It may not feel like it but we are so lucky to have had a good amount of rain recently. That should keep our gardens going for a while. But what do we do for our houseplants when we go away?
Actually, it’s much easier to support houseplants while you’re away than outside in the garden. It will only take a few minutes to get them holiday ready – so, here’s what to do.
Firstly get your little darlings out of the sun – yes, even those sun-loving Mediterranean herbs. It’s only for a couple of weeks isn’t it (I am assuming it is) and an elevated temperature is the chief reason plants dry out. Getting your houseplants off the windowsill and into a cool place can solve up to 80% of the problem. Now for the rest.
Group all your pots together as close as possible. This creates a microclimate with the different plants exchange emitting and taking in moisture. Clever stuff.
Next, get their bottoms damp! Depending on how many pots you have sit them in a bucket, washing up bowl, sink or, my favourite, the bath. Put something absorbent on the bottom – a towel is very handy but kitchen roll or newspaper is ok too. Run some water into the receptacle – not too much – but if you are away for a couple of weeks then maybe just covering your absorbent layer. The pots will be able to draw up some moisture from the hole at the bottom. If you do not have one then make a wick from some cotton wool and lead it up from the reservoir to the top surface of the plant.
The arrangement above looks quite complicated but it’s easier than you think.
The other good thing about a bathroom is that they often have frosted glass in the windows – perfect for protecting against the fierce rays of the sun.
And that’s it – easy. Of course if you have cacti – you don’t have anything at all to worry about – they are made to survive a drought.
Happy Holidays.
