You’ve packed your bag, dug out your passport, and booked a taxi to the airport - there’s just one thing left to do before you jet off: get your garden ready! Spending a little time preparing your plants for your departure makes such a difference, especially if you’re away for a while. Not only will your garden thank you, you’ll be welcomed back by happy, healthy plants! Here’s our top 3 jobs for the garden before you go on holiday…
Deadhead like you mean it
Regularly deadheading repeat-flowering plants is a great habit whether you’re going away or not, but you’ll want to be extra ruthless with the secateurs before you jet off.
Aim to deadhead any flower that has fully opened, even if it still looks like it has a few days life left in it.
It might feel wrong cutting off flowers that still look good, but remember you’re not going to be here to enjoy them anyway!
Having a thorough deadheading session now means that while you’re away enjoying yourself your plants will be hard at work growing buds that should be about ready to bloom on your return: what a welcome home present!
Holiday Hydration
If you’re away for a week or more, we recommend getting a neighbour to come and give your plants a water if you can.
If not, here’s our top tips to keep your plants as hydrated as possible while you’re away…
Water well
First things first, make sure you give all your pots a thorough watering just before you set off. Really make sure the soil is nice and moist, especially if it's been particularly dry in recent days.
Place in saucers
Placing saucers under your plants allows any excess water or rain to collect, letting your plants drink it up as and when they need it.
Group Together in the shade
Moving your plants into a shady spot helps prevent water loss from evaporation, while grouping them together increases humidity through transpiration, mutually benefitting each plant.
Mulch
Adding a layer of fresh compost to the top of your pots helps lock in moisture and prevent evaporation. It also gives a little boost of nutrients for while you're away.
Get a self-watering planter
Self-watering planters are perfect for holidays. Simply water your plants well then fill the reservoir with water just before you go away. Grab your self-watering trough online here.
Mow Before You Go
Mowing the lawn just before you go prevents a mammoth job on your return, as well as keeping weeds in check.
Although it seems counter-intuitive, it’s actually a good idea to cut your grass slightly longer than normal if your mower allows it.
While it’s tempting to trim it really short when you’re going away, this can actually have a detrimental effect on its overall health, as short grass is much more prone to heat stress and drought.
Now’s also a great time to feed your lawn so it’s nice and strong and healthy to face the warm, sunny days.
Thanks for reading.
