How to Water Plants When You Are Away for the Holidays
- 1). Roll up a sheet of paper towel. This will be your absorbent wicking material. You could also use a strip of cotton T-shirt.
- 2). Push one end of your wick into the bottom of the plant pot. It needs to have good contact with the potting soil. If you cannot squeeze your finger into the drain hole in the plant pot bottom, then use the eraser end of a pencil to push the wick in place.
- 3). Wash a margarine tub and lid with hot, soapy water. This will be the reservoir. Disinfect the container with a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. Other things you can use for a reservoir are cottage cheese containers and coffee cans.
- 4). Cut two holes in the lid with a sharp knife. One hole goes in the center and the other one is near the edge. The hole near the edge is to allow air into the container and serve as a refill spout. Fill the container with water and put on the lid. If it is in the middle of the plant's growing season, add liquid plant food to the water at 1/8 strength.
- 5). Water the plant thoroughly by pouring water through the plant pot until it runs out the bottom. Let the plant drain well. Check to make sure the wick is still in place.
- 6). Thread the wick through the center hole of the reservoir. Place the plant pot on the lid. The wicking action will draw water up into the potting soil and to the roots of the plant.
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