As summer is approaching, it’s time to take a break and go on vacation. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or enjoying a week's trip, it’s essential to keep your plants hydrated while you’re away.
To promote plant growth and avoid wilting leaves, the comprehensive guide will walk you through the best automatic plant watering systems for both potted plants and hydroponic plants. By the end of the post, we’ll also demonstrate how to DIY a watering solution. All these tools and techniques can ensure your plants receive the right amount of water while you’re away.
Table of Contents
How Many Times a Week to Water During Summer?
During the summer days, indoor plants need more frequent watering due to higher temperatures and increased evaporation rates. To keep vibrant plant growth in summer, you should figure out the appropriate watering frequency for each type of indoor plant.
- Succulents and Cacti: Every 2-4 weeks. Indoor succulent plants store water in their leaves and stems, so they require less frequent watering.
- Tropical Plants (e.g., Ferns, Peace Lilies): Every 1-2 weeks. These plants thrive in moist environments and need more frequent watering.
- Herbs: Every 1-2 weeks. Herbs like basil and mint need consistent moisture to grow well.
- Flowering Plants: Every 1-2 weeks. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
How to Water Plants While Away?
It sounds like a challenge to water plants while away. Nevertheless, with the right plant watering systems and techniques, your plants will stay healthy and hydrated. Here are some effective methods and tips to help you water indoor plants while on vacation.
- Auto Drip Irrigation Systems: These systems use a network of tubes and emitters to deliver water directly to the roots of your plants. They can be controlled with a timer to ensure your plants receive the right amount of water at the right time.
Spider Farmer Drip Irrigation System for Plants with Water Pump, 8 Drip Emitters, and GGS AC10 Power Strip Kit for Smart Watering Control
-
Smart Control & Automation:
The GGS AC10 Power Strip has 10 independent outlets, each of which can be set with its own schedule and mode (such as temperature, humidity, and CO2 modes). By connecting the 25W water pump to the GGS AC10, you can automatically control the pump’s on/off cycle based on your set schedule, improving watering efficiency and preventing waste. The schedule includes two modes: Time Period Mode and Time Cycle Mode. Additionally, the GGS AC10 comes with a 3-in-1 soil sensor that monitors soil moisture, temperature, and EC (Electrical Conductivity), displaying this data on the app for real-time insights into your soil conditions. You can also connect fans, lights, humidifiers, and other devices to the GGS AC10 to fully manage your growing environment. -
25W Smart Water Pump:
The 25W water pump offers a maximum flow rate of 12L/min and includes a low water level sensor that automatically stops the pump when the water level is low, ensuring efficient water use and preventing waste. -
13-Gallon Large Capacity Water Tank:
The 13-gallon water tank reduces the need for frequent refills. The tank is made from temperature- and corrosion-resistant materials, ensuring long-lasting and reliable water storage. -
8-Outlet Drip Emitter:
The system comes with 8 adjustable drip emitters with a spray range of 0-360°. You can choose to use as many or as few emitters as needed, and precisely control the water flow to meet the needs of different plants. -
Water-Saving & Efficient Irrigation:
The automatic drip irrigation system delivers water directly to the plant roots, reducing water waste and evaporation. The system precisely controls water flow, promoting healthy plant growth, improving yields, and conserving water.
Spider Farmer Drip Irrigation System for Plants with Water Pump, 8 Drip Emitters, and GGS AC5 Power Strip Kit for Smart Watering Control
- Self-Watering Systems: These spikes release water slowly and steadily. Simply insert a wine bottle filled with water into the spike, and it will water your plants over time. This method is great for potted plants and can last up to 10 days.
4 Pcs丨Spider Farmer 2 Self-watering System Kits For Indoor Grow Tents, Greenhouses
- Our self-watering system works without power（Saving Electricity）, and water pressure, using gravity to keep the water flowing.
- For best results, lay the Self-Watering Fabric Pot Base, Shut-off Valve Box, and tubes flat on the ground, and always keep the folding bucket filled with water.
Spider Farmer 2 Self-watering System Kits For Indoor Grow Tents, Greenhouses
- Our self-watering system works without power（Saving Electricity）, and water pressure, using gravity to keep the water flowing.
- For best results, lay the Self-Watering Fabric Pot Base, Shut-off Valve Box, and tubes flat on the ground, and always keep the folding bucket filled with water.
Spider Farmer 4 Self-watering System Kits For Indoor Grow Tents, Greenhouses
- Our auto watering system works without power（Saving Electricity）, and water pressure, using gravity to keep the water flowing.
