Are you heading out for a few days or several weeks this summer? Your plants will stay at home. Good news: there are simple steps to prevent them from suffering while you’re away.
With hotter summers, more frequent droughts, and occasional water restrictions, it pays to plan ahead. Before filling a watering can or setting up an automatic system, also check your local guidelines on WaterWatch (VigiEau). A good vacation watering routine should be effective, water-efficient, and tailored to each plant’s real needs.
What to remember
- Place pots in bright shade to limit evaporation.
- Water generously before you leave, but don’t drown the roots.
- Install a DIY mulch to keep the soil cooler.
- Test the wick or the drip system at least 48 hours before departure.
- Avoid fertilizer right before vacation: it promotes growth and increases water needs.
Preparing your plants before you go on vacation
The first rule is simple: a well-prepared plant withstands a few days of absence better. Before you pack your bags, take the time to observe your pots, planters, and houseplants.
Start by removing faded flowers, dead leaves, and damaged parts. This helps the plant conserve energy. Next, clean the saucers to limit mosquitoes and standing water.
Water deeply, preferably early in the morning or in the evening. To nourish the soil along the way, you can water deeply with cooled cooking water. The soil should be well moistened, but never waterlogged. In hot weather, this first step can already make a difference.
- Group pots together to create a cooler microclimate.
- Move them away from south-facing walls.
- Bring in the most fragile plants if your balcony gets scorching.
- Lightly prune aromatic herbs to reduce their water needs.
- Do not repot right before departure, as it stresses the plant.
Positioning plants in the shade, without depriving them of light
Before you go, move your plants into bright shade. This may seem obvious, but it’s often the most effective move. Shaded from the heat, they use water from the soil more slowly.
Be careful not to place them in complete darkness, however. An indoor plant kept in a totally closed room can weaken. The ideal is a bright room, but without direct sun.
On a balcony, place pots behind a railing, under a shade sail, or near an east-facing wall. In the garden, prefer the shade of a tree or a hedge.
For a long weekend away, this simple relocation may be enough. For a longer absence, it’s best to add a slow-watering system.
Wicking watering: a simple and economical trick
Wick watering is an old but very handy method. It works by capillary action. Water slowly travels from a reservoir into the potting soil, without electric intervention.
To set it up, use a cotton string, a wool cord, or a strip of natural fabric. Push one end into the soil near the roots. Place the other end in a container filled with water.
The container should be sturdy and appropriate for the length of your absence. For a thirsty plant, use a bucket or large basin. For a small pot, a jar may suffice.
The right move: test this system two days before departure. You’ll see whether the wick properly wets the soil without creating waterlogging.
A homemade drip system using a bottle
Another simple option: the homemade drip system. It slowly releases water at the base of the plant. It’s a good choice for large planters, container tomatoes, or balcony plants.
Take an empty bottle, fill it with water, then poke small holes in the cap. Turn it over and insert it into the soil, cap down. Water will flow out gradually.
You can adjust the bottle size to the length of your trip. A 1.5-liter bottle works for a medium pot. A larger reserve will help for a planter exposed to heat.
To avoid surprises, never depart without a test run. Depending on the hole diameter, water may drain too quickly or, conversely, stay blocked.
DIY mulch, indispensable in summer
Mulching is one of the best allies for plants during vacation. It reduces evaporation, protects roots, and keeps the soil cooler. It also helps space out watering.
Good news: you don’t need to buy an expensive product. You can make your own mulch with simple, natural materials.
Quick natural mulch recipe
- dry fallen leaves;
- dried grass clippings in a thin layer;
- untreated wood chips;
- straw;
- pruned debris chopped up.
Spread a 3 to 5 cm layer around the base of the plant, but leave a small gap around the stem to avoid excessive moisture and rot.
Mulch is especially useful for potted plants. The potting mix dries out much faster in pots than in the ground.
Ollas: a durable solution for the garden
Ollas, also called ollas, are porous clay pots buried near plants. They’re filled with water, then slowly diffuse moisture into the soil.
This method is interesting for vegetable plots, flower borders, and some large planters. It reduces waste because water is delivered right to the roots.
Before vacation, fill the ollas and check that the soil is already moist. They don’t always replace a full watering, but they reliably support a short absence.
Water-reservoir pots: practical, but not for every plant
If you travel often, water-reservoir pots can simplify life. They store water in a lower chamber, and the plant draws moisture as needed.
This solution works well for thirsty plants. However, it isn’t ideal for cacti, succulents, or plants that dislike constant moisture.
Also check root depth. Some roots may reach through the grid and dip into the reservoir. In that case, the risk of overwatering increases.
Houseplants: beware of false good ideas
For indoor plants, people sometimes advise leaving them in the bathtub with a shallow pool of water. This method can save very thirsty plants. But it can also rot the roots.
Prefer a gentler solution. Place pots on a damp towel, a layer of wet clay pebbles, or in a bright box. The goal is to increase ambient humidity without drowning the pot.
Orchids, succulents, and cacti require special attention. It’s better to keep them away from direct sun, then water them as usual before departure. They often tolerate a light drought better than an excess of water.
Mistakes to avoid before you go
In aiming to do the right thing, we can sometimes weaken our plants. Here are the most common traps.
- Watering all pots the same way, without considering each plant’s needs.
- Leaving saucers full of water for several days.
- Installing an irrigation system without testing it first.
- Applying fertilizer right before departure.
- Leaving a fragile plant behind a south-facing window.
- Failing to check local water restrictions.
Finally, if you’re leaving for more than two weeks, ask for help. A neighbor, a friend, or a plant-sitting service can pop by once or twice. To avoid mistakes, leave clear instructions: which plants to water, how often, and how much water.
Tailoring watering to each plant
Not all plants have the same needs. Before you go, categorize them into three groups: drought-tolerant, moderate, and very thirsty.
- Drought-tolerant plants: cacti, succulents, lavender, rosemary, thyme.
- Moderate needs: pothos, ficus, monstera, geraniums, classic green plants.
- Thirsty plants: basil, hydrangea, tomatoes in pots, ferns, mint.
This organization helps you avoid two problems: overwatering the hardy plants and neglecting those that dry out quickly.
In short, taking care of your plants while on vacation boils down to three actions: shade, mulch, and slow watering. With a little planning, your plants can weather the summer… and you’ll return to a thriving garden.
