The 5 Best ‘Set and Forget’ Plants for Your Vacation this Summer!

There is nothing quite like the pre-vacation panic of wondering whether your beloved garden will survive your absence. The secret to a stress-free getaway lies in choosing the right plants and using the right setup.

Raised garden beds are naturally insulated and rot-resistant, making them a great home for low-maintenance gardening. When you pair them with auto pilot watering—like using Ollas—and hardy plant varieties, you create a garden that looks just as stunning when you return as it did when you left.

Your Perfect Plant Matches

1. Succulents 

If your vacation style involves being gone for weeks, succulents are your best friends. They store water in their thick leaves, allowing them to withstand weeks of drought. Grouping them in our new 8" shallow root raised garden bed, means your garden practically manages itself and plants have the perfect amount of growing room.

2. Lavender

If you love taking frequent weekend trips, lavender is a beautiful choice. Once established, it thrives with low maintenance, preferring dry soil and full sun, and coming back as a perennial in zones 5-9. 

3. Mandevilla

Want to feel like you’re in the tropics even when you're away? Mandevilla delivers beautiful blooms with very little effort. These vining plants love the heat and are incredibly resilient to occasional dry spells as well.

4. Ornamental Grasses

For the gardener who wants an effortless, modern look that requires practically zero deadheading or pruning. Choose varieties of ornamental grass for your raised garden bed that hold their shape regardless of the weather, and add breezy texture to your space.

5. Rosemary

If you love to travel but still want a functional kitchen garden, skip the more thirsty basil and opt for rosemary. This woody perennial can handle intense summer heat and drier soil with ease.

The Ultimate Secret: Self-Watering Olla

Even the hardiest plants need a drink during summer heatwaves. Enter the olla, an unglazed clay pot buried deep into the soil of your cedar planter.

You fill the olla with water and cap it with a lid. Because the clay is porous, water slowly seeps out directly to the roots.

• Zero Waste: Water doesn't evaporate off the surface, saving you more time and water.

• On-Demand Hydration: Roots draw out exactly what they need. A large olla can keep a planter perfectly hydrated for 5 to 7 days, giving you total peace of mind.

FAQ: Vacation Gardening with Cedar Planters

Q: Do cedar planters dry out faster than other pots?

A: No. Cedar acts as a natural insulator. While plastic pots can bake in the sun and overheat roots, natural cedar wood protects the soil from extreme temperature spikes, retaining moisture more consistently.

Q: Can I plant succulents and herbs together in the same cedar planter?

A: Yes absolutely, if you match them with Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano that share the same love for dry soil and full sun. Avoid more water-loving herbs like mint or basil.

Q: How do I prep my cedar planter before I leave?

A: Give the plants in your raised garden bed a deep watering the morning before you leave. Fill your olla to the brim and secure the lid. If your planter is in a scorching spot, consider moving it into partial shade while you are away to reduce water stress.