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Winter has come and gone and now that sunny holiday destination beckons. What about your plants, though? They won’t appreciate it when you’re off somewhere enjoying yourself instead of taking care of them. However, there’s no reason to cancel that trip or to make peace with the fact that you might be coming home to dead plants. You can have your getaway and have your plants thriving at the same time. Here’s how to keep your plants alive while you’re on vacation.
Green Living
How to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on Vacation
May 11, 2019
Winter has come and gone and now that sunny holiday destination beckons. What about your plants, though? They won’t appreciate it when you’re off somewhere enjoying yourself instead of taking care of them. However, there’s no reason to cancel that trip or to make peace with the fact that you might be coming home to dead plants. You can have your getaway and have your plants thriving at the same time. Here’s how to keep your plants alive while you’re on vacation.
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Get a House-Sitter and Leave Clear Instructions
1/20Get a House-Sitter and Leave Clear Instructions
1/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you’re going to have a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/how-to-keep-your-plants-alive-while-youre-on-vacation-1927570/">house-sitter while you’re away</a>, remember to give them clear instructions: not only about how much to feed the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-child-pet-safe-1913786/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">dog</a>, but also how to take care of your plants. Show them where all your plants are and how much water and sunlight each one needs. Of course, also make sure that you have a responsible, reputable house-sitter in the first place. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/plant-filled-living-rooms-1912351/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Plant-Filled Living Rooms for Serious Decor Inspiration</a>Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationGet a House-Sitter and Leave Clear Instructions
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -If you’re going to have a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/how-to-keep-your-plants-alive-while-youre-on-vacation-1927570/">house-sitter while you’re away</a>, remember to give them clear instructions: not only about how much to feed the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-child-pet-safe-1913786/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">dog</a>, but also how to take care of your plants. Show them where all your plants are and how much water and sunlight each one needs. Of course, also make sure that you have a responsible, reputable house-sitter in the first place. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/plant-filled-living-rooms-1912351/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Plant-Filled Living Rooms for Serious Decor Inspiration</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Hire a Gardening Service
2/20Hire a Gardening Service
2/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you’re going to be away for quite a bit of time, it’s well worth getting a gardening service for that time period. They can take care of the plants in your garden, mow the lawn and do whatever else it takes to keep your plants in tip-top shape. A good gardening service will be able to identify problems and troubleshoot them. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/organic-gardening-what-when-to-plant-1927482/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Organic Gardening: What and When to Plant</a>Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationHire a Gardening Service
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -If you’re going to be away for quite a bit of time, it’s well worth getting a gardening service for that time period. They can take care of the plants in your garden, mow the lawn and do whatever else it takes to keep your plants in tip-top shape. A good gardening service will be able to identify problems and troubleshoot them. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/organic-gardening-what-when-to-plant-1927482/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Organic Gardening: What and When to Plant</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Choose Hardy Plants
3/20Choose Hardy Plants
3/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Some plants are more forgiving of neglect than others. Hardy plants can survive going without regular watering for a few weeks, so if you’re thinking of getting new plants before your vacation, consider <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-to-care-for-indoor-plants-1926218/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">easy-to-care-for indoor plants</a>. They don’t even need to be succulents. For your <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/weird-plant-tips-for-your-home-and-garden-that-work-1917397/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">garden</a>, choose plants that are water-wise and suited to the local climate.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationChoose Hardy Plants
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -Some plants are more forgiving of neglect than others. Hardy plants can survive going without regular watering for a few weeks, so if you’re thinking of getting new plants before your vacation, consider <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-to-care-for-indoor-plants-1926218/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">easy-to-care-for indoor plants</a>. They don’t even need to be succulents. For your <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/weird-plant-tips-for-your-home-and-garden-that-work-1917397/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">garden</a>, choose plants that are water-wise and suited to the local climate.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Put a Timer on Your Irrigation System
4/20Put a Timer on Your Irrigation System
