PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Community Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard Trending Forums Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth LOG IN Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account Browse Articles Quizzes & Games All Quizzes Hot Community Quizzes Personality Quizzes Dating Simulator Learn Something New Support wikiHow Log in / Sign up Home and Garden Last Updated: May 29, 2026 Fact Checked String Drip System Plastic Bag Greenhouse Commercial Options Keeping Your Plant Alive This article was reviewed by Jovace Nelson and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Jovace Nelson is a Landscaping Expert and the CEO of Vacetime, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Vacetime, launched in 2018, is an agricultural building management service. Jovace and his team specialize in creating custom landscaping makeover services for both residential and commercial properties, living walls, and environmental education. Jovace studied Business and Management at Penn State University. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 828,828 times. You’re all packed and ready for your vacation—but what about your plants? We’ll help you leave all your worries behind with simple ways to water plants while away, with advice from landscaping expert Jovace Nelson and edible gardening expert Erin Hostetler. With our easy ideas, you’ll be able to take care of your plants in no time at all. Whether your plants are indoors or outdoors, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started! Best Ways to Water Plants While You’re Away Landscaping expert Jovace Nelson suggests using a watering globe for short trips—fill a clean bottle with water and stick it upside down in the soil next to the plant. Or, make a watering wick by cutting the plastic end off a new shoelace and sticking one end into the dirt near the roots and the other end into a container of water. Using a Glass Bottle 1 Fill a glass bottle with water. Nelson says using a clean wine bottle is a great way to make a DIY water globe . [1] X Expert Source Jovace Nelson Landscaping Expert Expert Interview A wine bottle is also ideal because it is large enough to water 4 to 6 square feet (0.38 to 0.56 square meters) for up to 3-5 days. If you don't need to water such a large area, you can use a smaller bottle, such as a soda or beer bottle. [2] X Research source Either use a bottle without a lid, or puncture 5 small holes in the cap using a hammer and nail. A cork likely will not work for this method. Best for: Plants that need lots of attention Duration: Around 5 days Benefits: Simple to set up Meet the wikiHow Experts Jovace Nelson is a landscaping expert and the CEO of VaceTime. He specializes in custom landscaping and environmental education. Erin Hostetler is an edible gardening expert and owner of The Patio Farmer. She has over 10 years of experience working on farms and growing food. Either use a bottle without a lid, or puncture 5 small holes in the cap using a hammer and nail. A cork likely will not work for this method. Best for: Plants that need lots of attention Duration: Around 5 days Benefits: Simple to set up Meet the wikiHow Experts Jovace Nelson is a landscaping expert and the CEO of VaceTime. He specializes in custom landscaping and environmental education. Erin Hostetler is an edible gardening expert and owner of The Patio Farmer. She has over 10 years of experience working on farms and growing food. 2 Saturate the plant’s soil with water. If the soil is dry, it’ll soak up all of the water that is in the bottle. Check if the soil is dry by sticking your finger into the topsoil. If it feels dry, water it now . [3] X Research source Advertisement 3 Turn the bottle upside down and push it into the soil. If your bottle doesn’t have a lid, cover the hole with your thumb so the water doesn’t drain out. As you’re pushing the neck into the soil, move your thumb out of the way. Make sure the neck is several inches into the soil so that the bottle stays in place. It’s okay if it leans to the side, as long as it feels secure. [4] X Research source Once the bottle is in the soil, the wet, compacted soil will prevent the water from draining out. When the soil dries, gaps appear between the clumps of soil, which lets in air. This air will push out some of the water from the bottle to water your plants. To make sure the water is draining properly, draw a line on the bottle right at the water level. Check back in a few hours to make sure the water level has lowered. If it has, your bottle is working well. If the water isn’t draining and you didn’t use a lid, soil might be clogging the bottle opening. Poke a few holes in the lid, put it back on the bottle, and try again. Once the bottle is in the soil, the wet, compacted soil will prevent the water from draining out. When the soil dries, gaps appear between the clumps of soil, which lets in air. This air will push out some of the water from the bottle to water your plants. To make sure