How to Prepare Your Garden Before Going on Holiday

Prepare your garden for the weather

One thing you can never predict is the weather. That's why it's important to protect your garden in advance. After all, prevention is always better than cure.

One simple way to do this is by covering the soil with a layer of mulch. Mulch not only protects the soil but also helps retain moisture and supports healthy soil life. You can use straw, wood chips, or dried grass as mulch. Just make sure to water your garden thoroughly before applying the mulch layer.

Give your lawn one last mow

Your lawn is often one of the biggest concerns when leaving for a holiday. While it's tempting to mow it as short as possible before you leave, this can actually do more harm than good. If you decide to mow the lawn one last time, avoid cutting it too short. During summer, high temperatures can quickly dry out the grass.

If you return to a lawn that looks scorched or dried out, there's no need to worry. With enough water, it will usually recover. If possible, use rainwater from a rain barrel to water your lawn—it's a more environmentally friendly choice.

Harvest your fruit and vegetables

Harvest any fruit and vegetables that are ready before you leave. Even smaller produce is best picked in advance. You can give it to family, friends, or neighbours, or freeze it so you can enjoy it after your holiday.

Give your flowers some extra care

There's nothing more disappointing than coming home to wilted flowers. Before you leave, mix some compost into the soil. It provides extra nutrients and helps the soil retain moisture for longer.

Remove any faded flowers to encourage your plants to bloom again. Don't be afraid to prune them back slightly either. This will help ensure they're healthy and flowering beautifully by the time you return home.