If you’re going off on holiday soon then you’re probably looking forward to getting away.

What you’re not going to be looking forward to is finding that all the plants in your garden have died whilst you’re away.

If I could I’d come and water your garden for you but I can’t so here are four tips that should keep your garden plants going whilst you’re away.

1. Move any containers and hanging baskets you have into the shade

This will stop the water evaporating from the plants so quickly and should slow down their need for a top up.

2. Bury them in your garden

Okay I’ll admit it I said that to get your attention but it’s partially true.

If you have a spare bit of ground in your garden (shady of course) dig a trench to the height of the pot. Once you’ve done that put the pots in and cover with mulch. Give this a good water and you’re done until you dig them up again when you come back.

3. Use an irrigation system that will keep watering them whilst you’re away.

A few years back an irrigation system would have cost you a few hundred pounds. Now you can get them from as little as £12 (the Big Drippa at Greenfingers is a great example.) These are really easy to set up and will keep those thirsty plants alive.

4. Give your plants something nice and wet to sit on

Another way to keep your containers from drying out is to put them on something water. There are two ways you can do it.

• You can put your containers in a try, buy some gravel fill the tray with it and then give it a good old water
• Use a holiday watering mat, such as the one at Dobies, which will do exactly the same job whilst being a lot less fiddly!

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