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Submerging outdoor pots whilst away

hannwisehannwise Posts: 7
in Problem solving
Hello all, I have to go away for 4 days and I'm thinking of setting up a large tub of water to keep some of my pots watered whilst I'm away. It's meant to be very warm over the next few days (25, 27 and then 29) which is a bit unexpected so I didn't think I'd originally have to worry too much about watering.

I was going to put my mint, sunflowers, Salix flamingo all into tubs of water in their pots so they can drink from the roots during the hot weather.

I also have pansies, and a lysimachia.

My question is, do you think this will work OK and if so, have I put the right plants in? 

Posts

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    I did this once when I had to leave my plants for several hot days. I put pebbles in the tubs and stood the pots on those so they were in wet conditions but not standing in inches of water. They did very well. try to put them in shade if you can.
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    4 days? Give them a good soak before you go away.
    Leaving them in water could cause problems with the roots rotting.
    Many years ago we were away for many weeks and we put our indoor orchids on their gravel trays on the kitchen floor. We watered them and left them.
    When we came back, many weeks later, they were were growing better then ever.
    Maybe I am wrong but 4 days they should be ok without you sitting them in water which can cause more problems.
  • hannwisehannwise Posts: 7
    Thanks for your advice. I was concerned about root rot but as one is a willow tree I thought maybe it would prefer having a lot of water at its roots rather than none at all? I have been trying to water it lots recently after having left it without water too long and it drying out. So now I'm a bit undecided about what would be best for it. 
    Moving into the shade is a good idea though. 
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