If you’ve got a holiday coming up, you’ll know that there’s a lot to think about. From flights and accommodation to passports and packing lists, it’s not always easy – and that’s before you even consider your garden.
Sometimes a week or two of neglect is all it takes for your garden to suffer. But with a little preparation, your garden can stay hydrated, healthy and happy while you’re off enjoying a break. Tom Clamp, head of technical at garden care company Pelsis Doff, has shared some of his expert tips for keeping your garden in top shape while you’re away.
According to the expert, there’s one thing that every gardener should be doing before heading off on a trip if they want their lawns and plants to stay alive and thriving.
Giving it a really good water is key, because you want your garden to be hydrated enough to survive wihtout any top-ups while you’re jetting off.
Tom said: “Start by giving your garden a thorough soak. A deep watering saturates the root zone and creates a reservoir of moisture that plants can draw from while you’re away.”
Early-morning or evening watering will also help minimise evaporation, allowing your plants to get the full benefits of the water.
Another way to ‘lock in’ moisture that might be lost if you go on holiday is to mulch your garden. A 5-8cm layer of organic mulch around your plants will help to secure that moisture, regulate soil temperature and suppress weed growth.
“It’s a simple step that keeps plants more resilient during dry spells,” said Tom.
How long do plants live without water?
If your plants are fully established in your garden, they may be tougher than you think. Following the expert’s tips and giving them a thorough watering before you go away means shrubs and perennials can survive for around seven to 10 days.
Trees are even more hardy, although if they are just freshly planted, then they’ll need a bit more attention. However, if you’ve got plants that are still in containers, these don’t last as long without water – according to Tom, they may only last two to four days before drying out, especially if the weather is hot.
And if you’re really worried about how your garden will look upon your return, Tom has suggested simply asking a friend or relative if they can stop by and give any ‘key areas’ a water.
This way, you can fully switch off and enjoy your holiday without wondering about how your garden might be faring.