the water is draining properly, draw a line on the bottle right at the water level. Check back in a few hours to make sure the water level has lowered. If it has, your bottle is working well. If the water isn’t draining and you didn’t use a lid, soil might be clogging the bottle opening. Poke a few holes in the lid, put it back on the bottle, and try again. Using a String Drip System 1 Fill a container with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water. Get a 1 gallon (3.8 L) jug of water, or fill another large container with water. Position the container so that it is out of direct sunlight to prevent the water from evaporating too quickly. [5] X Research source Generally, a gallon of water will keep your plants watered for about a week. If you're only going for a few days and have a small plant, a mason jar will be big enough to keep it watered. Nelson suggests using a clean wine bottle to hold the water. [6] X Expert Source Jovace Nelson Landscaping Expert Expert Interview This method is also called water wicking . Best for: Plants that need water 3 times per week Duration: Up to 3 weeks, depending on how much water you use Benefits: Can water multiple plants at once Generally, a gallon of water will keep your plants watered for about a week. If you're only going for a few days and have a small plant, a mason jar will be big enough to keep it watered. Nelson suggests using a clean wine bottle to hold the water. [6] X Expert Source Jovace Nelson Landscaping Expert Expert Interview This method is also called water wicking . Best for: Plants that need water 3 times per week Duration: Up to 3 weeks, depending on how much water you use Benefits: Can water multiple plants at once 2 Cut a long piece of cotton string. Cotton is the most absorbent material and will transfer the water the easiest. Exact measurements aren’t necessary, but cut enough string to reach from the bottom of the container of water to the base of your plant. Cut one piece of string for each plant you need to water. If you have a lot of pieces, tie a paperclip on each one to keep them separated.​​ [7] X Research source If you don’t have cotton string or it’s too thin, braid 3 strips of cotton fabric together and use that instead. Nelson says a shoelace can also work. He just says to “cut the plastic end off a clean (preferably new) shoelace” and to “pull it on both ends a few times to loosen up the elasticity to help with better water flow.” [8] X Expert Source Jovace Nelson Landscaping Expert Expert Interview Nylon twine may also work. Just remember the string must be able to hold water. If it can't hold water, this method won't work. [9] X Research source If you don’t have cotton string or it’s too thin, braid 3 strips of cotton fabric together and use that instead. Nelson says a shoelace can also work. He just says to “cut the plastic end off a clean (preferably new) shoelace” and to “pull it on both ends a few times to loosen up the elasticity to help with better water flow.” [8] X Expert Source Jovace Nelson Landscaping Expert Expert Interview Nylon twine may also work. Just remember the string must be able to hold water. If it can't hold water, this method won't work. [9] X Research source 3 Place 1 end of the string in the water and the other in the soil. Nelson explains that “one end of the lace goes into the dirt closest to the roots, and the other end goes into a container of water.” [10] X Expert Source Jovace Nelson Landscaping Expert Expert Interview Lower one end of the string into the water until it’s completely submerged and touches the bottom of the container. Then, poke the other end into the plant’s soil, about 3 inches (7.6 cm) deep. Make sure the string is out of direct sunlight so it doesn’t dry out. [11] X Research source If you tied paperclips on your twine, drop the paperclip into the water to hold the end of the string down. [12] X Research source Make sure the soil is saturated before you insert the string. If it’s too dry, it’ll soak up all the water before you leave on your trip. If your jug isn’t high enough, place it on a shelf, an upturned pot, or a large book. Gravity will pull water from the jug down into your plant’s soil. If you tied paperclips on your twine, drop the paperclip into the water to hold the end of the string down. [12] X Research source Make sure the soil is saturated before you insert the string. If it’s too dry, it’ll soak up all the water before you leave on your trip. If your jug isn’t high enough, place it on a shelf, an upturned pot, or a large book. Gravity will pull water from the jug down into your plant’s soil. Using a Plastic Bottle Drip Irrigation System 1 Puncture holes in the side and bottom of a plastic bottle. Grab a plastic bottle, like a water bottle, and poke 2 holes in the bottom and 3-5 holes in one side using a hammer and nails. Place the pointy end of the nail against the bottle, then carefully bump it with the hammer. After the nail goes through the plastic, remove it and make the next hole. [13] X Research source The