Summer holidays can be a source of anxiety for gardeners, with plants in full swing and no one to tend them. Alys Fowler, writing before a trip to the Hebrides, shares her tried-and-tested methods to ensure plants survive in your absence.
Preparation is key: plant out any plugs or small pots before leaving, or pot them on if roots are visible at the drainage holes. Cramped pots dry out faster than plants in the ground.
The best solution is to hire a waterer. Fowler recommends recruiting local teenagers for the job. To simplify their task, place smaller pots in drip trays filled with gravel or sand to catch excess water without drowning roots. For greenhouse plants, capillary matting fed from a water reservoir allows plants to draw moisture as needed.
In hot weather, use fine green netting (debris netting) to shade outdoor and greenhouse plants, slowing growth and reducing water use. For indoor plants on bright windowsills, move them a foot away from the window to lower light levels and prevent scorching. Alternatively, fill the bath with old newspaper or towels and a few inches of water, then place plants on top to soak up moisture gradually.
Don’t forget harvesting: if you have peas, beans, cucumbers or courgettes, persuade someone to pick them. Frequent picking encourages more production, ensuring your garden continues to thrive while you’re away.
