Your Garden's Vacation Survival Guide

Summer vacation! Time for beaches, airport adrenaline, and hopefully, some peace of mind. But what about your garden? While you're off chasing adventures, your precious plants need a little love to survive the hot, dry days. We totally understand the worry that comes with leaving your garden behind. But that’s what you’re here for, plant parents! With a little planning and the right tools, your garden can thrive even while you're soaking up the vacation sun.

Your First Solution!

Our cedar planters are perfect for summer vacations because:

• Beat the Heat: Cedar's natural properties allow for excellent air circulation, preventing roots from overheating and promoting healthy plant growth. This breathability is crucial during the hot summer months.
• Durable and Weatherproof: Made from naturally rot-resistant cedar, our planters can withstand the elements. You can rest assured your plants have a sturdy home, even if you encounter unexpected summer storms.

Grow Bags Are Champions  

Grow bags are fantastic for summer vacation plant prep, especially for:

• Balcony Gardens: Lightweight and portable, grow bags are ideal for balconies and patios where weight might be an issue. This makes them perfect for urban gardeners or those with limited space.
• Fast-Growing Summer Crops: The breathable fabric of grow bags helps with temperature regulation, keeping your summer favorites like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs cool and thriving.
  
  

THE ESSENTIALS:

Now that we've covered some fantastic planter options, let's look into some essential tips to keep your summer garden thriving while you're away:

• Deep Soak Before Departure: Give your plants a thorough watering a day or two before you leave. This helps saturate the soil, providing a good water reserve for them to tap into during the hot days.
• Mulch It Up: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds that compete for water, and regulate soil temperature – a triple threat for summer vacationing plants.
• DIY Watering Systems: There are several ways to create a DIY watering system. Invest in self-watering spikes, terracotta cones, or recycled plastic bottles with small holes for slow water release.
• Trusted Neighbor: If your trip is longer, consider asking a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your plants and give them a good watering every few days, especially during heat waves.
• Sun Friendly: Evaluate your garden's sun exposure. For sun-loving plants, group them together for shade support during the hottest part of the day. Alternatively, consider using shade cloth to protect them from intense afternoon sun, especially if they're in containers that dry out quickly. Plants that prefer shade might benefit from being moved to a shadier spot temporarily.
  
  

What About Shade Solutions?

Here are some ways to keep your plants cool while you’re away:

• Shade Sails: Opt for breathable shade sails that provide protection from the sun's harshest rays without creating a suffocating environment.
• Row Covers: Lightweight row covers can be used for short periods to protect young seedlings or delicate plants from intense heat or unexpected cold snaps.
• Container Clustering: Group container plants together. This creates a microclimate that retains moisture and provides some shade for each other.
  
  

Final Touches & Checklist:

Before you fly off, here's a quick checklist to ensure your summer garden is vacation-ready:

• Harvest Ripe Produce: Pick any fruits or vegetables that are close to harvest to avoid them spoiling in your absence.
• Deadhead Flowers: This encourages new blooms and prevents seed formation, saving energy for the plant during the hot summer months.
• Weed Control: A quick weeding session before you leave reduces competition for water and nutrients, especially crucial when plants are already stressed by summer heat.
• Group Plants with Similar Water Needs: This simplifies watering for your helper or watering system, as they won't need to adjust the amount of water for different plants.
  
  
  

Bonus Tip: Leave detailed instructions for your plant caregiver. Include information about each plant's watering needs, sunlight preferences, and any potential pest or disease issues to watch out for during the hot summer months.

With these tips and the right tools from Cedar Planters, your summer garden can thrive even while you're away. So pack your bags, embrace your vacation, and come home to a flourishing garden! Remember, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring your plants feel just as relaxed and happy as you do upon your return.

Happy Travels (and Happy Gardening)!