size of the bottle you need depends on the size of the plant. Use a large bottle for larger plants, or a small bottle for a very small plant. The bottle will water one plant, so you only need holes on the side that faces the plant. Don’t add more than 5 holes to the side or the water will drain too quickly. Best for: Plants that constantly need water Duration: About 4 days Benefits: A frugal option The size of the bottle you need depends on the size of the plant. Use a large bottle for larger plants, or a small bottle for a very small plant. The bottle will water one plant, so you only need holes on the side that faces the plant. Don’t add more than 5 holes to the side or the water will drain too quickly. Best for: Plants that constantly need water Duration: About 4 days Benefits: A frugal option 2 Place the bottle in the soil next to the plant. First, dampen the soil of your plant so it won’t soak up all the water from the bottle immediately. Then, place the plastic bottle in a hole next to the plant, leaving the cap and 1-2 inches of the bottle peeking out. Make sure the holes you made in the side of the bottle are facing the plant, and pack the dirt around the bottle to keep it stable. [14] X Research source Make sure you don’t disturb your plant’s roots. Make sure you don’t disturb your plant’s roots. 3 Fill the bottle with water. Fill the bottle to the top, then screw the cap on so the water doesn’t evaporate and instead drains into the soil. The water will slowly leak out from the holes and keep your plant moist while you’re away. [15] X Research source If you want to fertilize your plant, add it to the bottle after you fill it with water. If your plant is outside, you can leave the cap off to collect rainwater. If it’s not supposed to rain while you’re gone, though, keep the cap on so the water doesn’t evaporate as quickly. If you want to fertilize your plant, add it to the bottle after you fill it with water. If your plant is outside, you can leave the cap off to collect rainwater. If it’s not supposed to rain while you’re gone, though, keep the cap on so the water doesn’t evaporate as quickly. Making a Plastic Bag Greenhouse 1 Place a damp towel in the bottom of a large, clear plastic bag. Make sure the plastic bag is big enough to fit over your potted plant. The bag will trap moisture as it’s released so it drips back into your plants, watering them. [16] X Research source You can do this without the towel, but using one will add more moisture to your mini greenhouse. A clear bag works best because sunlight can pass through it. Best for: Houseplants and non-succulent plants Duration: 6-8 months Benefits: Long-lasting solution You can do this without the towel, but using one will add more moisture to your mini greenhouse. A clear bag works best because sunlight can pass through it. Best for: Houseplants and non-succulent plants Duration: 6-8 months Benefits: Long-lasting solution 2 Place your plant inside the bag and water it. Place your plant on top of the towel, making sure the entire plant is covered. The bag works by trapping water inside, so make sure the soil is wet before you close the bag. [17] X Research source It’s okay to put multiple plants in the bag, as long as they all fit. Just make sure their leaves don’t get tangled together. If you’ve recently watered your plant, you may not need to do so again. It’s okay to put multiple plants in the bag, as long as they all fit. Just make sure their leaves don’t get tangled together. If you’ve recently watered your plant, you may not need to do so again. 3 Tie the bag loosely to create a mini greenhouse . Trap some air in the bag so that it’s not tight around your plant. If necessary, blow a little air in the bag to puff it up. To secure the bag, knot the ends or wrap a rubber band around the top of the bag. [18] X Research source If the plant’s leaves touch the bag, place 4 wooden stakes around the edges of your pot to create more space. If the plant’s leaves touch the bag, place 4 wooden stakes around the edges of your pot to create more space. 4 Move the plants away from direct sunlight. Partial sunlight is okay, but direct sunlight will heat up the bag and burn your plants. Place your plants indoors or outdoors, depending on what works best for you. [19] X Research source Using a Bathtub 1 Line your bathtub, sink, or a large container with towels. While this is technically optional, lining your tub or sink with a towel will prevent the plants from scratching against it. Use as many towels as needed to cover the entire surface. [20] X Research source You could also use a plastic sheet or a trash bag to protect from scratches. However, a towel is usually easier to keep in place once you add water. Best for: Tropical plants and plants that don’t need a lot of direct sunlight Duration: 1 week Benefits: A long-lasting solution You could also use a plastic sheet or a trash bag to protect from scratches. However, a towel is usually easier to keep in place once you add water. Best for: Tropical plants and plants that don’t need a lot of direct sunlight Duration: 1 week Benefits: A long-lasting solution 2 Arrange your plants in the tub or container. Make sure your plants are in pots with good drainage so that the water can soak through the roots. Place all of the plants in the tub or container. [21] X Research source It’s okay if the plants are touching each other, but make sure they aren’t so close that the leaves could get tangled. 