Assess Your Plants’ Water Needs
Before leaving, take stock of which plants need more or less frequent watering. Succulents and cacti, for example, can generally go longer without water than tomatoes or basil. Make sure you know approximately how often each plant needs to be watered.
Choose the Right Planters
Well-draining pots with holes at the bottom are ideal for outdoor potted plants. The holes allow excess water to drain away, preventing overwatering. Self-watering planters that have built-in reservoirs are also great for when you’ll be away for extended periods.
Give Plants a Good Soaking Before You Leave
Water plants thoroughly a few days before departing. This will help saturate the soil and give plants the hydration they need to thrive for several days without water.
Consider Watering Devices or Systems
If you’ll be gone for more than a week, look into self-watering systems or watering devices:
- Drip irrigation: Drip systems deliver small amounts of water directly to plant roots via tubing and emitters. They’re efficient and easy to install.
- Ollas: These clay vessels slowly release water into the soil. Bury ollas next to plants and fill them before leaving.
- Wick systems: With wick systems, one end of a cotton wick is placed in a reservoir (like a plastic bottle) of water, while the other end is buried in the soil near plant roots. The wick gradually absorbs and releases water.
- Soaker hoses: Laid out around plants, soaker hoses slowly ooze water into the surrounding soil. Attach them to timers to automate watering.
Rely on Neighbors or Friends
Ask a trusted neighbor, friend or family member to come by and water plants periodically while you’re traveling. Show them how much and how often to water. Offer to return the favor when they go out of town!
Move Plants to a Shadier Spot
Place potted plants in a shadier part of your yard before leaving. The reduced sunlight exposure will slow down their water use.
Group Plants Together
Clustering pots together can create a microclimate with more shade and humidity. The plants can essentially help conserve moisture for each other.
Add Mulch
Applying mulch like wood chips or gravel around plants helps lock in moisture and prevents evaporation. Spread a 2-3 inch layer before vacating.
Let Plants Dry Out Some
It’s actually better to underwater than overwater when you won’t be home. Many plants can tolerate some drought conditions surprisingly well. Don’t panic if plants wilt slightly while away.
Harvest What You Can
Pick any ripe vegetables or fruit before leaving so they don’t rot on the vines. Your plants’ energy can then be directed toward surviving versus producing.
Prepare for Extreme Weather
If blazing heat, torrential downpours, or storms are expected, prepare plants by moving them to sheltered areas, staking for added support, etc.
Hire a Plant Sitter
Consider hiring a plant sitter or gardener to come by every few days to care for your potted plants if you’ll be on vacation for over 2 weeks. This ensures they get the proper care.
Adjust Watering When You Return
Check soil moisture when you get home. Water thoroughly if plants are dry. Then resume your normal watering schedule. Plants may need a little time to bounce back from drought stress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watering Outdoor Potted Plants on Vacation
How often should I water outdoor potted plants when I’m away?
- For absences less than a week, water thoroughly 1-2 times. For 1-2 weeks away, aim for 2-3 thorough waterings. For over 2 weeks, consider self-watering systems or plant sitters.
What if I overwater right before leaving?
- Overwatering can be just as damaging as underwatering. Make sure soil drains well and isn’t soggy before departing. Leaving damp is better than soaked.
Should I move my outdoor potted plants before going on vacation?
- Moving plants to shadier spots or grouping them together can help conserve moisture while you’re gone. But only relocate if necessary and avoiddoing so right before leaving.
Can I fertilize plants right before vacation?
- It’s best to fertilize several weeks before leaving as fertilizer salts can build up without adequate watering. Never fertilize immediately before departing.
What type of mulch is best for conserving water?
- Organic mulches like wood chips work well. Inorganic options like gravel or pebbles also slow evaporation. 2-3 inches of any breathable mulch is ideal.
How do I prepare potted plants for heavy rain or storms while away?
- Stake or trellis plants for support, move them to sheltered areas, clear drains and gutters, and ensure pots won’t easily tip over in high winds before leaving.
Conclusion
The key to keeping your container plants healthy when traveling is preparing them with a good soak, using water retention methods, moving them to shadier spots, and enlisting help with periodic watering. Plants that are established in their pots require less frequent watering than new plants. With some planning and preparation before your vacation, you can return home to thriving outdoor potted plants.