Holidays are finally here, the pen is dropped, the suitcases are quickly packed and off we go… But stop! What about the lovingly cared for and cared for balcony plants? If you can't quickly find a friendly neighbor or helpful friend to take on this task while you're away, a tried-and-tested DIY system will have to do the trick.
An irrigation system can be easily created with PET bottles
4 tips for bridging a few days
If only a few days are to be bridged, for example because you are only traveling for the weekend, measures such as these are usually sufficient:
- Water your plants deeply before leaving.
- Then put them in the shade.
- Less water is used in the shade than in a sunny location
- You can also place the plants in your home while you are away.
When watering, make sure that excess water can run off, otherwise the roots can rot - most potted plants cannot tolerate too much moisture.
The best methods for a long vacation
If, on the other hand, you are on vacation for more than a few days, you will of course need a more productive irrigation system. Either you now spend a lot of money for a corresponding system from the specialist trade. You can use the evaluations of the Stiftung Warentest as a guide, which only took a closer look at some of the most popular products in 2022. But you can also try one of the following DIY systems.
Pet bottle
The upside-down PET or glass bottle that is stuck deep into the substrate is probably one of the best-known (and simplest) irrigation systems, but it does have some pitfalls.
Irrigation cone or ball
The bottle method works most reliably if you screw a plastic or clay watering cone onto the neck of the bottle instead of the perforated lid. This ensures that the water is released slowly and evenly. Also very practical - and working according to the same principle - are so-called watering balls, which are often made of glass.
bathtub
The bathtub, which you lay out with thick towels and let the water run in about five centimeters deep, has also proven itself. Put the balcony plants in there, but only in the plant pot and without a cachepot.
tips
If you are traveling for more than one to two weeks, it makes sense to purchase an automatic pump system. You can also build this yourself with a little manual skill.