Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Vacation Care of Plants

Madeleine writes~ I'll be gone soon for 1 month to Cape May, New Jersey. I have all the African violets and babies on wicks and are doing just fine. I have a few Kalanchoes and Begonias that don't need too much watering, so I can't put them on wicks because they would rot. So, is there something I can do not to lose them in that month? I kept them good all winter long and now they are blooming, but need some vacation care ideas.

A. The Kalanchoes should do pretty well, but those begonias really need moisture over one month. Do you not have anyone who could come in once a week and water them?

Place them on trays filled with gravel, fill with water right up to the bottom of the pots, so that the bottom is not in the water. If you use a tray 1" deep, that water will last a long time and evaporate around them giving them humidity.

Also, draw any blinds or curtains to reduce light. The more light the more water needed. You can sort of put them to sleep for a month if no one can water them. Then, gradually give them more light upon your return.

If you provide a couple hours only of light for the plants, they should do pretty well. Also, consider loosely wrapping a covering over the plants of a clear plastic wrap, even a bag from the dry cleaners. Puncture some holes in the top and sides to provide air while you are gone and avoid moisture buildup which would kill the begonias. Kalanchoes are a dry climate plant, so should do OK for one month, but water everything well right before leaving