If you grow flowers, vegetables or herbs in pots, you know that even a weekend without water in the summer heat can stunt growth and even kill plants. But asking someone to water plants every time you go away can become burdensome (for both the asker and the askee!).
A few years ago I thought about how I water my seedlings from the bottom and thought the same concept should work with pots, too- just on a larger scale. So my solution was to buy a kiddie pool to hold the pots, and then fill the pool with water:
I fit all the hanging pots and all the smaller ones in the pool. The larger pots can last a couple days between watering, so I usually just move them to shadier spots.
I've used this method now for about four years and I'm really happy with the results. The plants stay alive (some even thrive), and I don't have to bug someone to water them.
I've even gone for a week with the plants like this, but I asked someone to come and water the bigger pots and refill the pool at about the half-way mark. I found that about 5 days is max (OK, you could probably stretch it to 7...), because some of the plants don't like being waterlogged and will look a little yellow when I get back. They usually perk back up in about a week, though, so it's still better than loosing the plant entirely.
A weekend trip is just about the perfect amount of time - 3 days - and you will come back to plants that look as healthy as when you left. In fact, if I haven't been consistent in watering (what- this surprises you?) leading up to the time away, the plants may even look better.
All the more reason to schedule a fun trip, I say.
What are some of the things you do to keep the garden looking good when you're away? Tell us in the comments and then link up your garden updates below.
I can kill any plant you give me. So they do better when I leave them alone.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I am taking the kids to see my grandma and even though my husband will be staying behind he will be too busy with work to worry about my plants.
ReplyDeleteOh man, wish I'd had this tip before my herbs fried over the 4th of July weekend. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea. Now if I can figure out how to get the Veggies harvested.
ReplyDeleteA good tip--thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI thought that was an interesting concept of watering the plants from the bottom. Here at the apartment complex where I live, they use a sprinkler system for the plants...BUT just recently installed a system in some areas where the plants are watered from an underground system...and they are really lush and green. So it must be working :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteI don't have a garden to link up with here...but I do love your posts. I'm participating in all sorts of fun tea parties today..the kind where you display actual tea sets etc...It's so much fun.
Have a great Tuesday. Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)
My husband collects rain water in large plastic barrels. He attached a spigot to the bottom so we us a soaker hose and gravity from the pressure of water in a full barrel for our raised beds. Quite a lot of set up, but works well for.
ReplyDeleteI love your idea for the pots. (Bonus: the dog can use the kiddie pool when we are home and it's hot out.)
That is such a great idea and darn it if I didn't give away a kiddie pool to the neighbors :( Got it for our dog and it freaked her out so I passed it along, never considering another use for it.
ReplyDeleteGood lesson for me and great idea from you.
Oooo great tip! I have kept our kiddy pool too and didn't know why until now! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing it and for hosting!
ReplyDelete~Liz
What a great idea, nice and easy!
ReplyDeleteI almost missed this week;) glad I got my act together and am now looking forward to seeing everyone's progress.
ReplyDeleteGreat watering idea. And the tomato post was hysterical. Oh my, I can't imagine!