~ The holidays are almost here, and if you’re like many, you’ve probably planned a trip away to visit friends, family, and loved ones. You’ll lock your home and secure all entry points, but what about your garden? Holiday-proofing your garden is essentially preparing it for your absence and safeguarding it against any of the risks the season may throw at you. You will want to ensure your garden remains healthy and thrives while you enjoy your time away. Here are some ways to holiday-proof your garden.
- Hire a gardener
One of the best ways to care for your garden in your absence is to hire a gardener. Of course, you’ll have to pay a little for their service, but it will be worth it. With their in-depth knowledge of plants, they’ll ensure that you return to a perfect-looking garden. Just let them know your specific requirements, and you’re ready. Let them tour your garden beds and provide them with written instructions for watering, care, and pest control. If you can’t afford a gardener or can’t find one near you, your next best options are your neighbors and trusted friends. They may not be as knowledgeable in gardening as a professional, but they can do the basics – keeping pests away, watering, and general care. They can even send you regular updates (videos and photos) about your garden’s state, so keep this in mind.
- Clean and organize your garden
If you can’t find a gardener or someone you can trust, the least you can do is clean your garden before leaving. Get rid of debris, fallen wood or branches, weeds, and anything that can be a perfect harboring location for pests and destructive insects. Take the time to inspect your garden floor, the spaces between the plants, and pathways to remove anything unsightly that shouldn’t be there. Things like pet poop can host parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and giardia and could affect your plants, so feel free to consider this. Admittedly, picking up poop isn’t for everybody, so you can hire a pooper scooper company to do that for you. Also, store your garden tools and equipment properly and away from your plants. If you have a shed, clean it up and declutter so pests don’t make it their home while you’re away. Consider cleaning and oiling (if you need to) your tools to prevent rust.
- Group pots together
After cleaning and tidying up, group your pots. To ensure your plants do not go thirsty while vacationing. Bring all the pots from your patio and other isolated locations to one place, ensuring the plant leaves reach others in different pots. Isolated potted plants are at a higher risk of dying if you leave them to become parched. Another benefit of grouping your pots is that it’s easier for neighbors to water them from a distance. Also, pick a location with enough shade for much of the day when grouping your pots. And don’t forget to water them before you leave.
Have a very green and safe day, my dear friends.
Luda@plantsandbeyond.com
Plants and Beyond 