4 tips for bridging a few days
If you only want to bridge a few days, for example because you are only traveling over the weekend, measures like these are usually sufficient:
- Water your plants penetratingly before departure.
- Then put them in the shade.
- Less water is used in the shade than in a sunny location
- You can also put the plants indoors when you are away.
also read
- Are you planning a vacation? 4 tips for successful watering of potted plants
- Automatic irrigation for balcony plants - the best systems
- Watering balcony plants on vacation - tips & tricks
When watering, make sure that excess water can run off, otherwise the roots can rot - most potted plants cannot tolerate too much moisture.
The best ways to go on a long vacation
If, on the other hand, you are on vacation for more than a few days, a more productive irrigation system is of course required. Either you are now spending a lot of money on a corresponding system from the specialist trade. You can use the ratings of the Stiftung Warentest as a guide, which only took a closer look at some of the most popular products in 2017. But you can also try one of the following DIY systems.
Pet bottle
The PET or glass bottle stuck upside down deep into the substrate is probably one of the best-known (and simplest) irrigation systems, but it has some pitfalls.
Irrigation cone or ball
The bottle method works most reliably if you screw a plastic or clay irrigation cone onto the neck of the bottle instead of the perforated lid. This ensures that the water is released slowly and evenly. So-called watering balls, which are often made of glass, are also very practical - and work according to the same principle.
bathtub
The bathtub, which you lay out with thick towels and run water about five centimeters deep, has also proven itself. This is where you place the balcony plants, but only in the plant pot and without a cachepot.
Tips
If you are on the road for more than one to two weeks, it makes sense to purchase an automatic pumping system. You can also build this yourself with a little manual skill.
