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Now that the summer holidays and warm weather are here many of us will be planning on taking a trip or two this summer. This is a great time for family and friends to spend some extra time together, but it can be tricky for those who have just spent weeks getting their garden just right, or years cultivating their houseplants.
Plants require a regular flow of water, and if you’re away for days on end this could cause big problems. That can be frustrating, especially if you have spent a lot of time and money to get your garden how you like it.
To help you keep your plants watered whilst you’re away, gardening expert Joshua Houston at Household Quotes has shared his top five tips.
Leaking Bottle
One affordable way to make sure your plants stay watered is by taking a plastic bottle and making little holes around the bottom third. Then dig a hole near the roots of the plants for the bottle to be placed. Fill the bottle up and place it in the hole. Secure it with soil, and then the water will slowly be released from the bottle as the plant requires it.
Use your bath
Although it may sound strange, using your bath to keep your houseplants watered can be a helpful solution. Fill your bath with around 1cm to 2cm of water and place the plants inside it. You should make sure the plant pots have holes in the bottom. But if your bath doesn’t get any direct sunlight, the kitchen sink may be the best option. You can also put a towel under the plants to protect the surfaces of the bath.
Move plants outside
Another option is just to move your houseplants outside. Check the forecast before you go and if there is rain scheduled then make sure to put the plants outside in an area with lots of access to sunlight. However, remember that rain is not always guaranteed and forecasts can change.
Call a neighbour
It may also be a good idea to ask someone you know if they would mind watering the plants. This could be a trusted neighbour, or even a friend or family member. Ask them to come and water your plants every few days and this also means your home is regularly being checked on too.
Automatic watering kits
This may not be the cheapest option but having an automatic watering kit allows you to put drippers and pipes around your garden for water to be distributed. This is done by leaving the tap on slightly or having a timer. This is an efficient method, but the kits can cost more than £50 depending on the size you need.
