How to Prepare the Garden for your Holiday

Step 1

Cut the lawn but don’t scalp it, a gentle trim will keep it neat and then apply a lawn tonic such as Aftercut 3 Day Green so that it stays green and healthy in your absence and looks good on your return.

Step 2

Move your pots and containers into the shade to stop them drying out too fast. Incorporate some Water Saving Gel into the compost to store water and top dress with West + Container and Basket Compost to protect the surface roots from intense sunshine.

Step 3

Established plants should have benefited from the early summer rain. New plants, greenhouse plants and containers will need regular watering. Employ a reliable neighbour or student or install micro drip irrigation.

Step 4

Deadhead as many flowering plants as possible to keep the display coming. Cut back any excessive growth and tidy the garden where possible. Feed with Gro-Sure All Purpose Plant Food to enhance your plants before your absence.

Step 5

Harvest all crops that are ready to pick or almost mature. Ask a neighbour to pick vegetables like beans, peas, courgettes and cucumbers otherwise you will come home to giant, woody, inedible veg and there will be a halt in production.

Step 6

If you are growing tomatoes tie in all extra growth and then feed generously with Gro-Sure Super Enriched Tomato Food and ensure your plants will be well watered in your absence. Choose a reliable friend or opt for a Micro drip system connected to a timer and an outdoor tap.