Going on holiday should be a time to relax, but when you own a garden, lawn, greenhouse or vegetable garden, one question often comes to mind: what condition will your outdoor space be in when you return? A lawn that has grown too tall, dried-out young plants, an overheated greenhouse, vegetables lacking water or tools left outside can quickly turn the end of your holiday into a long clean-up session.
Fortunately, it is possible to prepare your garden before you leave in order to minimise maintenance while you are away. Good organisation, a few well-timed tasks and suitable equipment allow you to keep your outdoor space tidy, healthy and attractive, even when no one is there to care for it every day.
The goal is not to make the garden completely autonomous, but to protect the most sensitive elements: watering the vegetable garden, lawn maintenance, greenhouse ventilation, protecting young plants and storing garden equipment. With a simple and gradual preparation, it becomes much easier to leave with peace of mind and return to a garden that is still in excellent condition.
Why should you prepare your garden before going on holiday?
During summer, vegetation can change very quickly. Just a few hot days are enough to dry out the soil, weaken newly planted flowers and vegetables or cause temperatures inside a greenhouse to rise dramatically. On the other hand, a wet period can accelerate the growth of your lawn, hedges and weeds.
Preparing your garden before you leave helps you anticipate these different situations. It mainly involves reducing the immediate needs of your plants, preserving soil moisture, ensuring regular watering, limiting excessive lawn growth and storing anything that could be exposed to bad weather or strong winds.
This preparation becomes especially important when you plan to be away for more than a week. The longer the garden remains unattended, the more useful automatic equipment, rainwater collection systems, mulching and good crop organisation become.
Mow the lawn before leaving, but avoid cutting it too short
The lawn is usually the first area to prepare before going on holiday. Mowing shortly before you leave keeps the garden looking neat and delays the moment when the grass begins to look overgrown. However, you should avoid cutting it extremely short in the hope of gaining a few extra days.
During hot weather, grass cut too close to the ground becomes much more vulnerable to drought. It retains moisture less effectively and can quickly turn yellow. It is therefore preferable to mow regularly while maintaining a reasonable cutting height rather than making one very severe cut just before departure.
If the grass has already grown quite tall, it is better to mow it in two stages. A first pass gradually reduces the height, while a second cut a few days later provides a cleaner finish. This method reduces stress on the lawn and prevents removing too much grass in a single operation.
To prepare your lawn before your holiday, discover our range of garden lawn mowers for a clean and even cut.
A robotic lawn mower: the ideal solution for maintaining your lawn while you're away
For anyone who wants to keep their lawn perfectly maintained during their holiday, a robotic lawn mower offers an exceptionally convenient solution. Once installed and programmed, it can mow the lawn regularly and maintain an even grass height without anyone needing to take out a traditional mower.
A robotic lawn mower removes only a small amount of grass during each mowing session. The fine clippings remain on the lawn, where they gradually decompose. This technique, known as mulching, eliminates the need to empty a grass collection box while you are away.
Before leaving, make sure the mowing area is completely clear. Toys, hoses, branches, tools, cables and other small objects should all be removed. The charging station must remain accessible and properly powered. It is also advisable to check the condition of the blades, quickly clean the underside of the mower and verify that the selected mowing schedule is correct.
Some perimeter wire-free robotic lawn mowers are particularly easy to install because they do not require a boundary wire around the lawn. They can be an excellent solution for well-defined gardens and for users looking for even greater autonomy.
Discover our robotic lawn mowers for maintaining a beautiful lawn during your absence and significantly reduce the amount of work waiting for you when you return.
Trim lawn edges and difficult areas before leaving
A freshly mown lawn always looks much neater when the edges have also been trimmed. Before going away, it is therefore worthwhile tidying up the areas your lawn mower cannot reach, including fence lines, around trees, patio edges, slopes, garden sheds and narrow pathways.
This prevents tall grass from becoming overgrown while you are away. It also allows you to remove unwanted weeds before they produce seeds and spread throughout the rest of the garden.
For light edging work and precise finishing, a grass trimmer is ideal for creating clean lawn edges. For thicker vegetation, slopes or more demanding areas, a brush cutter provides greater power and versatility.
How should you water your vegetable garden while on holiday?
