Vacation-Proof Your Pots: How to Keep Your Plants Thriving While You’re Away
CONTAINED
BRILLIANCE
August is known for its sizzling heat and as the time when our container gardens hit their peak, overflowing with everything we’ve nurtured for months.
Right now, mine are bursting with blueberries, crisp lettuce, armfuls of blooms like verbena bonariensis, echinacea, and dahlias. Every glance out my office window gives me a little jolt of joy. Out back, the containers are not only beautiful, they're alive, buzzing with hummingbirds and butterflies, happy as can be.
But August also brings that familiar “where did summer go?” feeling. We’re not quite at the end, but we can see it coming. And that creates a strong urge to savor every last bit, often in the form of a late-summer getaway. Maybe it’s one more trip to the San Juans, visiting friends, or exploring someplace new before the season shifts.
Your Plants Deserve Good Care While You're Away
Just like we plan for the dog-sitter (love you, Tucker), pause the mail and deliveries, and take out the garbage, we also need to plan for our container gardens.
Potted plants dry out faster than those in the ground, and while we’re away, they still need regular care – especially water. After weeks, or even months, of tending to our planters, the last thing we want is to return home to wilting, sun-scorched plants that gave up while we were away.
So, if you're planning to pack your bags, don't forget to prep your plants just like you prep your home. A few simple steps will keep your container plantings thriving while you're away. That way you can truly relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about what you’ll come home to.
Before You Go: Simple Prep To Keep Plants Happy and Healthy
Check the Forecast
Before heading out, take a peek at the 10-day forecast. If a heatwave or storm is on the way, you can adjust your watering or give vulnerable planters extra shelter.
Water Deeply Before You Go
Give every container a long, deep soak so that the water reaches the roots, not just the surface. This deep watering buys your plants extra time and strengthens their drought tolerance.
Harvest Now, Not Later
If you’re growing fruit or vegetables, pick anything ripe before you leave so nothing spoils. Or even better, invite a friend to harvest while you're gone. I have a friend who lets us to pick from her containers in exchange for watering. Everyone wins.
Three Fail-Safe Watering Strategies
Here's three ways to keep your container plantings hydrated so you can enjoy your vacation worry-free.
1. Recruit a Helping Hand
Asking a neighbor or hiring someone to hand-water works well but does require trust. Will they water properly? Will they water deeply, or will they just sprinkle the surface, or worse, oversoak?
If you go this route, make it easy for them by providing the right tools:
- A watering wand (my go-to is the Dramm 170PL, for containers. It's lightweight, available in fun colors, and delivers a soft, thumb-controlled shower that's gentle but thorough).
- A watering can with an extra-long spout (my favorite is the Dramm 7L Watering Can ) for avoiding spills and reaching into crowded planters.
2. Self-Watering Containers
Think of self-watering planters as built-in plant sitters. They remove the guesswork of how much and how often to water. Just fill the reservoir and let them do the work, wicking moisture into the soil, so plants take what they need when they need it. Some can go weeks without refilling.
You can even mix in a water-soluble fertilizer before you leave for a little nutrient boost.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first, but after last summer when I tested several brands, I’m a convert. The Crescent Garden Trudrop planters (always matte black for me) now reside in my permanent collection. They're sleek, stylish and cut my watering time (and bill) way down.
3. Drip Irrigation (with a timer)
If complete peace of mind is the goal, drip irrigation with a timer might be your best option. It delivers water slowly and directly to the roots which reduces waste and keeps soil consistently moist– no stressful drought and drench cycles for the plants.
Today’s systems are easy to install and many timers are Wi-Fi enabled so can adjust the watering from your phone if the weather shifts while you're away. I recommend using drip line with emitters spaced six inches apart, rather than individual bubblers or sprayers, which can miss spots if foliage blocks them.
Before you leave, double check all connections, change batteries if needed, and run a test cycle to make sure everything is working properly. That way, you can head out with peace of mind knowing your plants are being watered on a set schedule without any interruptions or leaking.
And You're Off!
Now you’re ready to hit the road, hop on a plane, or float down a river, worry free – knowing that your plants are covered. Personally, I use a combination of all three watering strategies: a neighbor for my front planters, a few self-watering planters, and drip irrigation in the back.
Because just like Tucker, my plants deserve good consistent care while I’m away.
Here's to late-summer getaways and lush, happy and healthy container gardens that welcome you home just as beautiful as when you left.
Happy Container Gardening!
Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. I only recommend products I use and love, like Crescent Garden. As a special thank, Crescent Garden is offering Garden Revelry readers 15% off with the code GARDENREVELRY15 when you use this link.
☀️🌿❤️ Thanks for tips. Do you have a favorite timer. I bought an inexpensive one that I can’t get to reliably work
You’re so welcome! Timers can definitely be hit or miss – especially the inexpensive ones. I’ve had the best luck with Orbit timers for both myself and my clients. For something simple and reliable, the Orbit One Outlet Single Dial House Faucet Timer is a great choice. IF you’d like to control things from your phone the Orbit B-hyve XD Smart Hose Timer is a nice option. If you’d like links to the exact ones recommended (I do have an affiliate link), just sent me a quick email and I’ll share them with you.