Keep Your Garden Healthy Over Vacation

One of the trickiest obstacles in your classroom garden is managing holidays! But, don’t despair! A Little Green Thumbs garden is designed to let you leave your garden over weekends and week-long school breaks.

Try these simple tips to make sure your classroom garden stays healthy and vibrant while you are off enjoying your vacation!

1. FILL YOUR WATER RESERVOIRS
The simplest tip: remember to fill your water reservoirs below your growing boxes right before you leave for vacation!

2. TRANSPLANT ANY SEEDLINGS INTO LARGER CONTAINERS
Planting seedlings will help prevent them from drying out. Remember to water them well once you plant them in the larger containers.

3. PLACE DAMP NEWSPAPERS OVER THE TOP OF SOIL.
Place a few layers of damp newspaper on soil as mulch, to prevent evaporation.

4. TRIP FOLIAGE OF MATURE PLANTS THE DAY BEFORE LEAVING
Trim foliage of mature plants the day before leaving so they will require less water during your absence.

5. BUILD A MINI GREENHOUSE OVER YOUR POTTED PLANTS
Cover pot with a transparent plastic bag, lifted with bamboo poles. Poke a couple holes in the bag for oxygen.

6. USE STICKY TRAPS TO CHECK FOR PESTS THE WEEK BEFORE
Place a few sticky traps in the garden & monitor for a few days to ensure there are no signs of pests. If you do see pests, begin treating with our soap spray recipe (link to on resource pace). Remove affected leaves, and if needed, remove the entire plant in case of serious infestation.

7. REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR TIMER
Double check that you timer is set for 8-12 hours of light each day.

Last, but not least –  ensure your vermi-composting worms have been fed before you go, and check your bin moisture level. If it is too dry, add some water. If it is too wet, add some extra newspaper bedding.

Now, enjoy your holidays! Bon Voyage!