your plants’ health and survival while you are gone. With some preparation and the right techniques, you can keep your outdoor plants hydrated even when you are away. This comprehensive guide will provide useful tips and methods to water outdoor plants while away.
Assess Your Plants’ Water Needs
Before going away, assess each of your plants’ water requirements. Consider factors like:
Plant Type
Different plant varieties and species have different water needs. For example, succulents and cacti require less frequent watering than annuals and perennials. Know the needs of each plant you have.
Age of the Plants
Younger plants need more frequent watering as they establish roots. Mature, established plants may withstand longer periods without water.
Time of Year
Plants need more water during hot, dry summer months. They require less in cool, moist spring and fall seasons.
Location and Exposure
Plants in full sun or windy areas lose moisture more rapidly than shaded, sheltered plants. Adjust watering accordingly.
Soil Type
Sandy and gravelly soils drain quickly while clay soils retain more moisture. Plant roots in fast-draining soils need more frequent watering.
Size of Plants
Larger plants with extensive root systems require more water than smaller plants.
Consider all these factors to determine which plants need the most frequent watering while you’re away. Prioritize these plants when planning your plant care.
Choose the Right Watering Methods
Select watering methods that fit your situation and needs. Here are some excellent options for keeping plants hydrated when away:
Install a Drip or Soaker Hose Irrigation System
Drip irrigation systems apply water directly to the soil and root zone. Attach a timer to automate the watering schedule. This efficient option works well for any size garden.
Use a Garden Hose with a Timer Attachment
Fit an automated timer to your hose tap so the system provides scheduled, pre-set watering cycles while gone. Position sprinklers or soaker hoses to reach all your plants.
Set Up Self-Watering Systems for Individual Plants
Devices like water globes, clay pot irrigation spikes, or DIY bottle drippers supply individual plants with a steady, slow release of water. They’re ideal for potted plants.
Ask Friends or Neighbors to Water
Hire a trusted friend or neighbor to water plants on an agreed schedule. Provide a key and clear instructions on amounts and frequency.
Use Watering Stakes, Spikes, Strips
These absorb and release water gradually. Place them near plants to provide a constant supply of moisture while you’re away.
Water Plants Thoroughly Before Leaving
Give all your plants a deep, thorough soaking the day before you leave so the surrounding soil is fully saturated. This gives plants the reserves they need to last longer between waterings.
Spread Organic Mulch Around Plants
Mulch conserves moisture and keeps plant roots cool. Replenish any faded mulch before going away so plants retain more water.
Watering Tips for Specific Situations
Use these handy watering tips for keeping plants happy when you take common types of trips:
Weekend or Vacation up to a Week
- Install self-watering systems like water spikes, glass globes or plastic bottles to drizzle water slowly to potted plants on decks or patios.
- Water flowering annuals, vegetables, and container plants thoroughly before leaving.
- For in-ground plants, turn soaker hoses or sprinklers on automatic timers to run every 2-3 days for 10-15 minutes in early morning.
Two Weeks or Longer
- Set up an automated drip irrigation system or programmable hose timer to provide thorough watering 2-3 times per week.
- Group plants with similar needs together on the same watering zones.
- Add extra mulch around thirsty plants to retain soil moisture.
- Place plants that need more frequent watering near easily-accessible taps so your plant sitter can spot water them.
Over a Month Away
- Install a full drip irrigation system on timers to provide different watering schedules tailored to each plant’s needs.
- Place drought-tolerant succulents and cacti together on zones that water just once every 7-10 days.
- Group plants with high water demands on more frequent watering cycles of every 2-3 days.
- Have an experienced, dedicated plant sitter check and adjust your system while away.
- Harvest vegetables and cut back water-hungry annuals so fewer plants require as much hydration.
Helpful Tips for DIY Watering Systems
Constructing your own custom watering system is an excellent way to keep plants healthy while traveling or on extended vacations. Here are useful tips for DIY watering setups:
- For container plants, assemble drippers from plastic bottles or purchase inexpensive commercial drippers. Insert one in each pot with the flow rate adjusted for the plant’s needs.
- Use a battery operated timer to automate the watering schedule. The timer turns a valve on and off at preset intervals to water plants.
- Position garden soaker hoses or drip irrigation tubing in planting beds and borders. Run lengths of 1⁄4” tubing from the timer-controlled valve to each area that needs watering.
- Adjust flow rates at each individual emitter along drip tubing to provide the ideal amount of water to each area and plant type.
- Where water pressure is too low for drip systems to work well, use a small pump on a timer to provide regular pressure for watering while away.
- Inspect all fittings, valves, and connections for leaks. Ensure hoses direct water only where needed so none is wasted.
- After installing a DIY system, monitor performance for a week while home before leaving. Adjust settings and correct any issues to ensure proper operation while gone.