4/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Whether you have a drip irrigation system in your garden or use sprinklers, you can have timers attached to them. You can then set the timers so that the garden gets watered automatically at certain times. Early in the morning or after sunset are best, since this will reduce evaporation. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/the-easiest-shade-loving-plants-to-grow-in-your-yard-1914381/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Easiest Shade-Loving Plants to Grow in Your Yard</a>Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationPut a Timer on Your Irrigation System
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -Whether you have a drip irrigation system in your garden or use sprinklers, you can have timers attached to them. You can then set the timers so that the garden gets watered automatically at certain times. Early in the morning or after sunset are best, since this will reduce evaporation. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/the-easiest-shade-loving-plants-to-grow-in-your-yard-1914381/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Easiest Shade-Loving Plants to Grow in Your Yard</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Attach a Soaker Hose to Your Rain Barrel
5/20Attach a Soaker Hose to Your Rain Barrel
5/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
With a rain barrel, you’ll have plenty of stored water. If it hasn’t been raining, simply fill it up with regular water. Then attach a soaker hose to it and run this hose through your garden so that the water slowly seeps out into the soil. Be sure to use some form of mosquito control, though, since open containers of water are one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/20-things-that-attract-bad-bugs-into-your-house-and-yard-1903104/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">things that attract bad bugs into your house and yard</a>.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationAttach a Soaker Hose to Your Rain Barrel
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -With a rain barrel, you’ll have plenty of stored water. If it hasn’t been raining, simply fill it up with regular water. Then attach a soaker hose to it and run this hose through your garden so that the water slowly seeps out into the soil. Be sure to use some form of mosquito control, though, since open containers of water are one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/20-things-that-attract-bad-bugs-into-your-house-and-yard-1903104/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">things that attract bad bugs into your house and yard</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Prune
6/20Prune
6/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Before you go away, give your plants a good pruning. Remove any dead or dying leaves. You may also want to remove buds and flowers, since these need more maintenance. Pruning your plants lightens the load so they’ll need less water and will be less susceptible to pests and diseases.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationPrune
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -Before you go away, give your plants a good pruning. Remove any dead or dying leaves. You may also want to remove buds and flowers, since these need more maintenance. Pruning your plants lightens the load so they’ll need less water and will be less susceptible to pests and diseases.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Hold Off on the Feeding
7/20Hold Off on the Feeding
7/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Giving your plants fertilizer will help them grow. However, while you’re away, you want to slow down their growth so that they can conserve water and energy. Stop applying fertilizer in the weeks before you leave, then start feeding your plants again once you’re back from vacation.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationHold Off on the Feeding
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -Giving your plants fertilizer will help them grow. However, while you’re away, you want to slow down their growth so that they can conserve water and energy. Stop applying fertilizer in the weeks before you leave, then start feeding your plants again once you’re back from vacation.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Nip Pests in the Bud
8/20Nip Pests in the Bud
8/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you’re going to leave your plants unattended for a while, it will be easy for a small pest problem to get out of hand. So, check all your plants for signs of pests and take action to resolve the issue before you go away.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationNip Pests in the Bud
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -If you’re going to leave your plants unattended for a while, it will be easy for a small pest problem to get out of hand. So, check all your plants for signs of pests and take action to resolve the issue before you go away.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Apply Mulch
9/20Apply Mulch
9/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Applying mulch is a great way to conserve water, since it locks in moisture and reduces evaporation. The right mulch can even help deter certain pests and prevent weeds from growing. Give the soil around your plants a good soaking and then apply mulch to keep the soil moist. This should keep your plants going for a week or so.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationApply Mulch
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -Applying mulch is a great way to conserve water, since it locks in moisture and reduces evaporation. The right mulch can even help deter certain pests and prevent weeds from growing. Give the soil around your plants a good soaking and then apply mulch to keep the soil moist. This should keep your plants going for a week or so.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Move Your Tropical Plants Together
10/20Move Your Tropical Plants Together
10/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Most tropical plants need sufficient humidity to thrive. If you move them closer together, this will help retain moisture and warmth. It’s even more efficient if you move them into a small room: for a change, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/add-value-to-small-bathroom-1922291/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">having an extra-small bathroom</a> is a good thing. Check that they don’t have pests or diseases, though, since these can spread more easily when plants are close together.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationMove Your Tropical Plants Together
