How to Keep Seedlings Moist While on Vacation

Introduce Moisture

• 1

  Put polymers in the soil. These small granules can be mixed with the soil and used to keep it moist. Use a pencil to create 2-inch-deep holes in the soil, then bury polymers in the holes. Water the seeds and soil thoroughly; the polymers will cut normal watering in half. Polymers are sold at garden supply stores.

• 2

  Moisten the soil with plant watering wicks. These wicks look like shoelaces and have a knot at one end. Soak the entire wick in water until it is fully saturated, then water the seedlings thoroughly. Place one end of the wick into the soil and the other into a container filled with water. The wick will slowly transfer the water to the soil, and will work for one or two weeks. Wicks are available at garden supply stores.

• 3

  Keep the seedlings moist with terra cotta cones if vacationing for more than a few days. Fill a plastic soda bottle with water. Push the cork ring on top of a terra cotta cone into the mouth of an empty soda bottle. Turn the bottle upside down and bury its mouth into the soil. The terra cotta cone will absorb the water and slowly release it into the soil. Terra cotta cones are available at garden supply stores.

Trap Moisture

• 4

  Place two stakes in the soil.

• 5

  Cover the seedling pot with plastic. Fold the plastic into a tent over the seedings using the stakes as support. The plastic will trap moisture.

• 6

  Give the seedlings a thorough watering the day that you leave.

• 7

  Turn the thermostat down in your home to prevent it from getting too hot while you're away.