The maintenance of a garden requires constant attention, but going on holiday should not be a hindrance to keeping this space in good condition. This article offers practical tips and tricks to keep your garden looking beautiful even in your absence, using proven and effective methods.
Preparation before departure: anticipate the needs of your garden
Planning ahead is essential to ensure that your garden survives during your absence. First and foremost, it’s crucial to identify the specific needs of each type of plant. Each species has its own watering schedule and maintenance peculiarities.
- The shrubs and trees: They generally require less frequent care compared to more delicate plants. Make sure they are well watered before you leave.
- The flowers and potted plants: These plants often require more attention. Consider using automatic watering systems or ask a neighbor to watch them.
- The lawn: Mow it just before leaving, and if possible, install a timer to water it automatically.
Having a clear vision of priorities will allow better management of the available time to prepare the garden before leaving.
Automatic watering systems: an efficient solution
One of the best ways to ensure that your plants don’t lack water is to invest in a automatic watering system. There are several types on the market suited to different budgets and needs.
- Automatic sprinklers: Ideal for large areas such as lawns and flower beds. Schedule them to operate early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid excessive evaporation.
- Drip irrigation : Perfect for flower beds, vegetable gardens and potted plants. This system delivers water directly to the roots, minimising water loss.
- Micro-sprinklers: Suitable for small areas and can be adjusted to cover specific spaces accurately.
These tools modernize garden maintenance and allow to detach from the constraint of manual watering, while ensuring optimal hydration of your plants.
Use Mulching to Retain Moisture
The mulching is a simple and natural technique that allows to conserve soil moisture. By covering the ground around plants with organic materials such as wood chips, straw or dead leaves, you can greatly reduce water evaporation.
- Improves soil structure: Mulching enriches the soil with organic matter due to its gradual decomposition.
- Reduces weeds: A thick layer of mulch prevents the germination of weed seeds, thus reducing the need for weeding.
- Maintains moisture: Mulch reduces water evaporation, allowing the soil to stay moist for longer.
This method is not only eco-friendly but also very beneficial for the overall health of your garden by providing your plants with the ideal conditions to thrive even in your absence.
Seek help from a professional: safety and peace of mind
If you’re leaving for an extended period, seeking the services of a professional gardener, specializing in landscape design can be an excellent option. These experts will know how to take care of your green space competently and meticulously.
- Personalized care: A professional will take care of the specific needs of each plant according to its characteristics.
- Sage advice: Take advantage of personalized recommendations to improve the overall condition of your garden.
- Regular monitoring: Thanks to scheduled visits, your plants will receive the regular care they need.
By contacting a local specialist, you can be assured that your garden will remain maintained and radiant upon your return.
Choosing drought-resistant plants
An excellent long-term strategy is to opt for drought-resistant plants, especially if you are often away or live in a hot region. These plants require much less watering and easily adapt to periods without water.
- Lavender: Known for its toughness and its ability to thrive in a dry climate.
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- Agave: Often used for landscaping, this succulent plant stores water in its fleshy leaves.
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- Thyme: Not only useful in cooking, but also very resistant to heat and drought.
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Adding these species to your plant range guarantees a certain serenity regarding their resistance to difficult conditions.
Create shade areas to protect your plants
Many plants suffer from sunburn when they are not properly protected. You can create shaded areas using shade sails, umbrellas or even by the strategic positioning of certain plants.
- Climbing Plants: Use trellises to grow vines or other plants.
- Natural screens: Arrange trees or large shrubs to provide shade to exposed areas.
- Structures manufactured: Build pergolas or use temporary shade nets.
The shade helps to lower the ground temperature, which aids in retaining moisture and protects delicate plants from the direct rays of the sun.
Improve the soil for better water retention
A well-prepared soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. Enriching the soil with suitable materials can greatly improve water retention and microbiological diversity.
- Compost : Mix compost with the existing soil to increase its water retention capacity.
- Organic fertilizers : Use humus-rich fertilizers to enrich the soil.
- Soil Amendments: Add peat, vermiculite, or hydrogel granules to improve the soil structure and its ability to retain water.
A fertile soil and well-structured assures a better absorption of water, thus reducing the frequency of necessary watering when you are not there.
Engage friends or neighbors: create a support network
Finally, it is always possible to ask trusted friends or neighbors to keep an eye on your garden in your absence. This not only creates a network of solidarity, but also gives them a chance to appreciate your green space.
- Clear Instructions: Leave precise instructions on the water and care needs for each area of your garden.
- Reward: Thank your helpers by offering them harvests from your vegetable garden or another small gift.
- Task Alternation: Establish a schedule with multiple people to avoid overloading a single person.
Having a trusted person on site provides additional assurance that your garden will be well maintained and remain verdant until your return.