Watering the vegetable garden is often the main concern before leaving. Tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, lettuce, peppers, aubergines and young plants can quickly suffer once the soil dries out. Inside a greenhouse or raised vegetable bed, conditions can change even faster because the crops do not always benefit from rainfall and the available soil volume is often smaller.
The best solution is to deliver water directly to the base of each plant slowly and consistently. Targeted watering reduces waste, limits evaporation and prevents unnecessary wetting of the foliage. This method is particularly beneficial for crops that are sensitive to sudden fluctuations in soil moisture.
Before leaving, water your vegetable garden deeply so that moisture penetrates well into the soil. A shallow watering only moistens the upper few centimetres and is unlikely to provide enough water for several days.
To make caring for your crops easier, discover our watering solutions for vegetable gardens, greenhouses and garden plants.
Install a drip irrigation system for more consistent watering
Drip irrigation is one of the most practical ways to keep your plants properly watered while you are away. Water is delivered gradually near the roots through emitters positioned alongside your crops. Unlike traditional watering methods, this system targets only the areas where water is actually needed.
This method helps reduce water waste, prevents unnecessary watering of paths and maintains more stable soil moisture. It is particularly suitable for vegetable rows, greenhouse tomatoes, herbs and raised vegetable beds.
Before leaving, it is advisable to test the system for several days. This allows you to check that every dripper is working correctly, that water reaches even the last plants in the line and that the amount of water delivered matches the needs of your crops.
The Palram 10-metre drip irrigation kit with 16 drippers and pressure regulator allows you to organise precise watering inside a greenhouse, vegetable garden or raised beds. It gradually delivers water directly to the base of your plants and simplifies irrigation during hot weather.
Mulch the soil to retain moisture for longer
Mulching is a simple task that can make a significant difference before going on holiday. It involves covering the soil around your plants with a protective layer of organic material. This layer reduces direct exposure to the sun and slows down water evaporation.
Mulched soil generally stays moist much longer than bare soil. Mulch also helps suppress weed growth, allowing you to return to a cleaner vegetable garden after your holiday.
You can use straw, dead leaves, dried grass clippings or suitable wood chips. The mulch should be spread around the plants without being placed directly against the stems. The soil should also be thoroughly watered before applying the mulch.
If you have hedge trimmings or small branches available, our garden shredders allow you to recycle green waste into useful mulch for your garden.
Use rainwater to secure your garden watering
Harvesting rainwater provides a valuable reserve for your vegetable garden, flower beds, potted plants and greenhouse crops. Before going on holiday, a properly installed rain barrel can supply additional water while reducing your dependence on mains water.
This stored water can be used with a watering can, a hose or, depending on your installation, a suitable water pump. The system should remain stable, properly covered and protected from debris. It is also advisable to check the available water level before leaving to ensure the reserve will be sufficient throughout your absence.
Discover our rain barrels for storing water for your garden. When water needs to be transferred or pumped from a storage tank, our water pumps make garden irrigation much easier.
How should you prepare a greenhouse before going on holiday?
A greenhouse requires special attention before you leave. Since it protects crops from rainfall, the plants inside depend almost entirely on the watering system you have installed. Temperatures can also rise extremely quickly during sunny weather.
Before leaving, make sure your greenhouse can be properly ventilated. Roof vents, ventilation openings and doors should all operate correctly. Depending on the weather forecast and the security of your property, leaving suitable openings can help prevent excessive heat build-up.
Plants should be spaced sufficiently to allow good air circulation. Damaged or diseased leaves should be removed to minimise potential problems while you are away. Climbing crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers should be securely tied to their supports.
Installing a drip irrigation system is particularly beneficial inside a greenhouse. Since rainfall cannot compensate for missed watering, consistent irrigation becomes essential. Always test the installation before leaving and ensure every plant receives sufficient water.
If you would like to create a protected and better organised growing area, explore our range of garden greenhouses for tomatoes, vegetables, herbs and young plants.
Prepare raised vegetable beds before your holiday
Raised vegetable beds are practical, accessible and attractive, but they can dry out much faster than crops grown directly in the ground. Before going away, it is therefore important to check soil moisture at depth and properly protect the soil surface.
