Gardening checklist before you go on holiday
When you go on holidays it doesn’t mean your garden has to suffer. With a little preparation and planning you can enjoy your trip away without fearing what’s happening to your garden. Here are the essential tasks to do before you jet off.
1. Mow your lawn
A day or two before you go on holidays give your lawn a mow so it won’t become long and overgrown by the time you get back. Set the blades up high if the weather is hot.
2. Weed and deadhead
Clear out weeds from the garden so they are not competing with your plants for water. Deadhead flowers to prolong their flowering season.
3. Water well
Give everything in your garden a good soak a day before you leave. Then add a layer of compost or mulch to help your soil retain moisture. If you’re away for a long period, get a friend or neighbour to come water your plants or install a watering system if that’s an option.
4. Move your pots and planters
If possible, move your container garden to a lightly shaded position to prevent dehydration.
5. Store your fruit and veg
Pick any fruit and vegetables you can and freeze them. Water the rest the day before you leave. Alternatively, entice a friend to come over to water your plants by offering them fresh produce in return.
6. Tidy up
A sure sign that a house is unoccupied is a neglected garden so do all the routine gardening jobs before you leave.