Here is a guide on how to water your plants during the holidays to prevent them from drying out while you are away. 

To keep your precious plants hydrated and in good health, you must plan ahead. 

During the holidays, it may seem impossible to water your plants, but if you follow a few precautions, you can make sure your garden doesn’t lack anything without asking your neighbors to be on duty. 

For potted plants, the first step is to move the plant to a shady spot to reduce water evaporation. Keep the plants close together and keep a container filled with water near the pot so that the evaporating water creates a moist microclimate and keeps the soil well-moistened before you leave. Avoid placing plants in dark areas. 

1) Inverted Drip Bottle 

Inverted bottles are commonly used for watering holiday plants. 

Fill a 1.5- or 2-liter plastic bottle with water, poke a hole in the bottom of the bottle with a pin, and secure the open end to the ground. 

We recommend a dripper with a coupling for the plastic bottle for a better grip on the soil and a more controlled release. This costs a few euros and can be bought in any garden store. 

2) Irrigation Systems Using Wire or Rope 

Cotton or nylon thread is a good choice. It is essential not to use thin threads; if thick threads are not enough, other threads can be intertwined to improve water retention. The procedure is to dip one end of the wire into the container and bury the other end 6-7 cm. Avoid using ropes made of materials other than those listed or using cables with poor water retention properties. 

Also, use different water containers depending on the plants’ size and needs. 

3) Use of Thickened Water 

For long-term absences, there is an economical solution for irrigating plants while you are away: introduce a special gel into the soil for irrigation for 20 to 30 days. The cellulose fibers that make up the gel hold the water and slowly release it upon contact with the soil. 

Another innovative product is Aquagel. This product can automatically water plants naturally and constantly for 30 days. 

This product is natural, non-toxic to plants and organisms, and can be used for gardening plants because its main ingredient is water. 

Operation is simple: pour the gel into the soil and water. The gel holds water for an extended period and slowly releases the water into the soil. 

4) Underground Bottles 

Drip irrigation using an underground bottle is another very efficient method if you have plants above ground. 

Simply drill two small holes in the bottom of the bottle. The holes are just the right size, not too large so that the bottle empties quickly and not too small so that it is not blocked by soil. Leaving the cap on slows down the drainage process, which further saves water. 

5) Sponge Cloth 

Another option is to use Verde Magic, a revolutionary material that is a disk-shaped synthetic fiber that holds 13 times its own weight in moisture and can keep plants hydrated for days. 

By retaining moisture and gradually releasing it into the soil, it maintains a moderate level of moisture in the soil; it costs about 4 euros, is ideal for short-term absences, can be reused, and is perfect for weed control. 

6) Use of Thickened Water 

If you will be away for an extended period, inexpensive solutions for watering plants while you are away are also available. A special gel can be inserted into the soil and irrigated for 20 to 30 days. The cellulose fibers that make up the gel hold the water and slowly release it upon contact with the soil. 

Do you have any other tips? Do not hesitate to share it with us in the comments below!