A kitchen garden is made up of various types of small plants, such as vegetables, fruits, and herbs. It is a very painstaking process to bring all the elements of a kitchen garden together. But what's more difficult is the amount of diligence and hard work that are required to sustain the kitchen garden. Every plant has a different requirement in terms of the quality of soil, the amount of water, compost, and exposure to sunlight.
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Hence, looking after plants in a kitchen garden is no less than babysitting a pet. It is a full-time duty that requires both emotional and physical devotion. However, there will eventually come a time when a person will have to leave the house for some work or even a small vacation for a couple of days or more. In this case, one has to make serious and practical arrangements for plants so that they get their requirements fulfilled. Here are some tips and tricks that one can use for watering and looking after their plants in one's absence.
Also Read: Tulsi Tomato Shorba To Dhania Chole: The 7 Ayurvedic Recipes Incorporating Medicinal Plants
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* Water Before Leaving
Watering the plants is one of the biggest concerns in the absence of a person. The most basic thing that one can do is to make sure that the plants are properly watered just before they're about to leave the house. This applies to both indoor and outdoor plants. Make sure to do the step just before departure so that it lasts at least 24 hours to 36 hours. A trick that one can use to preserve moisture in the soil of the plants is to add a layer of mulch on top of the pot. This step will help in keeping the plants just fine, especially when one is expected to return in 3 to 4 days.
* Shade
If a person is planning to leave the house and is worried about the right placement of the plants, then always remember that keeping the plants in the shade is a much better option than keeping them in direct sunlight. Shade is going to help protect the moisture levels in the soil for a much longer period of time. This is specifically applicable to potted plants, as their position can be shifted easily. On the other hand, for the plants that have been directly planted in the ground, one can buy shade cloth. Even if a plant requires some light regularly, it's better to keep it in the shade in the absence of someone who can look after it to preserve the soil's moisture.
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* Self-Watering Devices
Self-watering devices are always a great option for people to keep leaving the house from time to time for vacations. Investing in good self-watering devices is very beneficial in the long run. These work very well for both indoor and outdoor plants. For indoor plants, one can simply use water crystals or glass balls. These can be adjusted with the pot in an upside-down position. This will help in slowly releasing the water into the soil as it is needed.
* Weather Prediction
A very smart thing that a person can do just before they leave the house for a vacation is to check the upcoming weather forecast for at least a week or 10 days. Taking these weather predictions into consideration, a person can plan what has to be done with the plans and how much water they will need. For example, if one is expecting to receive a rainstorm, then it is always better to keep the plants indoors in a spacious place. If there is a possible heat wave that is going to happen, then the plants can be kept in the shade. Also, it is best to leave the house only after properly trimming and doing a bit of deadheading so that the plants can sustain themselves even when they're not watered regularly.
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* Keeping Humidity-Loving Plants In Smaller Rooms
Certain types of plants require more moisture and water than regular plants. In the case of such plants, one can simply keep them in smaller rooms, as it is easier to maintain moisture levels there. A great place can be a bathroom. However, one must remember that these rooms should have some source of ventilation and receive sunlight.