How to Care for Plants While on Vacation

Summer makes plants even more beautiful. Of course, heat can become your worst enemy. With the arrival of summer and high temperatures, plants and flowers may be in danger, especially if they are outdoors. Moreover, heat and increased duration of direct sunlight add a level of difficulty to keeping our plants alive. However, there are specific methods and strategies for their survival that we will explain below. We'll also talk about some types of indoor and garden plants resistant to high temperatures.

TIPS FOR SUMMER CARE

CHOOSE WATER SMARTLY

The best time to water is in the morning, when there's less evaporation and soil stays moist throughout the day. This way you also avoid the 'lens effect,' which occurs when watering plants during peak sun hours, as it causes leaf burns.

If you have many plants on your balcony, it's better to group them together and install drip irrigation. They are easy to use and very affordable.

SHADE YOUR PLANTS

When you're away from home and neglecting your plants, added to high temperatures makes them work harder to survive. To help them, you can use fertilizers and supplements so they get more minerals and can withstand the season with greater strength.

ON VACATION

It's important to prevent plants from drying out when you're traveling. Therefore, place them in cool but well-lit areas with a water tray so they can gradually absorb it. There are other options, such as gel that provides sufficient moisture for plant survival up to 30 days without additional care.

DON'T FORGET TO PRUNE

It's important to remove weeds and wilted flowers so new ones can grow. This is recommended for rose bushes, which are also particularly resilient to summer heat.

CLEANING IS ALSO IMPORTANT

When you're home, don't forget to clean plant leaves of dust and other substances that can alter their natural growth. One way to maintain cleanliness is by using soapy water with a spray bottle, then rinse and dry. This trick will help your plants look healthier.

IN A USEFUL POT

Forget plastic, because this material doesn't allow air circulation and roots can't breathe. The best option is clay pots, which retain moisture but let the soil breathe. Make sure they have a drainage hole at the base so plants can drain excess water – one of the main reasons for plant death in summer.

BE CAREFUL WITH PESTS

Insects are numerous during these days, and you need to regularly apply pest control products. First consult what chemicals to use and which ones not to, to avoid destroying beneficial insects like ladybugs. Often you can find spider mites in dry and hot environments, as well as aphids and mealybugs on roses.

CARE FOR THE GARDEN

Another important tip for this summer season is to care for the garden by placing a layer of organic matter on the ground (pine bark, gravel or pruning). This protects soil from overheating and limits weed growth.