The gardeners’ trick to water your plants when you are on vacation

In order for them to thrive and last a long time, plants need regular watering. Water is a vital element that not only keeps plants hydrated, but also transports nutrients from the soil to the plant cells. That said, when preparing to travel, the issue of watering plants becomes a concern, especially when you have tropical plants that appreciate humidity.

You decide to take a vacation but you think about your plants that run the risk of dehydrating in your absence! Don’t panic, there is a simple and effective solution that can keep them alive until you return. We tell you everything.

Watering plants even if you go on vacation is possible

To prevent your plants from drying out and keep them hydrated   even when you go on vacation,   you can   use wool soaked in water.

This grandma’s tip consists of placing a container of water  high above your pot, for example on a chair.  Water the plant first. Then place one end of the wool yarn in the container until it touches the bottom and the other end in the potting soil. The plant will be able to hydrate itself   thanks to the wool thread that joins the container to the pot.

Note that you can replace the thread with a stretched string or plastic tube, making sure the end of the tube touches the bottom of the water container.

What are some other tips for watering plants while we’re away?

To be able to travel with peace of mind knowing that your plants will not lack water, other tips can help you keep them hydrated.

• Water the plants with a drip irrigation system.

Plastic bottles to water plants. source: spm

To install a drip irrigation system, take a large water bottle and unscrew the cap to make a small hole in the center. Then fill the bottle with water, replace the cap,   and plant the bottle, upside down,   in the soil near your plants. Please note that you will need a 1.5L bottle for your potted plants and a 5L drum for garden or vegetable garden plants. This drip irrigation   is an efficient and economical watering method   to keep your plants hydrated during your absence. However, it is advisable   to install this irrigation a few days before your departure,   to check the water flow and ensure that the plug hole diameter is appropriate.

• Use gel water to water plants during the holidays

Gel water sachets are a good alternative to watering plants. These sachets available at garden centers   contain water that has solidified.   The gelled water is inserted into the ground. It liquefies slowly and this is what allows   the plants to be watered gradually.  You can drop a bag or two into the soil of your potted plant, depending on its watering needs. Keep in mind that one sachet of gelatin water can last up to a month. 

Plants in green pots. source: spm

• Use the clay pebbles to water the plants while we’re away.

Clay pebbles are very beneficial for plants. Placed at the bottom of the pot,   they promote drainage   and aerate the substrate so that the roots develop better,   in addition to maintaining soil moisture.  That said, before traveling, cover the soil surface of your pots or planters with clay pebbles. They will limit water evaporation   and keep the soil moist. 

In addition to these tips, there are certain measures to take before traveling. In fact, it is advisable   to move indoor plants to the shade,   so that the sun does not dry them out, but without depriving them of daylight. You can also keep your plants   in a cool place like the bathroom  , as long as it has a window and is bright. Also, regarding your plants in the garden, think   about removing weeds and wilted flowers  before leaving  to keep your plants in better health. If you have pots placed outside and you cannot move them,   it is advisable to cover the soil with mulch.  Mulching is a natural thermal regulator that helps keep the soil moist   and space watering.

Thanks to these different tips, your plants will not run the risk of running out of water or wilting. You will be able to travel with peace of mind.