- For best results, lay the Self Watering Fabric Pot Base, Shut-off Valve Box, and tubes flat on the ground, and always keep the folding bucket filled with water.
- DWC Hydroponic Growing System: Plant roots are suspended directly in a nutrient-rich, oxygenated solution, ensuring a constant supply of water and nutrients. In this way, you can leave your plants for a vacation, as the roots have continuous access to the solution, maintaining optimal hydration levels.
Spider Farmer DWC Hydroponic Growing System with Top Drip Kit, 7-Gallon Deep Water Culture, 2-Bucket Setup, and GGS AC10 Power Strip Kit for Smart Watering Control
Spider Farmer DWC Hydroponic Growing System with Top Drip Kit, 7-Gallon Deep Water Culture, 2-Bucket Setup, and GGS AC10 Power Strip Kit for Smart Watering Control
GGS AC10 Power Strip with Automatic Operation: The GGS AC10 Power Strip features 10 independent outlets, each of which can be set with its own schedule and mode (e.g., temperature, humidity, and CO2 modes). This means users can precisely control the operation times and modes of every device plugged into it (such as the air pump in the DWC system), ensuring that the system runs efficiently under optimal conditions for plant growth and health. What's even more important, the GGS AC10 is connected to a temperature and humidity light sensor, allowing you to plug in devices such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, lights, clip fans, and inline fans. These devices will work together based on a unified temperature and humidity target, ensuring that the environmental conditions are always ideal for plant growth.
New Triangle Cover Design: The innovative triangle cover design allows for easy access to add water and measure liquid parameters, improving overall ease of use. With a 7-gallon capacity, it's made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant PP (polypropylene) material that is lightweight and durable.
Top Irrigation System: Equipped with an adjustable top drip irrigation ring, this system lets you finely adjust the irrigation speed. The 6-inch net cup is made from high-strength PP material, making it incredibly tough and able to provide strong support for healthy, lush plants.
Powerful Air Pump: Able to output powerful air; 15W; maximum airflow: 28 L/min (adjustable). Used with air stone can effectively provide sufficient oxygen to plant roots, helping plant roots thrive and grow healthily
The AC10 Power Strip kits includes: 1 x GGS AC10 Power Strip 1 x Temperature, humidity, and light sensor 1 x 3-in-1 soil sensor 1 x 2-in-1 adapter (for connecting the lights to the controller) 7 x 2.5m RJ12 cables (for connecting devices) 2 x 0.25m RJ12 cables (for connecting between telephone line splitters) 3 x RJ12 telephone line splitters (for expanding device connections) 6 x Hook and loop straps (for organizing cables)
DWC Hydroponic System Kit Includes: 4pcs 7-gallon DWC Buckets, 4pcs triangular cover, 4pcs net cup, air pump, 4pcs air stone, 12M 4/6mm black tubing, dry clay pebbles, 4pcs water level tube, 4pcs drip irrigation ring, user manual and other accessories
Spider Farmer DWC Hydroponic Growing System with Top Drip Kit, 7-Gallon Deep Water Culture, 4-Bucket Setup, and GGS AC5 Power Strip Kit for Smart Watering Control
GGS AC5 Power Strip with Automatic Operation: The GGS AC5 Power Strip features 5 independent outlets, each of which can be set with its own schedule and mode (e.g., temperature, humidity, and CO2 modes). This means users can precisely control the operation times and modes of every device plugged into it (such as the air pump in the DWC system), ensuring that the system runs efficiently under optimal conditions for plant growth and health. What’s even more important, the GGS AC5 is connected to a temperature and humidity light sensor, allowing you to plug in devices such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, lights, clip fans, and inline fans. These devices will work together based on a unified temperature and humidity target, ensuring that the environmental conditions are always ideal for plant growth.
New Triangle Cover Design: The innovative triangle cover design allows for easy access to add water and measure liquid parameters, improving overall ease of use. With a 7-gallon capacity, it’s made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant PP (polypropylene) material that is lightweight and durable.
Top Irrigation System: Equipped with an adjustable top drip irrigation ring, this system lets you finely adjust the irrigation speed. The 6-inch net cup is made from high-strength PP material, making it incredibly tough and able to provide strong support for healthy, lush plants.
