How to Get Your Garden Holiday-Ready
Every year, as the summer holidays begin, most Germans set off in search of rest and relaxation, heading towards a well-earned break. More often than not, the destination involves sun, sea and sand. But amidst the usual chaos of holiday preparations, one important detail is frequently overlooked. With thoughts already far away, few people spare a moment for their garden back home. The shock on return is often considerable – and the feeling of relaxation quickly fades – when you’re greeted by overgrown flower beds filled with dried-out summer blooms, surrounded by a wild lawn. In the worst-case scenario, you might even need to replant your lawn entirely.
If you’d prefer to avoid such a homecoming, it’s well worth getting your garden holiday-ready before you leave. Proper holiday planning involves more than simply asking your neighbour to pop by and water the plants now and then.
Garden Care Before You Leave
Mow the Lawn Short
Just before heading off on your holiday, it’s a good idea to mow the lawn areas around your home one last time. Set the lawn mower to its lowest cutting height for this final trim. This allows the grass to grow and recover at its own pace while you're away. A close cut slows down growth temporarily – and helps minimise the shock when you return.
Trim Summer Flowers
Since summer flowers tend to reduce bloom production when too many faded blossoms remain, you should remove them before setting off on your trip. This allows the plant to form new buds during your absence and welcome you back with vibrant colour. In fact, deadheading should be part of your regular gardening routine throughout the summer. It keeps plants healthier and encourages longer-lasting blooms.
Support Perennials
Some perennials tend to keep growing until they topple over. Make sure to provide proper support, especially for daisies and similar plants. Fallen flowers not only look untidy – they also block sunlight from reaching the plants beneath them.
Weed Thoroughly
To ensure that most of the water you apply actually reaches your plants, it’s best to remove any weeds from your beds before you go. This reduces competition for available water. Weeds also tend to grow faster than ornamental plants, meaning you’ll avoid returning to flower beds overrun with unwanted greenery. While you’re at it, consider loosening the soil a little. This helps it retain more water and makes nutrients more readily available to your plants.
You can find more helpful tips on dealing with weeds in our dedicated guide to weed control.
Provide Plants with Water and Nutrients
Watering
As we all know, plants need plenty of water to survive. Relying on occasional rainfall during your holiday is not a reliable strategy. A better option is to install an automatic irrigation system using soaker hoses and drip regulators, combined with a timer. If that sounds like too much effort, at the very least you should make arrangements with a neighbour to ensure your thirstiest plants are watered while you're away.
In Germany, watering the lawn is usually not essential – well-established grass copes well with early morning dew. For potted plants, a simple trick is to use a water-filled drinks bottle placed upside down into the soil. This allows water to gradually seep out over time, helping to keep the plant hydrated.
You’ll find more helpful advice in our dedicated guide to garden irrigation.
Apply Fertiliser
Before you head off, make sure to feed heavy-feeding plants with fertiliser. This gives them the nutrients they need to support growth and encourage blooming while you’re away.
- ⚠️ Note: Keep in mind that fertilised plants will also require more water!
Harvest What’s Ripe
Any ripe fruit or vegetables in your garden should be harvested before you leave. If left behind, they’re likely to rot in your absence. Not only do rotting crops produce an unpleasant smell – they also attract all sorts of unwelcome visitors such as wasps, slugs and various beetles. And let’s be honest: clearing away spoiled produce is far less enjoyable than harvesting fresh fruit and vegetable.
If you don’t have time to use the harvest before your holiday, your neighbours will surely appreciate it – and in return, they might be happy to keep an eye on your garden while you soak up the sun!
Store Garden Tools Properly
Many people have a corner in the garden where tools like the lawn mower, spade, rake and other small equipment are kept. But since you won’t be using them for a few weeks, it’s a good idea to store them indoors or in the garage. That way, you won’t tempt opportunistic thieves to give your tools a new home.
Even if it seems like a lot of effort at first glance, it’s well worth following the tips above. It’s the only way to avoid being overwhelmed by work upon your return – and to enjoy the rest of your time off in a well-kept garden.
Our product recommendations
Cordless Multifunctional Tool
GE-HC 18 Li T-Solo
Go to article
Cordless Lawn Mower
GE-CM 43 Li M Kit (2x4,0Ah)
Go to article
Cordless Lawn Mower
GE-CM 18/30 Li-Solo
Go to article
Cordless Garden Pump
AQUINNA 36/30
Go to article
Rain Barrel Pump
GE-SP 3546 RB
Go to article
Cordless Grass- and Bush Shear
GC-CG 18 Li-Solo
Go to article
In this article you will learn all about:
Published on 17.07.2019
Whether it's the garden or the workshop, Hauke Leweling is a true all-rounder and a freelance blogger. For Einhell, Hauke is armed not only with pen and paper but also with various gardening tools and equipment that he thoroughly tests. He shares his experiences, as well as tips and tricks, in his blog posts.