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Vacation Garden Care
Introduction
Taking a vacation is a wonderful way to relax and recharge, but it can be stressful if you’re worried about your garden back home. Luckily, with a little planning and some simple steps, you can ensure your garden stays healthy and vibrant while you’re away. Here’s how to take care of your garden during your vacation.
Ask for Help
If you’re going to be gone for longer than three days, it’s wise to ask a friend, relative, or neighbor with some gardening experience to water your plants. For non-gardeners, keep the tasks simple and straightforward. Provide clear instructions and make sure tools like hoses and sprayers are easily accessible. If you have an established perennial garden without vegetables or annual flowers, you usually don’t need to worry about caring for your plants while you’re away.
Prepare Before Vacation
Weed Your Garden
Weeding before you go on vacation is crucial. Weeds compete with your vegetables for nutrients and moisture. By removing them, you give your veggies the best possible chance of success and avoid any nasty surprises when you get back. Nobody wants to spend their first day back from vacation in a 4-hour weeding marathon.
Add Mulch Around Plants
Mulching is another important step. Mulch helps lock in moisture and keeps weeds at bay. If you cut your lawn regularly, you can use the clippings as mulch and kill two birds with one stone. Other effective mulch options include newspaper, old leaves, or wood chips.
Harvest Ripe Vegetables
Pick anything that is ripe or close to ripe before you leave. Over-ripe vegetables signal to the plant that the season is over and it’s time to go to seed. High-maintenance vegetables like peas, beans, lettuce, and zucchini must be harvested every few days once they start producing. If you’re leaving during their peak season, ask a friend to harvest for you if you’re gone for longer than three days.
Watering Tips
Water Deeply Before Leaving
Before heading out, water your garden very deeply. You can also insert DIY watering devices around the most fragile plants, like tomatoes. If you’re only gone for three days or less, water deeply again immediately when you return from vacation. For more tips on watering, check out our article on Ways to Water While on Vacation.
Check the Weather
The weather forecast plays a significant role in your garden care plan. If thunderstorms are in the forecast, you might not need to worry. However, if a heatwave is predicted, arrange for someone to water your garden if you’re gone longer than a day or two. Remember, more plants die from overwatering than underwatering, so it’s better to let your plants get a little dry than to give them more water than their roots can handle.
Houseplant Care
For indoor plants, the milk jug or soda bottle watering method works well. Alternatively, you can relocate plants into your shower stall or bathtub and fill the tub with an inch or two of water. Closing the door or curtain will keep humidity levels higher, ensuring your plants remain as perky when you return as they were when you left.
Conclusion
With these tips, you can take care of your garden while enjoying your vacation. Whether it’s weeding, mulching, harvesting, or watering, a little preparation goes a long way. By following these steps, you can relax and enjoy your time away, knowing that your garden is in good hands and will be thriving when you return.
If you have any questions that weren’t answered or need more information, feel free to stop by and see us at either the Broad St. or Mechanicsville location. You can also give us a call or drop us an email at info@stranges.com. We’re here to help you grow better!
Connect with Strange’s:
Instagram: @StrangesRVA Facebook: @Strange’s Florist
Mechanicsville: 804-321-2200 West Broad: 804-360-2800
