With this beautiful Victorian summer upon us, there’s nothing more tempting than going away with family and friends. Use these tips on watering, mulching and caring for your fruit and veg to keep your garden flourishing while you’re away. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, ensure your garden is cared for.
Watering:
Watering is the most important task when preparing your garden for your time away, particularly in summer. Have a think about how you are going to ensure your plants have enough water, with the sun getting stronger it’s important to have a plan. Knowing what plants you have in your garden and what their drought tolerance is like, is the first place to start.
Here are some of our tips:
By giving all your plants a deep soaking by watering slowly for longer than usual, the water can penetrate the soil down to where it's needed most. If your soil repels water, spread a granular soil wetter before watering.
If your garden has lots of potted plants, submerging them in an inch or two of water before you go away means they will be able to retain water.
Use self-watering beads or terracotta water wells to help slowly release water to your soil.
Alternatively, the best option is an irrigation system. These can easily be set up DIY, to water your garden to ensure your plants are hydrated over your absence. Give your plants the best chance by planning ahead!
Mulching:
After you have planned how your plants will be watered, mulching your garden is a great way to ensure your plants retain their water and stay protected while you’re away. A layer of mulch—whether it's organic materials like wood chips, straw, or leaves—acts as a natural barrier against the summer weather, helping to retain moisture in the soil and reduce evaporation, which is especially important during hot weather.
Mulch also helps regulate soil temperature, keeps weeds at bay, and prevents soil erosion. When applying mulch, aim for a 2–3-inch layer around your plants, making sure to leave a small gap around the base of stems or trunks to prevent rot. This simple step can significantly reduce the need for frequent watering and provide a more resilient garden while you're away.
Mow your lawn
In summer keeping your lawn under control can be a tough job, particularly when you are away for an extended period. By giving your lawn a mow before you go away you are setting yourself up for success when you return. However, a key thing to remember is not to cut your grass extra short, thinking that this will last longer. As a shorter lawn tends to grow more vigorously and in hotter climates short grass can become damaged and lead to sunburnt soil. A neatly mowed lawn not only looks tidy but also helps keep your grass healthy while you're away.
Reap the benefits of your garden
Another key part of prepping your garden for while you’re away, is taking care of any flowering plants and fruit trees.
Harvesting your fruit ensures you enjoy the bounty of your hard work while also stopping overripe produce from attracting unwanted insects or diseases.
For flowers, cutting a few blooms not only gives you a lovely bouquet to enjoy at home but also encourages your plants to produce more flowers, prolonging the blooming season. Additionally, by cutting off any dead heads, particularly at the start of summer, you are redirecting the plants energy towards blooming again. Then in later January, you can dead head a little harder by pruning further down, making it easier for you to manage in the winter months. After pruning, give your plants a feed with a plant food like sudden impact to ensure they have the energy for another boost of flowers in the following weeks. By gathering your garden’s best before you go, you can enjoy the fruits (and flowers) of your labour while ensuring your plants are left in a tidy, healthy state until you return.
Have a garden buddy
Having a garden buddy is one of the best ways to ensure your plants are well taken care of while you’re away. Whether it’s a trusted friend, neighbour, or fellow gardener, having someone you can rely on to check in on your garden can give you peace of mind. Through organising when your plants may need an extra water, or which plants need attention you can ensure your garden is getting what it needs. They can also reap the benefits of your garden by picking your fruit, veg and flowers and ensure they don’t go to waste while your away. Having an extra set of hands ensures that your garden continues to thrive in your absence, and you’ll return to a space that’s still lush and vibrant.
Preparing your garden for your time away doesn't have to be stressful, and with a little planning, your plants will thrive while you're gone. From setting up efficient watering systems and applying mulch to enlisting the help of a garden buddy or picking ripe produce, there are plenty of ways to ensure your garden remains healthy and vibrant in your absence. Taking these steps will not only help your plants survive but can also promote better growth when you return. So, before you head out on your next adventure, give your garden the care it deserves, and you’ll come back to a flourishing outdoor space that’s ready to enjoy.