A long vacation, or sometimes even a short weekend trip, can pose problems for the proud owner of magnificent house plants or a balcony garden. After all, there are not always helpful (or even knowledgeable) neighbors or friends who are happy to water the plants correctly. However, you can remedy this by building simple irrigation systems yourself.
How can I water my plants while on vacation?
During your vacation you can water your plants using the following methods: 1. hydroponics or granules, 2. bathtub with towels, 3. PET or glass bottles in the potting soil, and 4. wool or cotton threads between the plant and Insert water container. Plan and test well before departure.
1. Hydroponics / Granules
If you often go away or are not at home for several days at a time, you should care for your plants hydroponically right from the start. This not only simplifies daily watering, but also provides the houseplants with sufficient supplies while you are away. However, not all species are suitable for such culture. You can also use the principle in a simplified way for your vacation: fill a large tub or balcony box with a layer of granules about five centimeters thick. Place the plant pots on top, which should have a hole at the bottom. Fill the large container with more granules until the pots are about half full. Now water the granules (not the soil!).
2. Bathtub
The principle described is even easier to use with old towels and a bathtub. This is how it works:
- Put the plants in a bucket of water the night before.
- Let them soak in moisture.
- The next day, line the bathtub with thick towels.
- Stop the drain.
- Let about three to five centimeters of water flow into the tub.
- Place the plants inside without planters (only in the plant pots!).
3. PET bottle
If you are going on a long summer vacation, you can put several PET or glass bottles filled with water upside down in the previously moistened potting soil. This method is particularly suitable for balcony plants in large boxes or pots.
4. Wool thread
Smaller potted plants or houseplants, on the other hand, can be watered using a wool or cotton thread (the latter usually works better!). To do this, insert one end of the thread into the potting soil and into a container filled with water.
Tip
Start planning your holiday watering early. If you only think about the irrigation system shortly before departure, there will be no time left to test the solution. You should therefore check the dates for the long summer holidays well in advance.
