How to keep your garden healthy while you’re on holiday


If you’re heading away this summer, a little prep can keep your garden thriving while you’re gone.

These simple NZ-friendly holiday gardening tips help plants stay hydrated, protected, and stress-free in your absence.

How to manage watering while you're away

  • Watering is the biggest factor in keeping your garden alive over the holidays.
  • Set up an irrigation system or timer if you can, and move pots into the sprinkler zone. Drip irrigation is especially efficient and reduces evaporation in hot weather.
  • No irrigation? Ask a neighbour to give your garden a deep soak every few days - it makes a huge difference.

Check irrigation and garden systems

  • If you use irrigation, check that all sprinkler heads work and your timer is set for the season. A quick test run can prevent holiday surprises.

Trim, harvest, and reduce plant stress

  • Before you leave, trim excess growth and harvest anything nearly ready. This helps plants use less water while you’re away and keeps them in better shape through dry spells.
  • Stake or tie up anything that may topple in wind, and pull any weeds competing for moisture and nutrients.

Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots

  • Mulching is one of the best ways to help your garden cope with heat.
  • After watering deeply, spread Daltons Premium Mulch & Feed around garden beds and even on top of potted plants.
  • Mulch keeps soil cool, reduces evaporation, and helps plants stay hydrated for longer.

Create a cooler microclimate for pots

  • Move potted plants into a shaded area - under a tree, beside a hedge, or on the southern side of your home. Grouping pots together creates a small microclimate with higher humidity, which slows water loss.
  • Shade cloth can also protect sensitive plants from intense midday sun.

Avoid planting right before you leave

  • New plants need regular watering to settle in, so avoid planting anything in the days before you travel. Established plants will always cope better during your time away.

Protect your garden from pests

  • Cover garden beds with insect netting or mesh before you leave. This reduces pest damage and helps ensure your plants are still thriving when you get home.

Give one final deep water

  • The day before you leave, water your garden very deeply. This encourages roots to reach further down, helping plants stay hydrated for longer in hot, dry weather.

More summer gardening help

Read our Summer Care For Your Garden Guide.

Recommended Products

Daltons Premium Mulch & Feed

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