Top News

Gardeners planning to go away this spring are being told not to leave their plants unattended without first arranging one key thing: watering support. Former senior royal gardener Jack Stooks, who worked for King Charles for more than two decades at Highgrove House, says holidaymakers should make sure someone is lined up to water their gardens before they travel, especially as warmer weather begins to dry out pots and increase plant stress.

Speaking ahead of National Gardening Week (April 27 - May 3, 2026), Mr Stooks explained to Smooth Spins Casino that people often underestimate how quickly conditions can change in spring, even after a run of sunny days.

Mr Stooks said: "If you're going away on holiday, and you know that certain plants need watering, try to find a friend or neighbour and ask them to come and water your plants maybe at least once."

He added that gardeners should make the task as easy as possible for whoever is helping.

Mr Stooks said: "Perhaps put all the plants into a shady area in the garden and put your hose there. That way, you're making it as easy for the person visiting to be able to water those plants."

Mr Stooks warned that failure to plan ahead can lead to unnecessary damage, particularly with pots and young plants. These dry out faster than established garden beds. He said gardeners should avoid creating problems for others by leaving plants in difficult-to-reach areas or forgetting to prepare equipment.

The expert gardener added: "Then you don't feel bad asking them again," pointing to the importance of simple preparation before going away. Beyond holiday planning, Mr Stooks stated gardeners should not be misled by brief spells of warm weather.

Mr Stooks said: "Even though it's hot, we still have cold nights," warning that frost can still appear unexpectedly in spring and damage tender plants if they are moved outside too early. He also highlighted a common mistake: assuming plants are safe once temperatures rise.

He said: "We've had a few days of nice weather, but people will forget and they think 'We've got this amazing weather. All our plants are fine now, we can just leave them be.' But you might still get a massive frost."

That risk is especially high for seedlings and plants moved from glasshouses without being properly hardened off. Mr Stooks also pointed to other seasonal pressures gardeners are facing, including fast-growing grass and rising pest activity. He said lawns should be cut regularly, taking off "a bit each week," while weeds should be tackled early by hand or hoeing where possible.

On pests, he said slugs and snails are currently the biggest issue, recommending organic approaches over chemical pellets. Aphids are also increasing, particularly in glasshouses, where Mr Stooks suggests biological controls or soap-based sprays instead of pesticides that could harm bees and birds. But his central warning for gardeners heading away remains simple: don't assume spring warmth means plants can be left alone.

Without arranging watering in advance, even a short holiday can undo weeks of gardening work. Mr Stooks clarified that early communication with neighbours is the best way to ensure a garden survives a trip.

By preparing the space and equipment beforehand, the task becomes a minor favour rather than a chore. Mr Stooks concluded that this simple step is the ultimate insurance policy for any gardener this season.