While you may be ready for a break, it’s essential to address the maintenance and watering needs of your plants before you go. Additionally, there are a few last-minute tasks that can ensure you return to a flourishing garden rather than bedraggled plants. Here are some tips for caring for your garden before you head on holiday.
Watering
Ideally, arrange for a family member, friend, or neighbour to water your plants while you’re away. Ensure that watering cans, hoses, and water butts are easily accessible. Clearly communicate the watering instructions and prioritise which plants require special attention.
If no one is available to help, consider investing in an automatic irrigation system or ensuring that your existing system is functioning correctly. And don’t forget to show your gratitude by bringing back a thoughtful gift for your garden helper.
Pots
To create a more humid environment and reduce watering tasks, group your pots closer together. Place more delicate plants in the centre of the cluster. If someone is watering your garden, positioning the pots near a water source like a water butt will make their task easier. Additionally, moving pots into partial shade can minimise evaporation.
Sacrifice Buds
Before you depart, trim your plants beyond deadheading. Remove buds and flowers that are currently blooming. This sacrifice increases the chances of new flowers appearing upon your return. Share the cut flowers with your garden caretaker so they can enjoy them while tending to your plants.
Avoid Planting New Additions
It’s best to avoid sowing seeds or planting new additions just before you leave for your holiday. Instead, focus on getting your plants well-established before you go or wait until you return to introduce new ones. This reduces the risk of neglecting newly planted specimens.
Care for Hanging Baskets
Take down hanging baskets and either place them alongside your other plants in a shaded area at ground level or position them in a half-filled washing-up bowl with the bottom of the liner resting in water. This method ensures they receive adequate moisture while you’re away.
Replace No-Hopers
If certain bedding plants appear withered and past their prime, it’s best to let them go. Don’t waste time or water on plants that are beyond recovery. Discard them in the compost bin and consider starting fresh upon your return.
Harvest Before You Go
Similar to removing flowers, sacrificing some runner bean flowers before your holiday can lead to a fresh batch of flowers and beans upon your return. This approach refreshes the growth cycle and ensures a bountiful harvest.
Consider Planting Cycles
When planning your garden, keep planting cycles in mind. For instance, if you’re vacationing in August, avoid sowing lettuce that will be ready for harvest during your absence. By the time you return, they may have bolted, rendering them unsuitable for consumption.
Skip Feeding Before You Go
Feeding stimulates plant growth and increases their water requirements. To avoid excessive thirstiness, refrain from feeding your plants before you leave. Save the feeding for when you return.
Mulch Before You Go
Before applying mulch, thoroughly water your plants to ensure the soil is adequately moist. Mulching helps conserve water already present in the soil by preventing excessive evaporation.
This article was crafted with the help of AI tools, which speed up Express.co.uk’s editorial research. A news editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to [email protected].
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