Filed under: Gardening, Flowers, How-To, Tools
Alamy
With a little prep work, your garden can and will thrive while you're away.
You may give your garden lots of TLC all season long, but what happens when you're about to leave on vacation? The thought of leaving your prized flower beds unattended for a week or more can be unsettling. But don't let your plans put you into a panic, says Steve Wagner, senior product manager at Plow & Hearth. "If you've invested the time throughout the season to mulch, water and clean-up regularly, you'll be in good shape," he says. "Plus, there's plenty that can be done before you leave."
First, weed and deadhead, or pull off, spent blooms. This will help ensure that water is reaching your plants and not being slurped down by the weeds. "That way, you'll encourage new growth upon your return," says Wagner.
Next, you'll want to make sure that your flower beds are properly mulched. "Plants and flowers that are well-mulched have a greater ability to retain water. If you've already laid down mulch earlier in the season, just top it off with a fresh layer. Reinforcing that protective barrier is the best way to help your greens hold moisture longer and keep new weeds out."
Of course, making sure your garden is watered while your away is a must. A thorough watering just before heading out the door is one way to handle it, but to keep everything well-hydrated for the duration, you might consider investing in a water timer.
"They're a must if you'll be away for a long period of time," he says. "Whether it's a simple mechanical timer that screws right onto your garden hose faucet or a more advanced programmable one, you'll ensure that your plants will get the proper water they need."
Ken Novack, nursery merchandising director at Lowe's, suggests pairing a water timer with a soaker hose. "It's designed with tiny holes lining all sides, so when it's placed on the soil's surface, the hose flows water directly to the roots of your flowers, plants or shrubs." To keep this flexible, lightweight tool in place, Novack suggests using a few U-shaped floral pins to anchor it into the ground.
Also, if your flower beds contain annuals, add some fertilizer. "In mid-to-late August, you should still fertilize every two weeks until the fall sets in -- it will help kill off frost later on in the year," explains Novak. However, if you've got perennials, skip this step. "By now, perennials have nearly completed their life cycle, so it's safe to stop fertilizing."
And don't forget about your potted plants; group them together out of direct sunlight and go for self-watering planters. No need to replant if you don't have them; you can purchase a self-watering conversion kit for under $20 that will easily work with your existing flower pots.They're ideal for vacation situations," says Wagner. "Simply fill them up before you leave and you're done."
Finally, if you plan to ask the neighbors to water for you, Wagner says make it as easy as possible for them. "Group your potted plants together and show your neighbors exactly where everything is and what you'd like to be done so you don't come home to any surprises.