Going on holiday?
Tips to keep your garden blooming while you're away
MANY OF us will be taking a summer holiday over the next few weeks. Of course, it won't just be us soaking up the sun, our garden and house plants will, too. Without water they'll become a dried up, wilting mess, and it'll be so frustrating after months of work getting them to look good! The ideal scenario is for a neighbour to take over the watering and feeding while you're away - letting them harvest any crops and flowers that are ready, in return. However, this isn't always possible, which is why you need a back-up plan. So, for peace of mind, follow my 10 pre- and post-holiday jobs.
Automatic irrigation
THIS IS is the best way to keep your garden watered, with little supervision. It takes water from the tap through a simple system of small hoses and outlets, can be hidden easily and controlled manually or by a timer if you are going on holiday. Hozelock & 0844 736 1550, 8 easywatering.co.uk have a good range.
De bloom and harvest
IF A plant is allowed to fruit and go to seed it will have reached the end of its life cycle and die. To ensure your garden plants don't do this while you are away you need to be ruthless and pick all of your crops that are, or nearly, ready. You will also need to remove spent, and open blooms and the buds of edibles
Feed everything well
JUST BEFORE you leave feed all your garden plants with a general fertiliser, such as Growmore. However, if they are flowering or producing crops give them a high-potash feed such as Tomorite. This will encourage them to produce more flowers for when you get back, especially if you have de-bloomed! Make sure you follow manufacturers advice.
Bottle irrigation
WATERING SPIKES are designed to push into the compost around plants to ensure water reaches their roots. The water drips from the holes placed down the spike. A 1l bottle is generally enough to water for up to three weeks. However, if the weather is very warm you may only get a week from it. Thompson and Morgan & 0844 2485383, 8 thompson-morgan.com sell this product.
Care for house plants
DON’T FORGET about your houseplants! Place some capillary matting (available from most garden centres) on to your draining board trailing into a full sink. Allow the matting to soak up the water then place your house plants on top. Make sure you leave a little bit of space between each plant to ensure there is enough air circulation to avoid rotting.
