Plant sitter

I am going on holiday in July (I know silly me - I did say to my husband we should only holiday between March & October!) Anyway I am container mad and have around 50 plus newly planted borders and vegetables. As there is so much to do I don't want to ask neighbours and friends - mainly because I can't reciprocate as I am the only gardening nutter. It doesn't seem fair as it is a lot of watering? Are there any plant sitting services out there at all? I am happy to pay someone to come along and look after them. Any ideas where to look? Should I just contact local gardeners? I would ask one of the kids down the road but I would be fearful that they would get left to the last day or drowned

 

Would have helped in aminute had I been closer but am further north in Scotland ,I am sure some one in GC may live close to you would help out.

 

Maybe you could organise a rota? or set up one of those automatic systems?

I have the same problem, and now organise my holidays around when my parents will be available to water.

 

yes maybe a rota could work - if I get three people, they would only have to come once and that would mean it was watered every two days. That's three favour's I'll owe then

Aw thanks ScotKat - yes it is definately a bit far - I will actualy be nearer than you at the time

 

Hold a garden open day afterwards for them. Tea and Cake would work for me!!! :thumb:

 

It's always a problem finding someone to plant-sit for you especially if there isn't any plant-person you know of that can do the looking after for you.

I had to leave my seed sowing a little late this year because when we went away last August our eldest son was in charge of water duty we came back to find a few plants dead with lack of water and others water logged! so didn't want to chance it this last March.....next time I will have to draw a map out for him and a detailed guide of what to do and when to do it, it's almost like potty training all over again 'No you don't go there baby over here' lol.:D Hel.xxx.

 

When I was away in February i left post it notes on various plants/seedlings overwintering indoors for my Dad with comments like..

"Im a fern keep me moist" or "Im an Agave dont water me"

He did quite well overall, altough did over water two small manihot grahamii plants which still look a sorry site, mind these are very tricky to get going so maybe its not entirely down to him.

My parents are away a lot themselves, so we plan our holidays for looking after my cat (which was once their cat) and the garden!