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -Most tropical plants need sufficient humidity to thrive. If you move them closer together, this will help retain moisture and warmth. It’s even more efficient if you move them into a small room: for a change, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/add-value-to-small-bathroom-1922291/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">having an extra-small bathroom</a> is a good thing. Check that they don’t have pests or diseases, though, since these can spread more easily when plants are close together.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Move Your Plants to Better Spots
11/20Move Your Plants to Better Spots
11/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Heat vents, drafty windows and sunny spots can contribute to the soil drying out. Move your plants away from these spots to more protected areas in your home. In the garden, move plants in containers to a spot where they will receive water from the sprinklers.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationMove Your Plants to Better Spots
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -Heat vents, drafty windows and sunny spots can contribute to the soil drying out. Move your plants away from these spots to more protected areas in your home. In the garden, move plants in containers to a spot where they will receive water from the sprinklers.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Put out Trays of Water
12/20Put out Trays of Water
12/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Trays of water throughout your home will help raise moisture levels and prevent your plants from drying out. You can even fill them with pebbles, then add water and put potted plants on top, so that the plants can get enough hydration without being overwatered.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationPut out Trays of Water
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -Trays of water throughout your home will help raise moisture levels and prevent your plants from drying out. You can even fill them with pebbles, then add water and put potted plants on top, so that the plants can get enough hydration without being overwatered.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Keep the Indoors Warm
13/20Keep the Indoors Warm
13/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Very few indoor plants like low temperatures. Keep things warm enough for them by strategically opening blinds or drapes to let the sunshine in and warm your home. This is one of the ways to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-ways-to-make-your-home-more-energy-efficient-1907310/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">make your home more energy efficient</a>, so you might want to get into the habit anyway. If you have to, you can also leave the heat on, although this isn’t the best way to save on your electric bill.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationKeep the Indoors Warm
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -Very few indoor plants like low temperatures. Keep things warm enough for them by strategically opening blinds or drapes to let the sunshine in and warm your home. This is one of the ways to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-ways-to-make-your-home-more-energy-efficient-1907310/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">make your home more energy efficient</a>, so you might want to get into the habit anyway. If you have to, you can also leave the heat on, although this isn’t the best way to save on your electric bill.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Create a Temporary Greenhouse
14/20Create a Temporary Greenhouse
14/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you’re going to be away for an extended period, you can create a temporary greenhouse for each plant. Water the plant; then tie a clear plastic bag over the plant and its container. You may need to use sticks as support to prevent the plastic from touching the leaves. Blow some air into the bag to make it balloon around the plant. Moisture rising from the soil and plant itself will condense against the plastic and drip back onto the plant, watering it all over again. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/hacks-bring-your-dead-plant-back-to-life-1926974/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to Life</a>Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationCreate a Temporary Greenhouse
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -If you’re going to be away for an extended period, you can create a temporary greenhouse for each plant. Water the plant; then tie a clear plastic bag over the plant and its container. You may need to use sticks as support to prevent the plastic from touching the leaves. Blow some air into the bag to make it balloon around the plant. Moisture rising from the soil and plant itself will condense against the plastic and drip back onto the plant, watering it all over again. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/hacks-bring-your-dead-plant-back-to-life-1926974/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to Life</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Keep the Light Low
15/20Keep the Light Low
15/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
When plants receive lots of light, they photosynthesize faster and need more water. Slow down this process while you’re away so that your pants use less energy and don’t need as much water. To do this, move them a little further away from light sources like windows. Be sure to move them back when you return from vacation, though, unless you have chosen <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/indoor-plants-thrive-low-light-1912891/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">indoor plants that thrive on low light</a>.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationKeep the Light Low
