Holidaying Britons given garden advice

Green-fingered Brits heading off on summer breaks are being given top tips on how to make sure their garden stays healthy while they’re away.

The experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have outlined the best ways to keep your plants alive and looking good for your return.

They suggest moving pots out of full sunlight to avoid heat damage and investing in water retaining granules.

Other pre-holiday  preparations include removing weeds from beds and harvesting crops that are ready to be picked.

Chris Bonnett, from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Gardening is hardwork and it can be disheartening when you return from holiday to see your plants are past their best.

“It’s really important to be mindful of your garden when planning a holiday during the summer and make a few small changes to keep it looking good.

“Simple things like moving pots and weeding the garden are easy jobs to do before you jet off. Others take a little more thought like mulching the beds and installing a water system.

“If you can, enlist the help of friends, family or a neighbour while you’re away for a little watering and harvesting. It’ll save the pre-planning and you’ll come home to a well cared for garden.”

Here are GardeningExpress.co.uk’s seven tips to ensure your plants’ survival while on holiday:

1. Weed your beds

Digging out the weeds plays a massive part in creating the best possible conditions for your plants to cope independently. It makes it more likely for your other garden plants to grow and flourish as they don’t have to compete with unwanted weeds for water, light and nutrients.

2. Harvest ripe and nearly ripe crops

Avoid your garden crops going to seed by picking all the ripe fruits and vegetables to make room for new ones to grow. If you find that you have an abundance of garden produce, you can freeze some of them or use them up in jams or sauces that you can preserve.

3. Mulch your beds

Mulching locks moisture into the soil and suppresses the growth of weeds. Therefore it’s a good method to prepare the garden for your absence, as it reduces the frequency of times you need to water and weed your plants.

4. Water thoroughly just before you leave

Give your plants a good watering as late as possible before your holiday. You may be able to get away with just that if you’re only leaving for about a week. That being said, remember to avoid overwatering your plants as it can damage their roots.

5. Move your pot plants out of the sun

If you have any pot plants in your garden then it’s best to move them into the shade so they won’t be damaged by the heat, but be mindful to not keep them sheltered from the much-needed rain. It’s also good to position them all together because it creates a humid microclimate for them.

6. Automated watering systems

If possible, you can consider adding automated tech to perform the watering duties in your garden. Not only does it make your life easier in general, but it’s extremely useful when you tend to be away for more prolonged periods of time during the summer.

7. Use water retaining gel or granules

They’re a great method for reducing the frequency of watering your plants. They hold on to water and release it throughout time, ensuring that the soil remains moist. 

8. Use slow release plant food

Slow release fertilizers are another low-maintenance option for looking after your plants. They provide nutrients over a longer period of time by releasing a small amount of fertilizer to the soil when the compost is moist and warm enough for plants to grow.

9. Olla watering system

An olla watering system is an unglazed terracotta pot, buried beneath the soil filled with water. The top of the pot needs to be slightly above the surface. It works by dry soil pulling water through the porous pot, moistening the soil around it and watering the plants. Keep an eye to check how often the pot needs refilling – it will depend on soil type, plant density and the weather.