As much as we love setting off on a holiday, there can be a heart wrenching moment as we leave behind the garden that we have spent all spring and summer so far looking after. It’s not easy to walk away just when it is potentially at its most bountiful and beautiful in the summer, and of course also at its most vulnerable in the heat.
So, what can we do to give our gardens the very best chance of thriving while we’re taking some much-earned time away from the secateurs this summer?
Watering Solutions
Even if it’s not a bone-dry summer, but absolutely vitally if it is, having a good plan for watering while you’re away will be the key to making sure your garden greets you with green leaves and beautiful flowers on your return.
Timed irrigation systems are available to buy, and if you have the budget, could be the perfect solution for you. Another option would be setting up a soaker hose, which lets water seep through gradually through a porous hose. Both of these will need planning and time to set up properly, as well as some budget, so may not be suitable as a last-minute rush solution.
Self-watering containers have a reservoir of water that can be filled before you go, and drawn up into the soil as needed. Again, these would require forethought, so if you’re looking for a more immediate solution, you can look for self-watering devices that you fill and then insert into the soil. These are readily available in a range of sizes, and while not as effective as irrigation systems, may make a difference for your pots and containers.
If these watering and self-watering systems won’t work for you, it may be a case of reaching out to neighbours, family and friends to see if someone can water your plants while you’re away. The ideal person is a gardener who is going to be away at a different time than you: someone who understands the important of regular watering and the impact it will have if missed, and who you can offer to return the favour for on your return. If you have fruit of veg ripening while you’re away, you can always offer them as a bounty for your friendly waterer!
Mulching and Soil Preparation
Our number-one, always-recommended, top-tip for all gardening success, is mulching. And holiday prep is no different, mulching is a must! Applying layers of mulch can have such a big impact in all seasons of gardening, to enrich the soil, supress weeds and, of course, retain moisture.
A layer of mulch will allow water to seep into the soil, but prevent it from evaporating off. And if the mulch is made of organic matter, the water will be bringing nutrients with it as it passes through.
In the heat of summer, lighter colours of mulch can help to manage heat, by reflecting direct sunlight instead of absorbing it. In the hottest places, people go so far as to use a top layer of white gravel, to protect the soil from overheating.
Before you pack your suitcase and head on your holiday, take a moment to check your mulch, and identify if more is needed, if the layers are even, and if it’s ready to do its very important jobs while you are away.
You can read mor about mulching in our handy catch all guide too!
Weeding and Pruning
Before going away, give your garden a fighting chance against a self-seeding invasion by giving it a thorough weeding.
This isn’t just to preserve the look of your garden, and stop unwanted weeds from crowding into your flower beds. It’s also to make sure your beloved plants don’t have to compete for water and nutrients with these hardier, more robust, plant varieties.
It is absolutely worth taking the time to deadhead the flowers that need it just before you go. This will help to ensure a whole new display of flowers for you after your return.
While pruning isn’t usually recommended in the height of summer, pruning is definitely more of a winter activity, so you might find that some light and strategic pruning can help to prevent overgrowth while you are on your travels.
Looking after a luscious lawn
Our advice is to mow your lawn as close to your departure as possible. No matter how long you are away, and the weather conditions while you’re not there, mowing before departure will increase your chances of retuning to a manageable lawn.
While you might have an instinct to leave the lawn well fed, our advice is not to fertilise before leaving, to prevent excessive growth in your absence.
If you are on a long holiday, it might be worth engaging a local gardener to come and mow for you while you’re away. But this is not a necessity. Remember than lawns bounce back, so if you return to either an overgrown lawn or a dried out one, you can revive your lawn with some strategic care once you have settled back.
Pest Prevention
Especially if you have known pest problems in your garden, but even if you don’t, take some time to inspect for pests before you go. The last thing you want is to get back to a garden teeming with pesky pests, so make sure to treat any early signs before you go.
If you have crops that will ripen while you are away, remember that they can attract pests. You might want to ask a neighbour or friend to come and harvest your ripe fruit and veg in your absence.
Plant Grouping
Our final tip for holiday preparation is to think about where you are leaving your pots and moveable containers. Placing them in a shady corner, where they are protected from too much sun and from winds if there is a summer storm in your absence, will give them the best chance of thriving. Grouping them together will make watering (or watering solutions) easier, and can also help them to retain moisture alongside each other.
We hope these tips help you prepare your garden for your summer holiday.
Bon voyage!