Don’t let your plants go thirsty

You’re packed and all ready to go off on your holidays – but wait what about your plants? If you don’t have a friendly neighbour or family member who is able to pop round while you’re away it can be difficult to know what to do to keep your plants happy.

Your plants are likely to get stressed if they don’t get enough water but there are ways you can ensure they stay happy and hydrated until you return.

• Before you leave make sure you water all of your plants as thoroughly as possible.
• Keep plants in terracotta pots moist by sinking them into borders and watering the pots and surrounding soil. The moisture in the soil will permeate the pots, keeping them moist.
• If you have bigger plants, which can’t be moved, or if you are away for longer than a week it may be worth looking into using an automatic irrigation system. A time can be installed and set to water the plants as often as is needed.
• By grouping plants together in trays can help them to conserve moisture and placing a sheet of shade netting over the plants will also help to reduce moisture loss.
• If you have plants in containers move them to a more shady spot as this will help to reduce their temperature and their need for water.