3 Add 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of water. Add enough water to cover both the towel and the lowest part of the plant pot. Your plant will draw water through its pot's drain holes as needed. [22] X Research source This method isn’t great for plants that don’t need a lot of water, such as succulents or cacti. Too much water will make their roots rot. This method isn’t great for plants that don’t need a lot of water, such as succulents or cacti. Too much water will make their roots rot. Using a Plant Saucer Setup 1 Fill a saucer or tray with water. Find a saucer or tray that’s about the same size as your pot, or slightly larger. This ensures the saucer has room to hold water and still touch the bottom of the pot. Then, fill the saucer with water. [23] X Research source Best for: Succulents and cacti that don’t need much water Duration: 2-3 days Benefits: Cheap and simple solution Best for: Succulents and cacti that don’t need much water Duration: 2-3 days Benefits: Cheap and simple solution 2 Place the plant in the saucer. Make sure your plant is in a drainage pot so that it can reach the water in the saucer. Place the pot on top of the saucer. The soil will slowly absorb the water from the saucer while you’re away. [24] X Research source Using Commercial Irrigation Systems 1 Add a soil-based solution if you travel regularly. If you’re frequently away from home, add a soil-based solution like Terra-Sorb to your plant’s soil to extend the amount of time it stays moist. The crystals in these solutions absorb 200 times their weight in water and slowly release moisture as the soil dries out. [25] X Research source Alternatively, add a layer of mulch to the soil’s surface to slow down evaporation. Best for: Houseplants Duration: 1 week or less Benefits: Works well if you travel frequently

Alternatively, add a layer of mulch to the soil’s surface to slow down evaporation. Best for: Houseplants Duration: 1 week or less Benefits: Works well if you travel frequently 2 Place your plant in a self-watering pot. Self-watering planters absorb water from a reservoir at the bottom, releasing it to the soil as needed. To use one , follow the planter’s instructions to attach the reservoir and fill it with water. Then, simply transfer your plant to the pot. [26] X Research source Hostetler says, “Self-watering containers are great, especially if you have a space that gets a lot of heat.” [27] X Expert Source Erin Hostetler Edible Gardening Expert Expert Interview However, Hostetler adds, “It’s important that you try not to over-water in a self-watering container, because then you can get stagnant water, which can lead to fungus gnats [and other] pests attracted to moist soil.” [28] X Expert Source Erin Hostetler Edible Gardening Expert Expert Interview Best for: Tropical plants, succulents, houseplants Duration: A few days to a few weeks, depending on how much water your plant needs Benefits: Simple and reusable Hostetler says, “Self-watering containers are great, especially if you have a space that gets a lot of heat.” [27] X Expert Source Erin Hostetler Edible Gardening Expert Expert Interview However, Hostetler adds, “It’s important that you try not to over-water in a self-watering container, because then you can get stagnant water, which can lead to fungus gnats [and other] pests attracted to moist soil.” [28] X Expert Source Erin Hostetler Edible Gardening Expert Expert Interview Best for: Tropical plants, succulents, houseplants Duration: A few days to a few weeks, depending on how much water your plant needs Benefits: Simple and reusable 3 Use a watering globe. Nelson says watering globes are a great way to water your plants while you’re away on a short trip. [29] X Expert Source Jovace Nelson Landscaping Expert Expert Interview These decorative devices hold water in the globe and slowly dispense it as the soil dries out. Simply fill the globe with water, stick it in the soil, and let it do its job. [30] X Research source Best for: Plants that prefer consistently moist, but not water-logged, soil Duration: 3-5 days, says Nelson. [31] X Expert Source Jovace Nelson Landscaping Expert Expert Interview Benefits: Convenient and reusable Best for: Plants that prefer consistently moist, but not water-logged, soil Duration: 3-5 days, says Nelson. [31] X Expert Source Jovace Nelson Landscaping Expert Expert Interview Benefits: Convenient and reusable 4 Get a self-watering irrigation system. For long trips where you’re going to be away for a while, Nelson recommends using a self-watering irrigation system . [32] X Expert Source Jovace Nelson Landscaping