During key holiday seasons, many families vacation at the end of the year or in the peak of summer, coinciding with the active growth phase of most plants. The challenge here is that without proper watering, plants can suffer from drought damage. This highlights the importance of having an automated watering system to ensure either the pots or the entire garden are adequately cared for.
This is precisely why a smart garden system can protect your plants from drought conditions, allowing you to enjoy your trips without the worry of plant care. Ultimately, your plants should bring you joy, not stress.
To help prevent any plant casualties while you’re away, consider these essential care tips to build your own smart garden.
7 Simple Strategies for Plant Care While Traveling
As both a plant enthusiast and a traveler, I frequently encounter one pressing question: How can I keep my plants watered during vacation? Many individuals fret over the potential damage their absence may cause their green companions. After a rejuvenating getaway, the last sight one would wish to return to is wilted, yellowed plants on the brink of despair.
Here are seven straightforward techniques to maintain your greenery thriving while you’re away:
Utilize Self-Watering Planters
Self-watering planters incorporate a reservoir and drainage system, granting roots access to water at their own pace. These planters often use a porous clay barrier or fabric to draw moisture from an internal reservoir.
This setup allows the soil to remain damp and permits plants to absorb just the right amount of water. Certain smart watering pots enable plants to drink according to their needs and can even alert caregivers when it’s time to replenish the reservoir.
Employ Self-Watering Globes
Self-watering bulbs are decorative blown glass spheres featuring elongated necks or spikes. Available in a variety of pleasing colors, they add visual appeal to your smart garden.
A filled globe emits water into the soil through its neck, keeping your plants adequately hydrated. The size of the globe determines how long it can sustain moisture.
Relocate Plants to a Shaded Area
If you’re leaving for a trip, direct watering may be impossible. While plants generally thrive in sunlight, they benefit from a bit of shade in your absence. Shade helps retain soil moisture longer, which is especially crucial for potted plants that tend to dry out more quickly than those in the ground.
Apply Mulch, Stones, or Wood Chips for Moisture Retention
Add a few inches of mulch, stones, or wood chips to the surface of the soil around your plants to help conserve moisture. This technique helps sustain the water level for several days, keeping your garden flourishing until you return from your vacation.
Implement the Plastic Bag Greenhouse Method
This strategy may seem unconventional but proves effective for extended travel. Secure a clear plastic bag around your plant and pot, using stakes to create space and prevent the bag from obstructing the foliage. Water your plants beforehand while ensuring not to over-soak them.
Position your plant where it will receive indirect sunlight. This mini greenhouse will capture evaporating moisture, which subsequently drips back into the plant.
Use the Bathtub Soaking Technique
Fill your sink or bathtub with a few inches of water and protect surfaces with a towel. Submerge your potted plants, allowing the soil to draw moisture up through the roots. This method keeps your plants hydrated for about one week.
DIY Drip System Approach
Begin with a clean, empty plastic bottle. A standard water bottle can suffice for small to medium-sized containers and even garden beds; just remember to drill multiple drainage holes in the cap.
Water your plants normally before leaving for vacation. Fill the plastic bottle halfway with water, then invert it into the top layers of the pot’s soil. As the soil dries, the water will gradually escape from the bottle. Ensure the bottle is positioned away from the plant roots, with soil covering the openings to prevent blockage.
How to Ensure Your Plants Survive Your Trip?
Prevent the disheartening discovery of dead plants with these practical tips and straightforward techniques to keep your greenery thriving during your absence.
Thoroughly Water All Plants
If you’re heading off for a short trip of a week or two during semi-dormant seasons, provide your plants with a thorough soaking. Water them during the day, avoiding evening hours to prevent fungal issues. Utilize soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems to effectively saturate the soil.
After watering, allow excess moisture to drain before returning the pots to their trays. This will keep them well-nourished for a week.
Skip the Fertilizer
While you’re on vacation, there’s no need to add fertilizer. To promote slow, steady growth in your absence, be cautious not to oversaturate with water.
Stabilize Indoor Temperatures
If you reside in a humid environment, consider supplementing your air conditioning with a portable dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers effectively remove excess moisture from the air and circulate drier air throughout your home. This approach can help stabilize indoor temperatures for both you and your plants, reducing reliance on your air conditioning system.
Soil-Based Solutions
If you frequently travel, incorporating terra sorb or similar moisture-retaining products into your potting mix can help prolong the soil’s moisture retention.
Conclusion
There’s no right or wrong way to automate your garden. We’ve explored smart tools and hacks designed to keep your plants thriving while you travel. Remember to address specific gardening needs to successfully implement a smart garden system.
