Anyone going on vacation should think about who will water the flowers when they are away. If no neighbor or friend has time, another type of watering can be chosen. Soaking the plants before departure is not advisable.
At the Water attention must be paid to the different needs of the plant species.
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How does watering work on vacation?
There are a number of ways in which you can water your plants when you are on holiday. The most common methods include:
- cut back plants
- Water storage in the flower box
- dam irrigation
- Automatic garden watering
pruning of plants
Plants take water over the root up and lose it through evaporation through the leaves. If the number of leaves on a plant is reduced in midsummer, the water consumption of a plant can be reduced. It is advisable to cut back plants before a trip if they are shrubs or flowers that bloom several times a year.
If an autumn or spring bloomers If cut in summer, the plant will not grow. This can result in the root system not developing further. For certain types of roses, pruning back in the summer before a holiday is a good choice.
Flower boxes with water storage
Plants that are planted in a window box are easy to water. There are flower boxes that come with a water reservoir are equipped. Wicks lead from the water to the potting soil. The plant receives sufficient water through wicks.
It is sucked in by capillary action and transported to the roots. A water reservoir is enough for a week’s vacation.
Irrigation by waterlogging
Potted plants are easy to water. Before the holiday, all plants should be placed in a shady place. The need for water can be minimized by a shady place.
for one dam irrigation all plants are placed in a shallow bowl of water prior to travel. The plant should be up to a quarter of its height in the water. Holiday watering works for many potted plants. Plants like lavender do not like waterlogging.
Automatic irrigation systems
In the garden let automatic irrigation systems install before a trip. They provide the plants with water at regular intervals. The system can be equipped with sensors. They measure soil moisture, humidity, solar radiation and temperature.
The valves of the water supply can be a control unit close or open as needed. The system offers the advantage that the need for water can be taken into account for each plant species.
The systems work with storage batteries and solar cells. A power failure does not bother this system. Garden watering is more reliable on vacation than having a neighbor hired to water it. Modern variants can be controlled with an app via smartphone.
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Advantages and disadvantages of automatic irrigation?
The amount of water used during irrigation must match the type of plant. This has a positive effect on the nutrient supply. If the water is not available in a natural way, an irrigation system can help.
A system ensures that the water is distributed at different times during the holiday. Good irrigation systems prevent over- and under-watering. Soil problems and nutrient deficiencies cannot happen during an absence.
Irrigation systems require constant monitoring and maintenance. The wrong irrigation system can lead to economic and ecological problems on vacation. With the chosen method, the focus is on the type of plants.
In order to improve the productivity of the plants, the water supply has to be right. When buying, you should pay attention to a system which energy efficient is working.
Advantages of irrigation systems on vacation
- Reduces time and workload
- No water loss through evaporation
- Plants get enough nutrients
- Even distribution of the water
- Low investment
Disadvantages of irrigation systems on vacation
- Can cause waterlogging
- Requires regular checks and maintenance
- Requires energy
What should be considered when watering during the holiday season?
In order for good watering to work during the holiday season, the roots and not the foliage of a plant should be watered. Plants should not be watered from above. Sensitive plants do better when the water comes from below. Kohlrabi or tomatoes could burst if they are not watered properly.
An irrigation should be in the morning hours be relocated. The evaporation of the water in the midday heat will burn delicate plants. Sand and light soil cannot store water. Before going on vacation, the sand should be covered with clay. through the clay soil a better storage of the water is guaranteed. Compost is a good alternative to clay soil.
Many gardeners use mulch to do this water storage capacity to improve. Covering the ground reduces evaporation. After a rain shower, the ground compacts. Fine cracks appear in the potting soil when it dries out in the sun.
The water evaporates through the cracks. The roots are not adequately watered. Before the holiday, the top layer of soil should be processed with a rake. Tillage prevents cracks. Water evaporation is restricted.
Use drought-loving plants
If you go on vacation several times a year, you should drought-loving plants use in the garden. They do not require daily watering.
Plants such as woodland sage, lavender, ivy, yarrow, ornamental onion and milkweed thrive well in dry soil. A special garden irrigation is not necessary.