But you might avoid such disappointments by using these 12 tips.
If you haven’t incorporated the concept ofwater-wise (xeriscape) gardening,it is well worth looking into.
You’ll be surprised how many plants, especially native species, are largely self-sufficient.
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Lack of water is not the only threat to plants left unattended during your vacation.
If your garden is already well mulched, just give your garden a good soaking before you leave.
If you want to add more mulch, you don’t need to re-mulch the entire bed.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Mulching around the plant roots will suffice.
Container gardens, however, can’t survive by mulching alone.
you might purchase an inexpensive drip irrigation kit that basically snaps together and connects to an ordinary hose faucet.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Higher-end timers can even sense how much rain has fallen and adjust accordingly.
It is more difficult, though not impossible, to lay the tubing once plants are large and growing.
Drip irrigation is designed to target each individual plant, but sprinklers and soaker hoses will water wide areas.
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The timer option works just as well with a hose connected to a regular garden sprinkler.
You may need a couple of sprinklers fed by connector hoses and Y-fittings if your garden is expansive.
And they can be adapted to help keep plants hydrated while you are vacationing.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
The water captured by the barrel will leech out slowly and saturate the ground.
This method will work for both in-ground plants and container-grown plants.
If you typically travel during the summer months, invest in self-watering pots for your container gardens.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
A self-watering pot will give you peace of mindand keep your plants happywhile you’re gone.
Group Containers Together
Large gardens often include many container plants scattered about the yard.
These containers require even more water than the plants in the garden beds.
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For the time your are on vacation, it’s a good idea to group the containers together.
Put the other end in a water bottle or jar set slightly higher than the plant pot.
The water will gradually wick from the container of water and into the soil.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Keep in mind that the string can drip on its way into the container.
Don’t set this up on a good piece of furniture or near an appliance cord.
After blending in the crystals, you must water slowly and deeply to fully hydrate the crystals.
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Create Shade
Protect large portions of your garden by hanging shade cloth to diffuse the light.
you’re able to stretch it across a fence or hang it from two poles, where needed.
This advice also works for indoor houseplants.
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Offer to reciprocate for an acquaintance who agrees to water your indoor and outdoor plants while you are vacationing.
This can be one of the best solutions if your absence will be lengthymore than two weeks.
Let your friends know it’s okay to come by andharvest vegetableswhile you are vacationing.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
This will keep your plants producing and removes the edible produce that could attract pests.
And it keeps edible food from going to waste.
They can either hand-water or simply check to see to it your timers are working properly.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Or you may find a neighborhood teenager or retiree who will be delighted to earn some easy money.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
