July 15, 2002

Summer is a time when many families have a chance to go away on vacation. My family and I have just returned from our annual seashore vacation/family reunion. How beautiful the gardens and flowers are by the seaside. The plants all must benefit from the cool, damp ocean breezes. I'm always jealous of the many flowers I see growing there that I can no longer grow. So this is what it's like to garden without deer! But then I remind myself that seashore gardeners struggle with soil that is mostly sand and coastal flooding. Every garden has its challenges.
Getting my gardens ready for my two-week absence has become routine. Over the years I have learned that doing a few chores before the vacation can save a lot of work and disappointment when I return. Whether you go away for a weekend getaway or for a week or more, there are ways to ensure your plants will be in good shape when you return.
For a weekend trip you probably only need to be concerned with container plants. By placing potted plants and hanging baskets in a sheltered spot-such as under a shade tree- the plants will not need to be watered for a couple of days. Water all the potted plants just before you leave, giving them a good soak. If you have an irrigation system, place the container plants within reach of the sprinkler heads.
Before leaving on extended trips take the time to weed. The weeds that are only an inch tall now can be 1-2 feet tall in a couple of weeks. You may not be able find the garden when you return. Yanking out the large weeds can disturb the roots of the plants you want to keep. Sometimes an entire plant can be uprooted while trying to remove a neighboring weed that's gotten too large.
Make sure all the garden beds are mulched, topping off any bare spots. Mulch should be 1-2 inches deep around flowers and vegetables, 3-4 inches in the shrub beds and around newly planted trees. Water everything deeply the day before you leave. A vegetable garden that has been watered and mulched properly can easily go a week without additional water. Many of the plants can survive even longer.
If you would rather not worry about whether or not your plants will get enough water while you are gone, consider setting up a temporary irrigation system. There are timers available that can be set up to run a sprinkler or soaker hose. Some are capable of running several different zones at different times. It may be something to consider if you are a frequent traveler. And for times when rainfall is erratic (July and August) it is worth the investment.
Take the time to carefully inspect your plants for any signs of disease or insect damage. Treating problems when they are small or just starting is usually more successful. Insect populations can multiply quickly while you are away. Make sure all garden fences and gates are in good repair. Use deer and rabbit repellants just before you leave. Often when there is no human or canine activity in the yard the deer and rabbits are free to graze.
If you have time, try to deadhead roses, perennials and the annuals that flower poorly after they set seeds. While you are gone new buds are forming and a flush of flowers will be blooming when you return. Try to time fertilizer applications so that the plants are fed just before you leave or just after you return.
Having a good gardening friend or relative who can come and check on things while you are away is always helpful. A non-gardener friend or neighbor can often be enlisted, just make sure you take the time to explain what needs to be done. If you have prepared the garden properly their job will be easy. Have sprinklers and other irrigation systems set up in the appropriate areas. Put all the container plants and hanging baskets in one protected area to facilitate watering. You can expect a few plants to be overlooked, but with good preparation your gardens should manage pretty well during your absence.

Beth Nardone, botanist, is a resident of Hillsborough and the nursery manager at the Belle Mead Co-Op. Questions and comments can be sent to bethtanical@rcn.com