Prepping the Garden for Vacation

A plant-sitter may balk at caring for a whole yard. But don’t worry; there are simple irrigation tricks and ways to protect your plants from sun damage.

There are a few key steps to take care of your garden before leaving on vacation. coldsnowstorm/Getty Images

The best vacations are a result of proper planning, from making reservations to arranging transportation and packing. But don’t forget the garden! Watering is the main concern while out of town, but there are other things to consider—including weeds getting out of control, damage from summer heat, and crops becoming overripe and rotting.

You could avoid all of that by planning a winter ski vacation and staying home during summer. But if that’s not the case for you, the first step is to water well. In cooler climates, with proper application of mulch, a deep watering can last a week to 10 days for hardy landscape plants.

A Moment for Mulch

Adding a three-to-four-inch layer of mulch—any more than four inches will smother the plants—will not only help soil retain moisture but will also help insulate roots from summer heat.

Long-lasting wood mulch will, as a bonus, spruce up the good looks of shrub and flower beds. Leaf or straw mulch works great for the vegetable garden. Got some extra compost lying around? Layer it on for nutrient-rich heat protection.

Mulch also goes a long way toward suppressing weeds. Those that do sprout will be easier to pull up since they’re rooted in the loose mulch instead of in packed soil. Mulch does not, however, kill existing weeds, so schedule time for a thorough weeding in the days before the vacation.

Weeding before you go on a trip can prevent rapid overgrowth. Mkovalevskaya/Getty Images

Container Plants 101

With less soil to hold moisture, container plants are particularly vulnerable. The good news is that most of them can be moved to a shady location. Plan ahead, as some heavier containers may require assistance or a hand truck to shift safely.

Move indoor container plants away from the hot windows and direct sunlight as well. Then it’s time to set up an unattended watering system.

Moving container plants to shaded areas can reduce water loss and protect them from sun damage. sturti/Getty Images

Water Bottle Trick

A 16-ounce plastic bottle for small plants or a two-liter bottle for larger ones makes an easy and inexpensive self-contained hydration system. Simply poke or drill two to four holes in the lid, fill the bottle with water, and bury it cap-side down near the plants’ roots.

The idea is that the water will release in a controlled manner as the soil (which should be well-watered prior to bottle installation) dries out. This system will typically last a week or two, but you can always test the water absorption rate before vacation since results can vary greatly depending on pot size, soil type, and ambient temperature.

While ideal for containers, this can also work for ground plantings and raised garden beds. Use several bottles for larger areas.

String and Jar

No room in the pot for a water bottle? Fill a vase, soda bottle, or bucket with water, and set it near the plant. Saturate a cotton string (old shoelaces work great!) or a piece of yarn and bury one end of it near the plant’s roots. Set the other end in the water container, making sure it’s long enough to touch the bottom.

The idea is that water will wick slowly along the string and into the soil for continued watering. As with a water bottle, test first to see how long the hydration lasts.

One large water reservoir can be used for several plants; simply give each plant its own string.

Adding Automation

For trips longer than two weeks, consider a simple DIY micro-irrigation setup. Cut a thin hose to size and line it with micro-sprays or irrigation drippers. Place them near the plants’ roots. Connect the hose to an indoor faucet or outdoor spigot, and add a timer to ensure even watering every few days, or more often if needed. Grouping containers together will make setup simpler.

Automated irrigation systems are a reliable option if you are going on an extended trip. xu wu/Getty Images

In-Ground and Raised Beds

Micro-irrigation works equally well for in-ground or raised-bed vegetable gardens and flower beds, but will get a bit more expensive depending on the garden size. A less expensive and much faster option is to run soaker hoses through the garden or use a timed sprinkler. The latter is a better choice for lawns as it can lead to uneven watering in a vegetable garden, as well as potentially leading to powdery mildew growing on wet leaves.

Irrigation timers range from basic to those that can do morning and afternoon watering each day, and can irrigate up to four separate zones from one hose spigot.

Portable Shade

Even if plants are getting sufficient water, it’s ideal to have a neighbor or friend visit while you’re gone so they can fine-tune things as needed.

If that’s not an option, cover heat-sensitive plants (tomatoes, broccoli, and leafy greens) with shade cloth to extend the soil moisture and protect them from high temps and sunburn. Even old bedsheets will work as plant or row covers, but keep in mind that plants will need some sun. Since morning sun is gentler, angle the sheets to protect plants from the harsh afternoon rays.