Design for absence
February holidays coincide with peak heat in much of New Zealand. Gardens fail when irrigation was never tested, neighbours were never asked, or thirsty crops filled every pot. Plan absence two weeks ahead — not the morning of departure.
Before you leave
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Deep soak and mulch two days prior
Stress-test timers — run full cycle while you watch each zone.
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Write a one-page map
Tap locations, timer buttons, tank pump switch, who to call if water stops.
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Ask a specific neighbour
One task: “Check tank Sunday” beats vague “water if needed”. Leave a gift or trade harvest.
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Harvest or remove doomed crops
Lettuce in full sun without irrigation will bolt — pick clean or accept loss.
Low-tech backup
Ollas, wicking beds, and grouped shaded pots survive better than scattered containers on north-facing decks.
Tank users
Ensure pump auto-start works; leave fuel or power backup instructions. Rural blocks: know days of supply at current draw.