A deep watering followed by mulching helps retain moisture for much longer. Overcrowded plants can be thinned out to reduce competition between crops. Vegetables that have reached maturity should be harvested before departure to prevent spoilage or unnecessary strain on the plants.
A drip irrigation system can be installed along each row so that every section of the raised bed receives a regular water supply. It is always better to test the installation several days before leaving rather than setting it up at the last minute.
To create a neat and well-organised growing area, discover our raised vegetable beds for vegetables, salads, herbs and young plants.
Store your garden equipment before leaving
Before going on holiday, take a few minutes to store all your gardening equipment properly. Tools left outdoors can deteriorate due to bad weather, rust or prolonged exposure to the sun.
Clean your lawn mower, brush cutter, hedge trimmer, chainsaw and garden tools before storing them in a dry, secure place. Fuel-powered equipment should be checked to ensure there are no leaks and that it is stored according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Garden hoses should be rolled up to prevent kinks, while electrical extension leads should be protected from moisture. Outdoor furniture cushions are also best stored in a dry location or inside a weatherproof storage box.
A garden shed provides the ideal solution for keeping all your equipment protected while you are away.
Harvest mature fruit and vegetables before leaving
Before your departure, harvest any fruit and vegetables that have reached maturity. Tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers, beans, strawberries and many other crops continue ripening even when left on the plant. Harvesting them prevents unnecessary waste and allows the remaining fruit to continue developing under better conditions.
Removing overripe produce also reduces the risk of attracting pests or encouraging fungal diseases during your absence. At the same time, remove damaged leaves and any vegetables showing signs of disease.
Secure young plants and potted plants
Young plants and containers are particularly vulnerable during hot weather because their limited volume of soil dries out much faster than garden beds. Before leaving, group your pots together in a partially shaded location to reduce evaporation.
Water them thoroughly before departure and, if possible, connect them to a drip irrigation system or ask someone to water them once or twice during your absence. Mulching the surface of the pots also helps retain moisture for longer.
Don't forget your garden furniture and outdoor accessories
Strong winds, summer storms and prolonged sunshine can damage certain outdoor items. Fold parasols, secure lightweight furniture and store anything that could be blown away by the wind.
Barbecues, outdoor kitchens and pergolas should also be checked before leaving. Close protective covers properly and make sure all equipment is clean and safely stored.
If you have a children's play area, inspect swings, slides and accessories to ensure everything is secure before your departure.
Checklist: preparing your garden before going on holiday
Before leaving, make sure you have completed the following tasks:
✔ Mow the lawn without cutting it too short.
✔ Trim lawn edges and difficult areas.
✔ Programme your robotic lawn mower if you have one.
✔ Water the vegetable garden thoroughly.
✔ Test your drip irrigation system.
✔ Apply mulch around vegetables and flowers.
✔ Ventilate the greenhouse correctly.
✔ Harvest ripe fruit and vegetables.
✔ Store tools and garden equipment.
✔ Secure garden furniture and outdoor accessories.
FAQ – How should you prepare your garden before going on holiday?
Should you mow the lawn before leaving?
Yes, but avoid cutting it too short. A slightly higher lawn withstands drought better and stays greener during hot weather.
What is the best watering solution while you're away?
A drip irrigation system remains one of the most effective ways to provide water gradually and directly to the roots of your plants.
Should you water deeply before leaving?
Yes. A deep watering allows moisture to penetrate much further into the soil than a light surface watering.
How can you prevent a greenhouse from overheating?
Ensure adequate ventilation, test your watering system and avoid leaving overcrowded vegetation inside the greenhouse.
Can a robotic lawn mower maintain the lawn while I'm away?
Absolutely. Once programmed, it continues mowing regularly throughout your holiday and helps keep your lawn looking neat.
Is mulching really useful before going on holiday?
Yes. Mulch significantly reduces evaporation, keeps the soil cooler and limits weed growth during your absence.
Preparing your garden before going on holiday requires only a few simple tasks, yet they can make a tremendous difference when you return. A properly mown lawn, an efficiently watered vegetable garden, a well-ventilated greenhouse and carefully stored equipment will allow you to enjoy your holiday with complete peace of mind.
To help you prepare your garden for your next holiday, discover our complete range of garden equipment for lawn care, watering, greenhouses, vegetable gardens and outdoor maintenance.
