When you go Away, Make Sure Your Indoor Plants are Okay
(Pomona, New York) July 2, 2025 — As summer travel season hits full swing, many local residents are heading off for some much-needed rest and relaxation. By considering the water and lighting needs of different plants and planning ahead, homeowners can keep gardens and houseplants healthy and hydrated while away. Down to Earth Garden Center in Rockland County offers essential tips to care for plants during vacation.
1. Know Your Plants’ Needs
Different plants have different requirements. Succulents typically do well on their own for longer periods, while herbs, vegetables, and many houseplants require more frequent watering.
2. Choose the Right Pots & Soil Helpers
The material, size, and style of a pot affect how quickly soil dries out. Terra cotta loses moisture faster than glazed ceramic or plastic, and smaller pots under six inches hold less water than larger ones. Consider double potting by placing terra cotta pots inside slightly larger plastic pots to help slow evaporation. Adding a product like Soil Moist to your potting mix can cut watering needs by up to 50%, as its granules absorb over 200 times their weight in water and release it steadily as needed.
3. Mulch & Surface Protection
Adding a 1–2 inch layer of mulch, such as shredded bark, straw, or even decorative pebbles, on top of the soil in containers helps keep roots cooler and slows evaporation. For outdoor beds, organic mulch like straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves is particularly effective, suppressing weeds that compete for water.
4. Set Up Easy Indoor Solutions
Group houseplants in the kitchen sink or bathtub with a couple of inches of water (place a towel underneath to protect surfaces and remove saucers so plants can wick water through the drain holes). This can keep them hydrated for up to 10 days. You can also lay down a moist towel or capillary mat under grouped pots to wick water evenly. Move plants away from sunny, south-facing windows to slow water loss. Try sticking a pencil into the soil, removing it, and filling the hole with moisture granules to create a mini reservoir.
5. Keep Outdoor Plants Hydrated & Shaded
Outdoor plants can be grouped together in a kiddie pool, ideally in the shade. For longer trips, set up a sprinkler on a timer to keep them watered. Another option is a simple wicking system that goes from a water bucket to each plant. Cut a piece of cotton rope and place one end close to the plant a few inches below the surface of the soil, taking care not to disturb the roots. Rest at the other end of the rope at the bottom of your filled water container. The cotton rope will slowly wick water from the container into the pot, maintaining a constant level of moisture in the soil.
6. Try DIY Self-Watering Hacks
Create a simple self-watering system with plastic one- or two-liter bottles. Punch a few holes in the cap, fill the bottle with water, flip it over and bury the cap in the potting soil. As the soil dries out, water will slowly seep out. A wine bottle does the same trick—just hold your thumb over the top as you invert it into the dirt.
7. Hold Off on Fertilizing
Avoid fertilizing right before or during your trip, especially in hot weather. Fertilizers encourage new growth, which increases water needs and can further stress plants already coping with heat.
8. Monitor and Adjust Before You Leave
Give plants a thorough watering before you head out and check for any signs of stress like yellowing leaves, wilting, or crispy edges. With these preparations, your garden and houseplants will stay healthy and vibrant while you’re away—and be ready to welcome you home.
With a few simple strategies, your plants can remain lush and thriving even during your summer vacation.
Down to Earth Living Garden Center, located in Pomona in Rockland County, offers 12.5 acres filled with perennials, flowers, shrubs and trees, with new arrivals every week. The 10,000 square foot showroom also houses a large and unique selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional teak, aluminum and all-weather dining and deep-seating furniture. The center is open 9 – 5 every day and is located near Bergen County at 1040 Route 45. For questions, call 845-354-8500. Website is www.dteliving.com for more information.