Prepare Indoor Plants Before Leaving
It’s easy to keep indoor plants alive and thriving with these tips:
- Water houseplants thoroughly a few days before leaving so the soil is moist but not soggy.
- For plants that need frequent watering, place pots on trays filled with pebbles and water. This provides humidity and extra moisture as water evaporates.
- Group plants together in bathtubs, sinks or on waterproof trays. Have your plant caretaker fill the trays 1-2 inches deep with water as needed to keep soil moist.
- Move plants away from sunny windows where heat and light cause faster moisture loss.
- Mist leaves with water before going to boost humidity around foliage.
- Ensure all indoor plants are in pots with drainage holes and well-draining soil mixes. This prevents soggy soil during extended watering.
Helpful Products for Watering Outdoor Plants While Away
Specialized products can make plant watering a breeze when you’re on vacation or traveling long-term. Consider investing in these handy items:
- Hose timers – Automatically run sprinklers or drip systems on preset schedules without any work. Ensure the timer has multiple programs so you can customize watering times.
- Battery operated irrigation valves – Drip systems need a valve to turn water flow on and off as scheduled by the timer. Opt for a valve that runs on batteries so no electrical connection is needed.
- Submersible garden pumps – These small pumps submerged in buckets or rain barrels use timers to create water pressure, providing automated watering without hooking hoses up to faucets.
- Soaker hoses – Laid in garden beds and lawns, these porous hoses seep water directly into the soil for better efficiency than sprinklers when away.
- Adjustable flow emitters – With these on drip system tubing, you can fine-tune the watering volume released to suit plants with different watering needs.
- Self-watering spikes or stakes – Models with cotton rope or braids slowly absorb and release water into pots. Drop one in each container to keep roots hydrated for weeks.
Monitor Effectiveness & Make Adjustments
Upon returning from a trip, immediately inspect all your plants. Note any signs of under- or over-watering, such as wilting, leaf scorch, or overly soggy soil. Use these signs to adjust your watering setup.
- If plants show signs of under-watering, increase system run times and frequency.
- For over-watered plants, reduce the duration and number of watering cycles.
- Check that emitters are working properly and providing an even distribution of water.
- As the seasons change, reset controllers and timers to match plants’ changing water needs in hotter or cooler weather.
- Refill any self-watering devices like water spikes when empty. Wash out mineral deposits that may clog them.
- Adjust positioning of drip tubing and soaker hoses to better reach plant root zones if needed.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Watering Outdoor Plants While Away
Here are useful answers to common questions about keeping outdoor plants watered while traveling:
Is it better to water plants in the morning or evening when away?
Early morning is ideal as it allows foliage to dry out during the day, preventing diseases. Avoid evening watering that leaves plants damp overnight. Program watering systems to run between 4-8 am.
How long can plants survive without water?
It varies greatly. Succulents may go weeks without water. Annuals and containers may need water every 1-3 days. Established trees and shrubs often tolerate 10 days. New transplants need more frequent watering.
How much should you water plants when away?
As a rule, water until the surrounding soil is thoroughly dampened, taking care not to oversaturate it. Potted plants may need daily moisture while garden plantings may fare well with deeper soakings 2-3 times per week.
What’s the best way to water container plants when traveling?
Self-watering systems like watering spikes, glass globes with bottoms removed, and drip irrigation work wonderfully to hydrate containers while away. Group together and set up a drip system to water them automatically.
Can you use automatic sprinklers to water plants while on vacation?
Yes, automatic in-ground sprinkler systems are ideal for watering the lawn and garden areas when traveling. Just be sure to adjust the watering duration and frequency for the seasons before you leave.
How do you create a DIY watering system for plants?
You can craft easy DIY systems using plastic bottles or drippers to automatically water individual pots. Or install drip tubing, soaker hoses, or oscillating sprinklers on a programmable hose timer for larger in-ground plantings.
How often should neighbours water plants when you’re away?
Discuss a schedule with neighbours before leaving based on each plant’s needs. Potted plants may need watering every 1-3 days. Gardens are often fine with a good soak 2-3 times a week. Adjust as needed for weather.
Final Tips for Watering Outdoor Plants While on Vacation
- Check all your plants the day before leaving on a trip. Water if needed so they are fully hydrated.
- Ensure hoses, timers, and connections are in good working order before leaving home.
- When using timers, set watering duration and frequency to match plant needs, not just to empty a set amount of water.
- Label plants that require the most frequent watering to prioritize for plant sitters.
- Know your area’s seasonal weather patterns so you can predict water needs while gone.
- Never drastically over-water plants right before leaving. Too much moisture encourages root rot.
- Upon returning, ease plants back into a normal watering routine. Don’t overcompensate if plants are very dry.
With proper preparation and using the right watering techniques for your situation, you can relax and enjoy your travels knowing your plants are happily hydrated in your absence!