5 GENIUS TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PLANTS WATERED WHILE YOU'RE ON HOLIDAY!

 

Planning a holiday soon? Worried about returning to wilted plants at the end of your break? Don’t panic! Discover 5 foolproof tips to keep your plants well-hydrated while you enjoy your beach or mountain getaway. Say goodbye to drooping leaves and dry pots! With our advice, your green plants will stay fresh and flourishing.

1 — OPT FOR PLANT SITTING

Going away for a few weeks? In that case, hand over your keys to a trusted person so they can water your precious green plants in your absence. You can ask a neighbour or a friend. You can also hire someone who offers this service on a dedicated Facebook group. This is also a good idea if you have pets.

2 — MAKE YOUR OWN HYDRATING GEL

Did you know? You can buy ready-to-use watering gel from garden centres and nurseries. It’s a good solution for short absences. Don’t want to spend money? In that case, make your own version of watering gel by following these steps:

1. Pour 250 ml of hot water into a jam jar and add 1 g of agar-agar or 2 sheets of gelatine.
2. Mix thoroughly, then pour the mixture into silicone ice cube trays.
3. Place the trays in the refrigerator for 4 hours.

Good to Know: You can use pasta or rice cooking water to make your watering gel, as it contains starch that turns into sugar to enrich the soil and nourish your plants.

3 — CREATE A DRIP WATERING SYSTEM

To take care of your plants while you’re on holiday, make a drip watering system using a plastic bottle. You can also buy such a device from garden centres, DIY stores, or nurseries.

To make your homemade drip system, take a plastic bottle, a needle, and a lighter. Follow these steps:

1. Heat the needle with the lighter.
2. Pierce the bottle cap several times with the hot needle.
3. Fill the bottle with tap water.
4. Close it with the cap and plant it upside down.
5. Pierce the bottom of the bottle to create an air vent.

That’s it! The water will slowly drip through the holes you created in the cap.

4 — USE WOOL OR COTTON THREADS

You can keep your plants hydrated by using a ball of wool or a spool of cotton thread. Here’s how:

1. Get a container and fill it with water. Place it above the plant on a chair, stool, or table.
2. Cut some threads of wool or cotton to the right length (they should be able to be planted into the soil, 5 cm deep, and they should be immersed in the container on the other side).

Let the threads soak in the water for a few minutes, then place them in the soil and secure them with wooden sticks. Place the other end in the container filled with water. Your wick watering system is complete. With this trick, you can be away for about a week without worrying about your green plants.

5 — MULCH THE SOIL IN YOUR POTS

To go away for a long weekend without worrying about your green plants, you can mulch the soil around them. Simply apply a layer of organic material to the surface of the soil to protect it from sunlight and retain moisture.

Wondering what to use? Opt for clay pebbles, coconut fibre, or stones.