Gardening with Daddy Pete: Preparing Your Garden Before Going on Vacation - Ep. 134 - June 11, 2026

Summer trips are easier when your garden is set up before you leave. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York and Jay York share practical ways to protect your garden before a vacation, so you can come home to healthy plants instead of a mess. They cover watering plans, soaker hoses, drip irrigation, shade cloth, mulching with straw, weed control, and insect scouting before you hit the road. The focus is simple, keep your garden alive, keep fruit and vegetables producing, and protect the time and money you've already put into it. If you grow tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, green beans, herbs, or raised-bed crops, these tips can help you leave with more peace of mind. You'll also hear advice on:  * preparing your garden a week before you leave  * using timers and irrigation to save water  * why harvesting ripe produce matters before a trip  * how straw helps lock in moisture and cool the soil  * what to check for when you scout for pests and egg sacks Melvin and Jay also talk about the value of local garden centers, independent stores, and passing gardening knowledge on to neighbors, family, and friends. That community mindset is part of what Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser® is all about. If you're headed out for a beach week, a long weekend, or a family trip, this episode gives you a clear plan for getting your garden ready first. Visit the website, listen to past episodes, ask a question, and sign up for the monthly newsletter at https://www.daddypetes.com  If this video helps, like, subscribe, and share it with another gardener who's planning a summer trip. #GardeningTips #VacationPrep #RaisedBedGardening #DaddyPetesPlantPleaser #GardenCare