I'm leaving for 10 days just as the temperatures are about to rise, and I'm worried about my plants. I've got several pots and a few planted in the ground. I usually water them twice a week during hot weather. Does anyone have tips or tricks to keep them alive while I'm gone? Any help would be appreciated!
5 Answers
Another option is to set up a solar-powered drip irrigation system. You can find affordable ones online, and they’re super efficient. Just set a timer to water in the early morning every few days, and it should do the trick!
Have you thought about asking a neighbor or a pet-sitter to help out? Many pet-sitters don’t mind watering plants while they visit pets, and they may even be okay with just stopping by to look after your plants for some cash!
One good tip is to group all your potted plants together in the shadiest spot you can find. If you can get a friend to come by and water them around day 5, that would be ideal. If that’s not possible, you could try putting the pots in a shallow tray of water and hope for the best!
I always put my plants in a shaded area and use trays or old containers to water them from below. If you’re getting someone to help, consider making a video showing them how to water properly—most people aren’t familiar with it!
That’s a smart idea! A video walkthrough can really help avoid any confusion and ensures they do it right.
Make sure to use mulch before you leave and give your plants a good soak. Grass cuttings work well, just keep them away from the plant stems. I’ve been using rabbit straw—it's great for retaining moisture under it!

That’s true! A lot of people are happy to help with plants even if you don’t have pets, especially if you offer a little incentive.