Powerful Air Pump: Able to output powerful air; 15W; maximum airflow: 28 L/min (adjustable). Used with air stone can effectively provide sufficient oxygen to plant roots, helping plant roots thrive and grow healthily
The AC5 Power Strip kits includes: 1 x GGS AC5 Power Strip 1 x Temperature, humidity, and light sensor 1 x 3-in-1 soil sensor 1 x 2-in-1 adapter (for connecting the lights to the controller) 7 x 2.5m RJ12 cables (for connecting devices) 2 x 0.25m RJ12 cables (for connecting between telephone line splitters) 3 x RJ12 telephone line splitters (for expanding device connections) 6 x Hook and loop straps (for organizing cables)
DWC Hydroponic System Kit Includes: 4pcs 7-gallon DWC Buckets, 4pcs triangular cover, 4pcs net cup, air pump, 4pcs air stone, 12M 4/6mm black tubing, dry clay pebbles, 4pcs water level tube, 4pcs drip irrigation ring, user manual and other accessories
The Best Watering System for Potted Plants in Spring & Summer
Compared to hydroponic plants, it can be difficult for potted plants to survive in hot summer days. In this case, you should consider investing in a watering system for your potted plants. The best watering system for potted plants in spring and summer is the Spider Farmer Auto Drip Irrigation system. It’s easy to set it up. Just add water to the bucket and set the timer. Then you can get started!
The Best Watering System for Potted Plants - Auto Drip Irrigation System
Why Drip Irrigation Systems Matter?
- The water evaporates quickly when the temperature increases in spring and summer.
- Soil-grown plants require significant amounts of water and need frequent watering to thrive.
- Drip Irrigation Systems deliver water directly to the plant roots at a slow, steady pace, conserving water, enhancing watering efficiency, and saving time for gardeners and farmers.
Product Highlights – Spider Farmer Drip Irrigation System
- Equipped with a built-in water pump, you don’t need to connect a faucet.
- With 8 adjustable drippers, this system can water multiple plants simultaneously.
- The smart timer allows for automatic control, enabling you to schedule watering times effortlessly, even when you’re away.
- Whether you’re cultivating plants on your balcony, in pots, or other indoor places, the Spider Farmer Drip Irrigation System can meet your needs.
Ideal Use Cases & Plant Types
It’s suitable for soil cultivation, balcony gardening, and small-scale home growers.
How to DIY the Watering Solution?
After investing in the Drip Irrigation System, you should prepare for the watering solution. It’s a cost-effective way to keep your plant growth with the homemade watering solution.
In this part, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your watering system using everyday items. Whether you're a busy gardener or planning a vacation, these DIY solutions ensure your plants stay healthy and thrive.
Key Components
DIY Watering Solution
- Water Source: The Reverse Osmosis (RO) water ensures that your nutrient solution is free from unwanted minerals and contaminants. If the RO water is not available, you can use distilled water as an alternative.
- Nutrients: Choose a high-quality, water-soluble fertilizer that provides all essential nutrients (N-P-K and micronutrients). Besides, adds magnesium and sulfur, which are beneficial for plant growth. Moreover, you can use Sodium Benzoate as a preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- pH Adjusters: Ensure your nutrient solution is at the optimal pH level (usually between 5.5 and 6.5) for your plants.
Steps to Prepare the Watering Solution:
1. Calculate Water Requirements
- Determine the total water requirement for your plants based on their needs and the area to be irrigated.
- Then use the formula to calculate the supply of water:
Run Time (minutes) = (Plant Water Requirement in gallons) / (Emitter Flow Rate in GPH) * 60
2. Mix the Nutrient Solution
- Start with a clean container and add RO or distilled water.
- Add the water-soluble fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mix in Epsom salts at a rate of about 1 tablespoon per gallon of water.
- Add a small amount of sodium benzoate (if needed) to prevent microbial growth.
- Adjust the pH of the solution using pH up/down solutions until it reaches the optimal range.
3. Set Up the Auto Drip Irrigation System
- Connect your drip irrigation system to the water source.
- Install emitters and tubing according to your garden layout.
- Ensure all connections are secure to prevent leaks.
4. Test and Adjust
- Run the system and check for leaks or clogs.
- Monitor the plants for signs of over/under watering and adjust the flow rates or watering schedule as needed.
Conclusion
It’s important to keep plants watered while on vacation, especially in such hot days. If you’re planting potted plants, you can use an Auto Drip Irrigation system or a self-watering system. Which equipment to choose from depends on the amount of water your plants require. On the other hand, if you’re growing plants hydroponically, you can give Hydroponic Growing System a try.
To make best use of these self-watering systems, you can also follow the instructions to DIY a watering solution. With proper planning and the right tools, you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about the well-being of your beloved indoor plants.
