How to Keep Your Indoor Plants Watered While on Vacation

Going out of town can be stressful, especially if you’re going a long distance. You’ve probably forgotten how to water the lovely houseplants and healthy fruit and vegetable garden you’ve worked so hard to grow by the time you get your bags packed, kids in the vehicle, pet care organized, and travel plans sorted. But don’t worry, since these four quick and easy solutions will help you plan ahead and keep your plants safe while you’re gone.

• Water Wicking Technique – Push one end of a rope several inches into the soil’s surface, near to the plant. Make sure the roots aren’t disturbed. Fill your water container halfway with water and place the other end of the rope at the bottom. Make sure the rope contacts the container’s bottom. The cotton rope will gradually wick water from the container into the plant pot, keeping the soil moist at all times.
• Make a Drip System at Home – Begin with an empty and clean plastic bottle. Drill many drainage holes towards the top of the bottle. Fill the plastic bottle halfway with water, then flip it over and plunge it into the pot’s first few inches of dirt. Make sure the bottle is not too close to your plant, and that the dirt covers the openings in the bottle. As the soil dries out, the water will slowly flow out of the bottle.
• Give Your Plants a Wash – Fill your sink or bathtub with a few inches of water and a towel to protect your surfaces from scratching. Place your potted plants in the sink and forget about them while you’re away. Water will be drawn up to the roots by the soil, keeping the plant hydrated for up to one week.
• Greenhouse Plastic Bags – Get a clear plastic bag that will fit your indoor plant and its pot. To keep the bag from clinging to the plants, add stakes to the container. Pull the bag up and around the plant as you place it in the bag. Before you seal the bag, blow a little air into it to help it balloon around the plant. Place your plant in a location where it will receive indirect light (direct sunlight will heat up the bag and likely kill your plant). Water will be captured as it evaporates and drips back into the plant in this small greenhouse.