How Can I Keep My Young Garden Plants Alive While I’m Away for a Week?

If your plants are in garden beds, give them a deep soak before you leave and consider using some water spikes that you can turn upside down and stick into the soil. For potted plants, try using a large tray with a fabric that allows water to be drawn through via capillary action — just connect it to a bigger container. Keeping them in the shade will also help reduce water loss through evaporation. If you can, it’s always good to bribe a neighbor to check on them with some treats!

If you’re concerned about your plants while you’re away, consider setting up a sprinkler or a soaker hose on a timer. It can help maintain moisture. Another great idea is to add a layer of mulch like dry grass clippings to help keep the soil damp. Make sure to give them a thorough watering before you leave. Also, creating some shade for the delicate ones can really help, especially during hot days. I wouldn’t stress too much about the sturdier plants like beans and squashes, but keep an eye on the more fragile seedlings. Overall, mulch, shade, and some automated watering should really help!

Honestly, managing your plants under these conditions can be tough. If you have a neighbor or friend available, it could help a lot if they could stop by and water them every couple of days. If that’s not possible, just make sure to give them a solid drink before you head out and hope for the best. You could also look into some automated systems, although they might be a bit pricey and need some setup. But other folks might have some quick, doable ideas for you too!