Water is essential for your garden and potted plants, especially when you’re away on extended holidays. If you’re often away, consider a planting palette of drought-hardy plants. For tailored recommendations to your region, consult your local garden centre.
Gardens:
- Water Bottle Spikes and Water Bags: Place water bottle spikes or water bags around plants to slowly deliver moisture to their roots over time.
- Add Compost and Mulch: Prevention is key! Before leaving, enrich your soil with Rocky Point ActivGrow Soil Improver Compost or Cow Manure Plus to retain moisture. Follow up with a thorough mulching using one of Rocky Point’s quality mulches after a deep watering to lock in moisture.
- Timed Drip Irrigation: For extended absences, consider installing a drip irrigation system on a timer for consistent watering.
- Use Re-Wetting Agents and Liquid Seaweed: Applying re-wetting agents and liquid seaweed will help ensure that water, whether from rain or irrigation, infiltrates the soil rather than running off—especially helpful if the soil dries out.
Pots in Particular:
- Cluster Pots Together: Group pots outdoors to make irrigation easier and create a microclimate that helps retain moisture. If possible, place them in a shaded area, like a shade house, with an irrigation system on a timer.
- Mulch Pot Surfaces: Adding mulch to the top of each pot will slow down moisture loss and keep the soil cooler.
- Water Spikes, Bladders, or Self-Watering Pots: Set up water spikes or bladders in individual pots or consider self-watering pots to extend the time between waterings.
- Indoor Plants: For small pots, place them together in a few centimetres of water in the bathtub or shower recess. For larger indoor pots, try slow-release watering bladders, available at hardware and garden centres, to maintain hydration while you’re away.
By planning ahead, you can keep your garden and potted plants healthy and thriving through the holiday season!
