BEFORE YOU TAKE THAT VACATION

Don't forget your plant friends before you head off on your travels this summer. Unless you are growing plants that like a little neglect (and there really are very few plants like this), chances are you will need to care for your plants if you are gone for more than a day or so. But how to do this?

• Drip irrigation with a timer. This is the most expensive way to ensure that your outdoor plants are watered but also the most dependable and precise.
• Ask a friend. This is the least expensive (money-wise), but maybe the best if you have an assortment of plants of different types. If you have houseplants, see if you can bring them to their home so they can watch over them.
• Soaker hoses with a timer are a great way to slowly and deeply water your established plants.
• There are other devices, such as attaching a hose to a rain barrel or turning soda bottles into drip systems. These may work for short trips, but it may not be enough water for a lot of plants or a lengthy trip.
• Keep in mind that plants in containers dry out more quickly, so you may need to give them extra attention. You may want to gift your hanging baskets to your neighbors. Also, consider moving your indoor plants to areas that won't contribute to drying out, such as away from vents and bright sunny windows.
• Before a short trip, consider watering thoroughly and mulching to keep evaporation to a minimum.
• If you have new plants to add to your planters or landscape, you may want to hold off until you are back from your trip. Newly planted items require extra waterings to establish their root systems. You will need to water your unplanted friends though.

Happy travels!