I'm going on vacation. Any tips on keeping my plants alive?

I have an indoor 2 x 2 wooden grow box with 6" containers under CFLs with fan. I will be out of town for 7 to 8 days. I normally have to water my plants twice during this time frame. Any tips on how I can keep them alive while I am gone? I only grow for myself so I really don't want to bring anyone in on this. Any tips would be much appreciated.

the only thing I can think of... other than having someone you trust take care of them... is to try and water them the morning you leave, then fill the saucers below the planting pots completely to the top with water... As the plants use up the water, your planting medium will soak more water in... I've used this method before on a 5 day trip... hope this helps

My first thought was have an upside down bottle with a very small hole in the lid (I believe this is in one of Jorge Cervantes vids) - it would drip out slowly. Might cause some over watering issues though.

Whilst typing that the idea of timed drip feed systems occurred to me, so I googled it. Not sure if this is relevant, or helps; but I'm sure it might inspire some more potential ideas.

ensures your plants are watered if you’re away

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http://suite101.com/article/drip-feed-irrigation-systems-save-water-and-boost-garden-plants-a405401

Blumats....

Thanks Bigby. That's a great link. I just don't think I am going to be able to put that together in time. I leave in 2 days.

TM - I am def going to purchase Blumats for future use. I'm just a newbie in a bind and was kinda looking for a quick work around.

Bigby said:

My first thought was have an upside down bottle with a very small hole in the lid (I believe this is in one of Jorge Cervantes vids) - it would drip out slowly. Might cause some over watering issues though.

Whilst typing that the idea of timed drip feed systems occurred to me, so I googled it. Not sure if this is relevant, or helps; but I'm sure it might inspire some more potential ideas.



http://suite101.com/article/drip-feed-irrigation-systems-save-water-and-boost-garden-plants-a405401

Click to expand...

You could do that, but I wouldn't use more than a 20 oz. bottle for that time period and the size pot you mention.

They've got those at wally world for like 5 bucks.. It's a bottle with a spike on 1 it that has a restrictor to regulate water flow. I think they're good for like a wk, or you could use spike on bigger bottle..

FSM5000 said:

I have an indoor 2 x 2 wooden grow box with 6" containers under CFLs with fan. I will be out of town for 7 to 8 days. I normally have to water my plants twice during this time frame. Any tips on how I can keep them alive while I am gone? I only grow for myself so I really don't want to bring anyone in on this. Any tips would be much appreciated.

Click to expand...

Transplant into 3 gallon containers (max) now. Water well but do not saturate the soil. After it is well soaked it wil run out the bottom and let it. If it fills the saucer underneath it will have access to that water by the roots or by simple wicking action, even if soil.

Also begin water starvation training now. It forces rapid root development. Let the soil dry to the point you have leaf droop that persists a couple hours after your lights are on. Confirm it's dry by picking it up and feeling it. Then water it as described above.

1 gallon will suffice with water bulbs but root development over that time will suffer from the the constant feed.

Harley - Have five 6" containers. don't think 3 gal pots will fit. What are the "water bulbs" you are talking about?

Water heavy the minute you walk out door, use a single cfl while gone and fan on low not pointed at plants. Might work. If you had an actual grow room you could invest in a self-watering system.

Harley is correct in a bigger container will of course hold more water longer.

Not to put words in Harley's mouth but I was going to suggest the watering bulbs myself. They can be found at Wallgreens or any big chain pharmacy in the "As Seen on TV" section.

I appreciate all the suggestions. I just started flowering so I think going down to a few cfls and getting the water bulbs just may work.