7 clever tricks to keep your garden from bothering you – finch

in a few days, the summer holidays are approaching and you are wondering: Who actually waters my plants when I’m away? Especially in the warm months, a short holiday can be a stress test for the garden and balcony boxes. But don’t worry: with some simple and well-thought-out tricks you can ensure that your plants do well without you.

1. Bottle watering aids: simple and effective

The simplest solution for balcony planters, potted plants and containers: an upside-down water bottle that slowly releases moisture.

Here’s how it works:

• Fill a clean glass or plastic bottle with water.
• Pierce the lid several times (e.g. with a nail or screw) or open it slightly.
• Quickly turn the bottle over and insert it deep into the soil.

Suggestion: Used in clay cones or irrigation cones, the amount of water is dosed more evenly.

Particularly suitable for: Potted plants, large potted plants, vegetables in raised beds

2. DIY watering with twine – for indoors and outdoors

A trick from grandma’s times that works particularly well with houseplants, flower beds or balcony planters.

Here’s how:

• Place a bowl or bucket of water next to the plant (slightly higher than the rim of the pot).
• Immerse a thick cotton thread (for example from an old clothesline) in the water.
• One end goes into the bowl, the other into the soil near the root area.

The wire attracts water through capillary force and keeps the soil evenly moist without electricity and without technology. But: the longer the holiday, the larger the water storage container should be. 🙂

3. Mulching – effective protection against evaporation from below

What many underestimate: the loss of water through exposed land is enormous. A layer of mulch protects the soil, retains moisture and keeps it cool.

What is suitable as mulch?

• Cut grass (slightly dry)
• straw or hay
• Bark mulch (for larger beds or under bushes)
• Leaves, wood chips, chopped green waste

Important: Do not mulch too thick (max. 5 cm) so that air can still reach the soil.

4. Water thoroughly in the morning before leaving

If you are only going away for a few days, it is worth watering abundantly again on the day of departure; works especially well with potted plants:

Here’s how it works:

• Water in the morning when the sun is still low: the water evaporates less.
• Wet the soil very deeply, not just superficially.
• Briefly immerse the buckets in a bucket of water (up to halfway up the pan); then they will fill up like a sponge.

Suggestion: Large containers can also be covered with a layer of clay granules or mulch.

5. Create shadow: temporary transfer

Especially for plants exposed to direct sun, it is wise to move them to a shaded location while you are away.

Options:

• Move the pots together and place them on a north wall or under a tree
• Remove the balcony boxes from the railing and place them on the ground (less wind, less sun)
• If possible: under a table, a canopy or an umbrella

This way you reduce water consumption and thermal stress at the same time.

6. Tank irrigation systems for long periods of absence

If you are traveling for more than a week or want to care for a particularly large number of plants at the same time, it is worth taking a look at automatic or passive watering systems. Save time, water and nerves – and work without the help of your neighbors.

These options are available:

• Clay or ceramic cone with water bottle: These classic watering cones are inserted into the soil and paired with an attached water bottle. The porous material releases water slowly and evenly into the soil, depending on the needs of the plant. Perfect for containers, pots and raised beds.
• Capillary mats in balcony planters or plant trays: The mat is placed under the pots or directly in the box, a part is hung in a water tank. Through the so-called capillary effect, the mat is continuously absorbed and releases moisture to the plants through the bottom of the pot. It works especially well with smaller pots and shallow containers.
• Automatic watering with timer: Ideal if you have a water connection in the garden or on the balcony. Pipes with drip or spray nozzles are laid and controlled using a timer. This means you can decide exactly when and for how long to water, even in the height of summer. Be sure to test the system a few days before leaving and, if the soil is clay, make sure it is well permeable so that water does not accumulate.

MA: If you have to take care of many flower beds, sensitive young plants or a vegetable garden, there is often only one thing that helps: involving people you trust. 🙂

Otherwise, with a little planning and the right precautions, you can go on holiday relaxed even in the summer heat – or at least your representative will have to water much less.

Happy holidays and happy gardening! 🙂