Woman watering flowers in a sunny garden with a metal watering can.
Summer travel plans often clash with peak garden maintenance. As heatwaves and dry spells grip the country, outdoor potted plants face serious drought stress without regular intervention.
While relying on neighbors or buying expensive self-watering pots are common solutions, one gardening expert offers a completely free alternative. Bestselling author and gardener Simon Akeroyd turns empty compost bags into highly effective slow-drip irrigation systems.
“Professional gardeners use bags that slowly drip water to keep their plants alive in dry weather,” Akeroyd explained. “We can do something similar by repurposing a compost bag.”
Creating a DIY Slow-Drip System
The setup requires only an intact compost bag, water, string, and a sharp tool. Akeroyd advises filling the empty compost bag to roughly one-quarter capacity.
Next, secure the top of the bag tightly with a piece of string. This prevents accidental spills if the wind knocks the makeshift reservoir over.
Once tied off, take a sharp object and pierce a single, tiny hole at the very bottom of the bag. If the bag already has a natural slow leak, skip this step.
Positioning for Maximum Hydration
Before deploying the watering bags, Akeroyd recommends moving your potted plants into the shade to reduce evaporation. If moving heavy planters isn’t an option, the setup remains highly effective in direct sun.
@simonakeroydgardener Keeping your plants watered while you’re on holiday. Professional gardeners use a bag with tiny holes in the bottom to allow water to seep out slowly and keep the soil around newly planted plants moist and watered over a prolonged period. You can emulate the professionals by making your own, slow-drip, gravity-fed water bags for keeping your plants watered when you go away on holiday. Enjoy your holidays and happy gardening
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Test the bag to ensure it produces a steady, slow drip rather than a fast stream. Once confirmed, simply rest the dripping bag directly onto the soil inside your plant container.
For gardeners with multiple pots, create a dedicated drip bag for each one. The slow-release moisture can sustain container plants for up to several weeks, making it ideal for extended trips.
“When you return, the compost in your pot will be perfectly moist,” Akeroyd noted. “Enjoy your holiday!”
