Will my plants survive while I’m away on holiday?

BridgetTheCat

l’m a novice gardener, just trying a few new plants in containers every year. This year I have strawberries, which seem to be ripening one fruit at a time, and dahlias which are growing happily in their pots but not flowering yet.

I’m going on holiday on Saturday for 2 weeks. There’s someone coming in daily to look after the cat, but she’s recovering from major surgery and I wouldn’t ask her to water the garden.

What can I do to give my plants the best chance of survival while I’m away?

Farway

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6672460/will-my-plants-survive-while-i-m-away-on-holiday

Move them into a shaded area, but open to the sky so they will get any rain while you are away.

Give them a very good soaking before you go

twopenny

Yes shade is the best answer. Especially if you have a cool side to the house.

I have been known to bring some pots into the house and, with a mat, stand in bath or shower. It's usually cooler there.n

One suggestion I haven't tried is to use an old plastic bottle with the cap on. Make small holes around it, fill two thirds with water, put cap back on. Sink below holes and it will slowly seep out.

Or stand in deep trays filled with water and let it seep up as needed. A heatwave will evaporate it though.

fatbelly

As above, soak them before you go and put them into shade. They'll be fine

It's not like there is due to be a heatwave

elsien

Neighbouring child comes and does mine for pocket money.
Even if you soak them before you go and put them in the shade, if it’s hot, they’re going to really struggle,

Sapindus

Also, pack them close together and site out of wind if possible to limit evaporation.

Emmia

As a patio gardener who likes to travel, my strategy is:

1)plants that can take being dried out... I don't grow fruit or things like dahlias as these are thirsty plants that need daily watering (sorry). I grow fuchsias, salvias, jasmine...

2)using bigger pots with water reservoirs, giving them a thorough soaking and ensuring the reservoirs are as full as possible before I go

3)drip watering using empty wine bottles filled with water and feed and terracotta nozzles so it seeps out. I have considered doing a proper setup with a drip hose before... But haven't pulled the trigger on that one.

4) moving plants to the shadier side of the garden where possible.

5) Mulching pots with bark

When I return, the first thing I do is check the plants and water them.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82034359#Comment_82034359

Depends on when the OP goes on holiday and where they are located

If you are almost anywhere from Birmingham downwards, the forecast for the next two weeks is for virtually no rain and an average daily high of 27 degrees ( some days 30).

So even with all the precautions mentioned, most plants will need watering at least three times in these conditions ideally more.

Sapindus

Another thought then, cover with horticultural fleece, again to limit evaporation and keep sun and wind off.

Rosa_Damascena

Sorry they are not going to survive the heat.

I make a choice in the summer: baskets or time away from home. Baskets win every time and so do I.

Mrs_Z

Agree with the others, move plants to shade or semi-shade depending on your situation. Give them a good soak before leaving. One week should be fine, depending on the size of the containers (small ones will dry out faster). You could also try capillary matting (Google if you are not familiar). I haven’t tried it myself but I can see that it could be a solution for houseplants at least!