5 Methods for Watering Plants While Away
When you've packed your bags and are ready to leave for work or a long-awaited vacation, now you look back at your plants, who have no idea what’s about to happen. You don’t want to return to find them lifeless without your care after days, so it’s best to prepare before you go.
Asking friends or family to water your plants is the easiest solution, but if no one is available to help, you’ll need to find another way. Here are practical ways to keep your plants hydrated while you’re away, from simple DIY methods to smart irrigation kits.
DIY Self-Watering Devices
If you’re only away a few weeks, and you’re an ordinary gardening enthusiast with a small number of plants and no strict watering requirements, the 4 DIY self-watering devices can help keep your plants hydrated.
1. Water-saving Gel Crystals
Water-saving gel crystals are water-absorbing polymers that can hold moisture and slowly release it into the soil. Before you go, mix the recommended amount of dry gel crystals evenly into the potting soil, then water the plant thoroughly. The crystals will absorb the water and gradually release it to the roots over time. This method is only suitable for short-term trips, such as 1-2 weeks.
2. Capillary Method
Place your plants together and put a water container on a surface higher than the pots. Cut a piece of cotton string to the right length, place one end in the water, and secure it with a small weight, such as a stone, to keep it submerged. Insert the other end deep into the soil. The string will gradually transfer water to the potting mix through capillary action.
3. Houseplant Bath
This method is suitable for plants that tolerate consistently moist soil and do not require much sunlight. Fill a bathtub or sink with enough water to reach the bottom of the pots, block the drain, and place the plants inside. The soil will absorb water through the drainage holes. Avoid using this method for drought-tolerant plants, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.
4. Bottle Dripper
Find a plastic bottle large enough to hold enough water for your time away. Drill a hole in the cap and another hole at the bottom of the bottle. Break a cotton swab in half, then insert one half into the hole in the cap and the other half into the hole at the bottom of the bottle.
Make sure the stick-like end is inside the bottle, while the cotton-wrapped tip remains outside. Water will slowly drip through the cotton swab at the bottom of the bottle into the soil. You can adjust the water flow by changing the position of the cotton swab in the cap.
Fully Automated Irrigation System
If you’re going to be away for more than a month, have a large plant collection, or need precise watering control, the temporary methods mentioned above may not be enough. In this case, consider a professional irrigation system for fully automated watering.
The Mars Hydro Smart Irrigation Kit uses real-time soil data and intelligent controls to automatically water based on actual plant needs, helping maintain optimal growing conditions with minimal manual effort.
3-Pack Soil Sensors
The kit includes a 3-Pack Soil Sensors that simultaneously monitor soil temperature, moisture, and electrical conductivity (EC). Soil temperature and moisture help track root zone conditions, while EC readings indicate nutrient concentration in the soil. By collecting real-time soil data, the sensors provide an accurate overview of plant conditions and help optimize irrigation decisions.
Automated Watering
This smart irrigation system allows growers to set customized watering thresholds based on plant requirements. When soil conditions reach the preset levels, the system automatically activates irrigation and delivers the right amount of water and nutrients directly to the roots. This data-driven watering reduces overwatering and underwatering while ensuring plants receive consistent care, even when you are away.
Remote Control
When connected to the MarsPro app, growers can monitor real-time and historical soil data, adjust watering thresholds, and create customized irrigation schedules from anywhere. Remote access makes it easy to manage the irrigation system, respond quickly to changing conditions, and maintain a stable growing environment without manual checks.
Date Linkage
The included iHub Pro Smart Power Strip integrates soil sensor data with information from other connected devices into a single dashboard. This allows growers to monitor and control multiple environmental factors together, creating a more balanced growing environment and reducing the risk of problems caused by adjusting one condition without considering others.
The Mars Hydro Smart Irrigation System not only gives you peace of mind when watering your plants while you're away, but it also ensures flawless irrigation every time, ultimately improving crop yield and quality.
Preliminary Preparations
No matter which self-watering method you choose, proper preparation is essential:
- Water your plants deeply and thoroughly 24 hours before you go.
- Remove dead leaves and flowers to reduce unnecessary water loss.
- Add mulch or pebbles to help retain soil moisture.
- Group plants with similar watering needs together.
- Move plants to a location with indirect light.
- Test your watering system several days before your trip.
A little preparation and the right watering method can make the difference between returning to healthy plants and wilted leaves. If your plants only need basic care, a DIY self-watering method may be enough. However, if they require precise control over watering amounts and schedules, a smart irrigation system is a worthwhile investment.