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -When plants receive lots of light, they photosynthesize faster and need more water. Slow down this process while you’re away so that your pants use less energy and don’t need as much water. To do this, move them a little further away from light sources like windows. Be sure to move them back when you return from vacation, though, unless you have chosen <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/indoor-plants-thrive-low-light-1912891/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">indoor plants that thrive on low light</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use the Sink or Bathtub
16/20Use the Sink or Bathtub
16/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Fill the sink or bathtub with a few centimetres of water and then place a towel inside. The towel will prevent your beautiful tub from getting damaged by the plant pots and will make it easier to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/how-to-clean-a-dirty-bathtub-1925086/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">clean the bathtub</a> afterwards. Now place your potted plants on top of the towel. The soil will draw up the water to where the plant roots can absorb it. Be careful of doing this with plants that are prone to root rot, though.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationUse the Sink or Bathtub
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -Fill the sink or bathtub with a few centimetres of water and then place a towel inside. The towel will prevent your beautiful tub from getting damaged by the plant pots and will make it easier to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/how-to-clean-a-dirty-bathtub-1925086/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">clean the bathtub</a> afterwards. Now place your potted plants on top of the towel. The soil will draw up the water to where the plant roots can absorb it. Be careful of doing this with plants that are prone to root rot, though.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Shade Your Plants
17/20Shade Your Plants
17/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The summer heat can dry out and burn your plants, especially if you’re not there to water them regularly. The solution is to give them some shade. The shade cloth you’ve used to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/how-to-protect-outdoor-plants-and-trees-from-frost-and-freeze-1924336/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">protect your outdoor plants from frost and freeze</a> will do just fine. Otherwise, old bedsheets will do the trick. If you have a shaded deck, move plants in containers to this spot.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationShade Your Plants
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -The summer heat can dry out and burn your plants, especially if you’re not there to water them regularly. The solution is to give them some shade. The shade cloth you’ve used to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/how-to-protect-outdoor-plants-and-trees-from-frost-and-freeze-1924336/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">protect your outdoor plants from frost and freeze</a> will do just fine. Otherwise, old bedsheets will do the trick. If you have a shaded deck, move plants in containers to this spot.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use Watering Globes
18/20Use Watering Globes
18/20Photo Credit: Pexels
Watering globes are gadgets that will do the watering for you. Before you leave, simply water your plants, fill the watering globes with water and put them into your plant containers. The water from the globe will slowly drip into the container. You can get watering globes at most gardening centres.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationUse Watering Globes
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -Watering globes are gadgets that will do the watering for you. Before you leave, simply water your plants, fill the watering globes with water and put them into your plant containers. The water from the globe will slowly drip into the container. You can get watering globes at most gardening centres.Photo Credit: Pexels
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Make Your Own Self-Watering Gadgets
19/20Make Your Own Self-Watering Gadgets
19/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
A cheaper alternative to watering globes – and a use for those plastic water bottles that didn’t make it into the recycling bin – is to make your own self-watering gadgets. Make tiny holes near the bottom of the bottle. Then press the bottle lightly into the soil. Just before you leave, water the soil and fill the bottle with water too. The water will slowly seep out and keep the soil moist. An alternative is to fill an old wine bottle with water and press it upside down into the soil next to the plant.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationMake Your Own Self-Watering Gadgets
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -A cheaper alternative to watering globes – and a use for those plastic water bottles that didn’t make it into the recycling bin – is to make your own self-watering gadgets. Make tiny holes near the bottom of the bottle. Then press the bottle lightly into the soil. Just before you leave, water the soil and fill the bottle with water too. The water will slowly seep out and keep the soil moist. An alternative is to fill an old wine bottle with water and press it upside down into the soil next to the plant.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use Water-Wicking
20/20Use Water-Wicking
20/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
For water-wicking, you need a bucket of water and a length of cotton rope. Press one end of the rope into the soil next to the plant and let the other end hang down into the bucket, touching the bottom. The rope will soak the wick with water from the bucket and into your plant container.Green LivingHow to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on VacationUse Water-Wicking
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -For water-wicking, you need a bucket of water and a length of cotton rope. Press one end of the rope into the soil next to the plant and let the other end hang down into the bucket, touching the bottom. The rope will soak the wick with water from the bucket and into your plant container.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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