You’ve arranged to board the dog, stopped the mail and the paper, now you’re packed and ready to head off for a well-deserved vacation. But wait, what about your lawn and garden? Here are a few tips for keeping your yard in shape while you are away.

Mow the lawn before you go. Your lawn will be more healthy and able to withstand a dry period if you keep the height of your grass between 2” to 3”. A 2 to 3-inch high cut makes your lawn look fuller, feel softer, and helps keep it healthy. Taller grass shades out pesky weed seeds and keeps them from getting established. In addition, a taller lawn is better able to absorb sunshine and better able to retain moisture, the two main contributors to a healthy lawn. Water your lawn thoroughly before you go. Your lawn needs an inch of water per week to stay healthy. If you’re going to be away for more than a week, arrange to have a neighbor or a lawn care company mow your lawn while you are away.

Use soaker hoses and timers to water your planting beds. You’ve put a lot of time and money into your garden; don’t let it dry up in the summer sun. If you have an irrigation system, ask your maintenance company to check the system while you are gone to make sure it’s working properly. Conversely, if we have a rainy period, make sure your downspouts and drains are clear and your irrigation system’s rain sensor is working.

Care for your container plants: Soak them thoroughly a day before leaving. Drain excess water from saucers below pots. Group plants on pebble trays or double-pot plants and put them in a shady spot where they will need less water.

Garden supply stores and catalogs offer hose timers, gravity-fed drip systems for containers, self-watering planters, and a plethora of other gadgets and gizmos to keep your plants alive while you are away. Be sure to test your system out for a few days before you leave to make sure it works the way you want it to, and ask a neighbor to check to make sure it is working during your absence. If you don’t have an obliging neighbor to look after your yard, consider hiring a landscape company to perform your chores while you are away. That way you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about your plants at home. Have a great trip!