A longer holiday, sometimes even a short weekend trip, can pose problems for the proud owner of magnificent indoor plants or a balcony garden. After all, there are not always helpful (or even knowledgeable) neighbors or friends who are happy to water the plants correctly. However, you can remedy the situation by building simple irrigation systems yourself.
Hydroponic plants don't dry out as quickly
1. Hydroponics / Granules
If you go away frequently or are not at home for several days at a time, you should cultivate your plants in a hydroponic system from the outset. This not only simplifies the daily watering, but also provides the houseplants with sufficient care when you are away. However, not all species are suitable for such a culture. You can also use the principle in a simplified way for your vacation: fill a large tub or balcony box with a layer of granules about five centimeters thick. Place the plant pots on it, which should have a hole at the bottom. Fill the large container with more granules until the pots are about half in it. Now water the granules (not the soil!).
2. Bathtub
The principle described can be applied even more easily with old towels and a bathtub. Thats how it works:
- Place the plants in a bucket of water the night before.
- Let them soak you in moisture.
- Line the bathtub with thick towels the next day.
- Plug the drain.
- Let about three to five centimeters of water run into the tub.
- Put the plants in without the outer pots (only in the plant pots!).
3. PET bottle
If you are going on summer vacation for a longer period of time, you can put several PET or glass bottles filled with water upside down in the previously moistened potting soil. This method is particularly suitable for balcony plants in large boxes or tubs.
4. Wool thread
Smaller potted plants or indoor plants, on the other hand, can be watered with the help of wool or cotton thread (the latter usually works better!). To do this, stick one end of the thread into the potting soil and one into a container filled with water.
tips
Start planning your holiday watering early. If the irrigation system is only considered shortly before departure, there is no time left to test the solution. You should therefore check the dates for the long summer holidays well in advance.