How do your plants survive the vacation?

Finally, a change of scenery. Away from this work life imbalance. Finally, a relaxing time. That’s what I think to myself as I search for the passports and am delighted they’re still valid. Days before, clothes are scattered everywhere to choose the best ones. Then I have to find all sorts of chargers somewhere in my drawers. And last but not least, a quick clean up of my apartment, so I’m not greeted by dust after my vacation.

But I almost forgot one thing: the plants.

It took a heavily loaded tram ride, which I don’t want to repeat, to make my balcony bloom. It would be a pity for all the effort and money to go to waste if my plants dries up while I’m away for a week in France. Besides, I want to finally eat my own tomatoes this year. Last year, I grew several varieties from seeds, cherished and cared for them. Shortly before harvest, all burnt during a short absence.

I almost cried.

Avoid last year’s mistakes

Before I decide on an irrigation method, there are a few basic things to do. I cut back my potted plants, so they use as little energy and water as possible. I cut off everything withered and wilted, as well as long shoots. I don’t fertilise the plants two weeks before departure. After all, large growth means high energy consumption, which I can’t monitor during the vacation.

I place the more delicate plants closer to the wall to better protect them from the weather. My balcony doesn’t have a roof and is completely exposed to the weather. That’s why my tomatoes burnt.

Well now. The plants are trimmed and positioned; now I only need to keep the soil moist. I guess the easiest way would be to ask my neighbours. The subjunctive shows that this scenario will remain pure theory. First, I hate asking people to do things. Second, I hardly know my neighbours. In our house, there is a quiet consensus that people smile shyly at each other, hold the door open and even greet each other once in a while, but otherwise do their own thing.

I need another idea.

PET bottle

A near classic. Irrigation with an inverted PET bottle. To do this, you just need to drill one or more holes in the lid – depending on how much water the plant needs. In my case, I make three for the sunflowers, but only one small one for the marigolds. It’s not science. It’s trying and testing. So some time must be planned before departure.

If everything fits, I can leave the plants alone for a solid two weeks.

Alternatively, a clay cone should work well. Simply insert it into the plastic bottle neck and place the whole thing upside down in the soil. However, the clay cone method only keeps the plant moist for a few days, so it’s not an option for me.

Towel or kitchen paper

The trick is new to me. A towel or kitchen paper can be used to build a water pipe. Apparently, it works with an old T-shirt, a rag or whatever else, too. The important thing is that the textile is made of cotton and not any synthetic fibres.

I choose a towel, since I haven’t bought kitchen paper in years, and roll it up widthwise. Then I fill a bucket with water, soak the towel briefly in it and put one end around the plant on the ground. I hang the other end in the bucket. The fabric now steadily draws water and slowly releases it onto the earth. I place the system in a shadier location so the water doesn’t evaporate too quickly. Thus, the plant is supplied with water for two weeks.

Irrigation system

Although I trust the homemade irrigation systems, I want to mention that they can be bought. For the balcony, I have already tested a small set that runs even without a water connection. This works pretty well, but looked just a little too ugly and bulky for me in the long run. For long vacations, however, I could assemble and disassemble it again.

For the garden or larger terraces, fully automatic systems are worthwhile. This is because PET bottle irrigation isn’t scalable above about 20 plants. There are very simple systems, but also smart ones with rain radar, moisture sensors and, of course, an app. What you deem necessary is up to you.

Houseplants

My houseplants aren’t fussy, so I’m not very worried about them. Watering once vigorously is usually enough. To do this, I place them close together so that they can shade each other somewhat and form their own humid climate. Most houseplants are originally from the tropics, so they love moisture. If you have more demanding plants and watering once isn’t enough, use exactly the same tips as outside.

While I’m still preparing the tomato vine, I’m already dreaming of an «Insalata Caprese». I’m optimistic that everything will work out. I tilt another window and walk around the apartment for a final check.

Goodbye, plants. You’re on your own now.