Going away in summer can be stressful for gardeners, as plants are in full growth and need regular care. Before leaving, ensure no small pots or plugs are waiting to be planted out, as they dry out quickly. If planting out isn't possible, pot them on, especially if roots are visible at drainage holes.
The best solution is to hire someone to water, such as a teenager, but make it easy for them. For smaller pots, place them in drip trays filled with gravel or sand to catch excess water without drowning roots. In a greenhouse, use capillary matting fed into a water reservoir so plants draw moisture as needed.
During hot weather, use fine green debris netting to create shade, slowing growth and reducing water use. For indoor plants on bright windowsills, move them a foot away from the window to lower light levels. Another trick is to fill a bath with old newspaper or towels and a few inches of water, then place plants on top to absorb moisture over time.
Finally, if you have crops like peas, beans, cucumbers, or courgettes, arrange for someone to harvest them regularly, as picking encourages more production.
