Reply To: Watering plants when away

Hey Alex,

Great question! Leaving your plants for a couple of weeks can be a worry, but with a bit of preparation, you can keep them healthy while you’re away. For indoor plants, self-watering stakes or pots are an excellent option as they provide consistent moisture.

You can also try a DIY solution by filling a wine bottle or plastic bottle with water, inverting it, and inserting it into the soil – it will slowly release water as needed.

Grouping your indoor plants together is another handy trick, as it creates a humid microclimate and reduces water loss. For an extra boost, placing pots on a tray filled with pebbles and water can help increase humidity without risking over-watering.

Outdoor plants benefit greatly from a thick layer of mulch, such as straw or bark, which helps retain soil moisture and reduces evaporation. If you’ve got time, setting up a drip irrigation system with a timer is a fantastic way to ensure your garden beds and pots receive steady, controlled watering.

Soaker hoses are another great option for in-ground plants, and for outdoor pots, watering globes or even the same inverted bottle trick used for indoor plants can work well. Moving your outdoor pots into partial or full shade is also a simple way to reduce water stress.

Before you leave, be sure to water all your plants deeply a day or two in advance. This gives the soil time to soak up water but prevents it from becoming waterlogged.

If you can, asking a neighbour or friend to check in, especially if there’s unexpected weather, is a reliable backup. I’ve used all of these methods at different times, and they’ve worked wonderfully for keeping my garden thriving.

I hope these tips help, and best of luck!

Cheers,
Maisie