I'm in Zone 6a and my daughter and I love doing a bit of container gardening during the summer, growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and more. This June, we'll be away for the whole month. While someone will be at our house, they won't take care of the garden, and I can't afford to hire someone. I'll be about 30 minutes away, so I could come back occasionally to water, but not every day. I'd hate to tell my daughter we can't garden this year! As a newbie, I'm unsure how to proceed. Should I delay planting until July 1? Is that too late for certain plants? Should I consider using self-watering containers before we leave?
4 Answers
Another option is to set up inexpensive cameras to keep an eye on your garden from afar. You could also look into terracotta pots that release water into the soil gradually. My grandma swears by that method, and it helps with plant care while saving water. Plus, it’s a neat project you can share with your daughter!
You might want to invest in an irrigation system with a timer – they can be found for around $50 and would handle your watering while you're away. It’s a solid investment for peace of mind!
It sounds like your housesitter isn’t really up for house-sitting! You might want to check with nearby neighbors; they could help water the plants while you're gone. I swap watering duties with my neighbors when either of us goes on vacation.
Don't forget that watering isn’t your only responsibility as a gardener! Fertilizing, pest control, and preventing weeds are also important. If possible, consider bringing some plants along with you or connecting with a local gardening group that could help you out while you’re away. There might be someone nearby ready to lend a hand!
I totally agree! I've used one and it works like a charm. There are a bunch out there, too, ranging in prices, so you can find one that fits your budget.