Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:39 pm
Watering your plants when you’re away from home is essential to ensure they remain healthy and hydrated. There are several methods and techniques you can use to efficiently water your plants while you’re away:
1. Self-Watering Planters:
- Self-watering planters come with built-in reservoirs that can provide a consistent water supply to your plants for an extended period. These are a convenient option for maintaining the moisture levels of your plants.
2. Soaker Hoses:
- Soaker hoses are a simple and effective way to water multiple plants at once. Lay the hoses at the base of your plants, connect them to a water source, and set up a timer. This will ensure your plants receive a slow and steady supply of water.
3. Drip Irrigation Systems:
- Drip irrigation systems are a versatile option for automating the watering of your plants. They consist of tubes and emitters that can be customized to deliver water directly to the root zone of each plant. Use a timer to control the frequency and duration of watering.
4. Plant Watering Spikes or Globes:
- Watering spikes or globes are designed to slowly release water into the soil over time. Fill them with water and insert them into the soil near the base of your plants. These can be particularly useful for indoor plants.
5. DIY Bottle Irrigation:
- Create your own DIY irrigation system by filling plastic bottles with water and poking small holes in the cap. Buried in the soil next to your plants, the bottles will release water slowly as the soil dries out.
6. Group Plants Together:
- Group your plants together based on their water requirements. This makes it easier to water them efficiently and ensure that none are overwatered or underwatered.
7. Move Potted Plants to Shady Areas:
- If you’re going to be away during hot, sunny days, move potted plants to a shadier spot to reduce water loss through evaporation.
8. Use Mulch:
- Apply a layer of mulch to the soil surface around your plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
9. Test Before You Go:
- Prior to leaving, adjust your watering system or schedule, and monitor your plants’ moisture levels to make sure everything is functioning as expected.
10. Neighbor or Friend Assistance: – If you have a neighbor, friend, or family member nearby, ask for their help in watering your plants while you’re away. Be sure to provide clear instructions on when and how to water each plant.
11. Watering Globally: – Some smart irrigation systems can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app. If you have such a system, you can adjust watering settings from anywhere with an internet connection.
12. Vacation Watering Services: – In some areas, there are professional vacation watering services that you can hire to care for your plants while you’re away. They can provide watering and other plant care services.
Before you leave, it’s a good idea to give your plants a thorough watering to ensure they start your absence with adequate moisture. Properly planned and executed watering methods will help your plants thrive in your absence and ensure they remain healthy and vibrant when you return.
How do you water your plants when you’re on vacation? With these four simple DIY watering ideas, your plants will get enough water for a few days without anyone having to worry about them.
If you’re often away for a few days or even a week or two, then one of these four ideas might be suitable for you. With them you can water your plants while you are on vacation.
Contents
watering cord: easy watering for smaller plants
For smaller plant pots, this simple trick is suitable. For this you need a water container, such as a measuring cup or pot from the kitchen, and a piece of woolen string.
- Fill the container with water and soak the woolen string in it.
- Then bury one side of the wet string near the roots to half the height of the pot.
- Put the other side of the woolen string into the water container.
- If your plant needs water and the soil becomes dry, it will draw water out of the container via the wet wool string. This way you can water your plants while you are on vacation for a few days.
This trick is especially good for any plants in smaller pots. The pots should be no larger than 20 inches. When you fill your water container with water, you need to make sure that there is enough water for the different types of plants and the time period. So estimate approximately what the plants will need in water during the period of your absence. Also, use a cord made of real sheep’s wool or cotton. A cord made of synthetic fibers or blended fibers is not suitable for this purpose.
You can also pass the wet wool string through a straw, then the string will not dry out. It is best to use sustainable straws. You can find straws made of reusable materials such as stainless steel, bamboo or glass.
irrigation through inverted bottles
For this trick, all you need is an old glass bottle with a narrow neck. If the neck of the bottle is too thick, too much water could get into the soil and waterlogging could occur.
Fill the bottle with water, quickly turn it over and stick the entire neck of the bottle into the soil. The bottle should be near the center of the pot. The water will simply seep into the soil through the inverted bottle when it becomes dry. Depending on how much water the plant needs, this trick will keep the soil moist for a few days.
You can also leave the lid on your bottle and drill small holes in it. This way you reduce the watering. Especially for plants that do not need a lot of water, but need it continuously, you should therefore make the lid with holes on the bottle.
This trick is suitable for almost all types of plants. Some succulents, such as cacti, do not need water regularly and do not like moist soil. Therefore, for cacti, you should rather use the first watering idea, as they can water themselves with the woolen string. Also, depending on the size of the plant and water needs, you can adjust the volume of water in the bottles. For particularly large flower pots, you can also use several bottles for watering.