Expert Expert Interview Most commercial systems include pipes that you insert into your plants’ soil and connect to a water container. The system then regularly drips water to keep your plants watered. Many systems also connect to your smartphone, which allows you to monitor your plants' watering and adjust how often they’re watered. Best for: Houseplants and outdoor plants Duration: 1 week or more Benefits: Reusable, and works well if you travel frequently and for extended periods Many systems also connect to your smartphone, which allows you to monitor your plants' watering and adjust how often they’re watered. Best for: Houseplants and outdoor plants Duration: 1 week or more Benefits: Reusable, and works well if you travel frequently and for extended periods Keeping Your Plant Alive While You’re Away Take other precautions to make sure your plant thrives while you’re away. In addition to keeping your plant watered, consider its other needs and how you plan to address them while you’re gone. Here are some things to keep in mind: Plant type: Make sure you understand the specific needs of your plant. [33] X Research source For example, vegetables and herbs need much more attention than succulents. If you want a low-maintenance plant, consider air plants, orchids, peace lilies, cacti, kalanchoes, and succulents. Trip duration: If you’re only going away for a couple of days, most plants will probably be fine if you water them before you leave. If you’ll be away for longer than a week, though, have a watering system in place. [34] X Research source Light and temperature: Since you won’t be there to monitor them, move your plants away from direct sunlight, as the light and heat will make the water evaporate more quickly. [35] X Research source Fertilizer: If you’re going away for a while, do not fertilize your plants in the weeks leading up to your trip. You want your plants to grow slowly while you’re away to conserve energy and water. Pruning: Prune off any dead, dying, or unhealthy foliage. Additionally, pruning off any buds or flowers can help your plant conserve water, as these growths typically require more frequent waterings to stay healthy. And if the steps above have been helpful, be sure to download this article as a PDF so you can print, read, or reference it any time. Download PDF for $2.99 Plant type: Make sure you understand the specific needs of your plant. [33] X Research source For example, vegetables and herbs need much more attention than succulents. If you want a low-maintenance plant, consider air plants, orchids, peace lilies, cacti, kalanchoes, and succulents. If you want a low-maintenance plant, consider air plants, orchids, peace lilies, cacti, kalanchoes, and succulents. Trip duration: If you’re only going away for a couple of days, most plants will probably be fine if you water them before you leave. If you’ll be away for longer than a week, though, have a watering system in place. [34] X Research source Light and temperature: Since you won’t be there to monitor them, move your plants away from direct sunlight, as the light and heat will make the water evaporate more quickly. [35] X Research source Fertilizer: If you’re going away for a while, do not fertilize your plants in the weeks leading up to your trip. You want your plants to grow slowly while you’re away to conserve energy and water. Pruning: Prune off any dead, dying, or unhealthy foliage. Additionally, pruning off any buds or flowers can help your plant conserve water, as these growths typically require more frequent waterings to stay healthy. And if the steps above have been helpful, be sure to download this article as a PDF so you can print, read, or reference it any time. Question I returned home to find my outdoor plants unwatered and so dry they looked almost dead. I immediately soaked them and they came back to life. Did I do the right thing? Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Expert Answer If your plants came back to life then you did the right thing! You came home at a good time. Any longer and your plants probably would have died. Avoid this problem by using one of the methods detailed above to water your plants while you’re away. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 31 Question Can I water on a tray of water? Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Expert Answer Yes this can work if you are leaving for less than a week. This will work best with terracotta pots. Place the pots on a tray of shallow water. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 24 Question The string that I am using to water my plants dries out, and my plants are dry as well. What am I doing wrong? Community Answer The string or cord that you use must be able to "hold" water. Usually that means that some part or all of it is cotton. The Dollar Stores sell synthetic twisted cord that cannot transit water. The round braided cord often has a cotton outside braid with a nylon or other synthetic core. These WILL transmit water. The way to test is to drop 6" of the end of the cord length into water in the sink for 30 seconds, then lift it out and see if you can squeeze water out of it easily. If you can, then this is the cord to use. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 37 What People Are Saying If you are only going away for the weekend, a good soaking the night before you leave might be all that your plants need. [36] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0 If you live in a hot, dry climate, you may need more than just an upturned bottle to keep your plants watered. Having a neighbor water your plants might be a good idea. [37] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0 Consider the kinds of plants you have. Young seedlings will require more care than older, established plants. [38] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0 You Might Also Like ↑ Jovace Nelson. Landscaping Expert. Expert Interview ↑ https://youtu.be/zcRPc2MKPow?t=161 ↑ https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/yard-patio/how-to-water-plants-while-on-vacation/ ↑ http://www.thegardenglove.com/going-on-vacation-3-diy-self-watering-ideas-for-the-garden/ ↑ https://www.thegardenglove.com/going-on-vacation-3-diy-self-watering-ideas-for-the-garden/ ↑ Jovace Nelson. Landscaping Expert. Expert Interview ↑ https://www.thegardenglove.com/going-on-vacation-3-diy-self-watering-ideas-for-the-garden/ ↑ Jovace Nelson. Landscaping Expert. Expert Interview ↑ https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/yard-patio/how-to-water-plants-while-on-vacation/ ↑ Jovace Nelson. Landscaping Expert. Expert Interview ↑ https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/how-to-vacation-proof-your-garden/ ↑ https://scissorsandsage.com/2015/04/20/diy-self-watering-system-for-houseplants/ ↑ https://balconygardenweb.com/how-to-water-plants-while-away-6-brilliant-hacks/ ↑ https://balconygardenweb.com/how-to-water-plants-while-away-6-brilliant-hacks/ ↑ https://balconygardenweb.com/how-to-water-plants-while-away-6-brilliant-hacks/ ↑ https://www.ecopeanut.com/how-to-water-plants-while-away/ ↑ https://www.ecopeanut.com/how-to-water-plants-while-away/ ↑ https://www.ecopeanut.com/how-to-water-plants-while-away/ ↑ https://www.ecopeanut.com/how-to-water-plants-while-away/ ↑ https://balconygardenweb.com/how-to-water-plants-while-away-6-brilliant-hacks/ ↑ https://balconygardenweb.com/how-to-water-plants-while-away-6-brilliant-hacks/ ↑ https://balconygardenweb.com/how-to-water-plants-while-away-6-brilliant-hacks/ ↑ https://www.ecopeanut.com/how-to-water-plants-while-away/ ↑ https://www.ecopeanut.com/how-to-water-plants-while-away/ ↑ https://lebanonturf.com/labels/2724550.pdf ↑ https://www.ecopeanut.com/how-to-water-plants-while-away/ ↑ Erin Hostetler. Edible Gardening Expert. Expert Interview ↑ Erin Hostetler. Edible Gardening Expert. Expert Interview ↑ Jovace Nelson. Landscaping Expert. Expert Interview ↑ https://www.gardenstead.com/escapades-with-watering-bulbs/ ↑ Jovace Nelson. Landscaping Expert. Expert Interview ↑ Jovace Nelson. Landscaping Expert. Expert Interview ↑ https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/vacation-watering/8534.html ↑ https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/vacation-watering/8534.html ↑ https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/vacation-watering/8534.html ↑ http://www.gardeners.com/how-to/vacation-watering/8534.html ↑ http://www.gardeners.com/how-to/vacation-watering/8534.html ↑ http://www.gardeners.com/how-to/vacation-watering/8534.html About This Article One easy way to water plants while you’re away is to make a watering bottle. Choose a wine bottle or another glass bottle with a narrow neck. Fill the bottle up to the base of the neck with water. If you like, add a small amount of fertilizer or plant food. Place your thumb over the opening of the bottle and turn it upside down. Position the opening of the bottle over the soil in the plant’s container, then quickly move your thumb out of the way and push the neck of the bottle down into the soil. Check the bottle occasionally over the next few hours to make sure the water is slowly draining. If it isn’t, you may need to tape a small piece of screen or fabric over the opening of the bottle to keep soil from clogging it. To learn other ways you can water your plants while you're away, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No Send fan mail to authors Reader Success Stories Renee Chapman May 3, 2019 "I spent two hours looking for the watering glass balls & after much thought, I thought to check out Google and found your info. Great ideas without spending unnecessary money. I have all of these things already in my home. Thank you for helping me." ..." more Did this article help you? Valerie Godfree Quizzes & Games You Might Also Like Trending Articles Trending Articles Take the Quiz. Face the Truth. 🔥 Decode Yourself 🧩 Featured Videos Hot Takes Only 🔥 Your Daily Dose of Fun 🎉 Home and Garden Do Not Sell or Share My Info Not Selling Info Don’t miss out! Sign up for wikiHow’s newsletter