Smart solutions for watering plants while you’re on vacay!

Terra cotta watering spikes

It’s important to plan ahead and anticipate watering needs prior to packing that suitcase. The last thing you want to do is enjoy a vacation only to return home to Miss Havisham’s garden. Plants need consistent irrigation. Without it, they’ll suffer or die. Fortunately, a little bit of pre-planning goes a long way.

For large spaces, a drip irrigation system is going to be the gold standard. You know how we feel about drip irrigation!  It’s a game changer!  However, if you haven’t yet taken the plunge, you can grab a soaker hose and hook it right up to a hose bib and timer. Will it look pretty?  Nope.  Will it save your plants? Yes!

For smaller planters and pots, you can put empty water or milk jugs to use. Fill with water, poke a few holes in the top, put the cap back on and insert into your planter face down. The water will drip out slowly providing consistent moisture. 

If you’d prefer something a little nicer looking, we have a pack of pack of 10 beautiful terracotta watering spikes in our Amazon storefront.  Click and then treat yourself to some cake! You’re done.

Another easy way to ensure that pots receive irrigation is to fill a shallow tub with a few inches of water. Place pots inside the tub and leave them while you’re away. This ‘bottom up’ method ensures that roots will have the ability to intake enough water. This is usually my go-to for watering while away as it works for both short and longer periods of absence.  Need a tub?  Linked HERE.  

For landscaping plants, it is also advisable to mulch prior to an extended trip. Mulch will help retain moisture. A deep soaking with the hose should be adequate for established trees and shrubs. For newly planted perennials, you may need to ask a neighbor to water once a week deeply to maintain healthy plants in the summertime. 

For indoor plants, I recommend grouping plants in either the sink or bathtub, filling with an inch or two of water and employing the ‘bottom up’ method. I have a few plants which happily live on my shower windowsill and like a drip from the shower head itself.

Good luck and happy travels!