It's hot! New York is sweltering right now and, while I like the browning of my skin, I'm not so happy about the browning of my tomato plant's leaves. I've been feeling guilty recently for leaving my plants to bake while I escape the city heat for the weekend. Last week though, I came across some great tips on Apartment Therapy for what to do when you leave your plants behind.
When I go out of town I construct a little biosphere on my living room floor, near window for indirect sunlight. First I put a shower curtain folded in half on the floor (from the 99 cent store). Then I put my watered potted plants on the shower curtain along with several large mixing bowls full of water. At the corners I put my plant stands (empty - just serving as structural support). Then I drape a clear shower curtain (again 99 cent store) over the whole thing, tucking the ends under the plant stands but leaving some untucked "vents." This works well for a week away. I have also used it for a two-week trip but the plants were droopy though still alive when I got home - they perked up in a day. Just don't set it up in a really sunny spot or they could fry. - Szig
Corral all your plants in your bathtub & fill the tub with an inch of water. Especially if they're in clay pots, they'll suck up the water while you're gone. -Abby
My mom always puts her finicky plants in a seal-able clear plastic bag after a good watering, and leaves them out of bright direct sunlight. They will usually be good as new when she gets back from 2 weeks away. - Zemquat
But the BEST method, of course, is to leave a bottle of wine out on the counter next to written watering directions and have a friend stop by while you are away. - Maxwell
I haven't tried any of these tricks yet, but I have some upcoming August weekends when I'll be soaking away in the ocean and I won't feel so guilty leaving my plants behind. My future biosphere will keep both my plants happy and my cat occupied while she tries to figure out a way to get in and eat the happy plants.
Where's my bottle of wine?
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