I'm heading out for about 24 hours and need some advice on keeping my cucumber and tomato plants well-watered. It's pretty hot where I'm at (around 28°C or 82°F), so I'm worried about the soil drying out while I'm gone. Would using hay or straw as mulch be safe, or might that cause a fire hazard? Also, what do you think about using slate? Any tips would be appreciated!
3 Answers
Using straw as mulch is actually a solid choice for your veggie garden. It helps retain moisture without the fire hazard; the risks mainly come from large piles, not a thin layer over wet soil. Also, consider adding some shade for your plants with burlap or even a sheet if possible.
If you’re really tight on options, get a recyclable water bottle, poke a few holes in the bottom, and bury it in the soil. This DIY method creates a little watering system for your plants until you can set up proper ollas. Just be sure to fill it before you go!
Another idea is to place a saucer under your pots filled with water before you leave. You could even use a trash bag if that helps! And while it may be a bit tricky, putting a slow drip container on top can work wonders too. Just try to provide some shade, if you can.
That's exactly what we're planning to do with bottles, thanks for the tip!