What's the best way to care for indoor plants while I'm away?
-- Jean S., Parma, OH
Before you leave, give them a good watering (but don't drown them). If your bathroom has natural light, place large pots and planters in the tub in several inches of water. Cover each plant with a clear plastic dry-cleaning bag to create a terrarium effect. Or, try a wicking system: Put plants on the floor (with a plastic drop cloth underneath them) and set a bucket of water on a crate or chair near the pots. Cut lengths of unwaxed cotton wicking (available at craft stores) or 100 percent cotton rope to span between the plants and the bucket. Soak the wicking first, then place one end in the bucket of water and stick the other end deep into the soil. Repeat with each plant (use more than one rope to water large plants). If you have special or rare plants, ask a neighbor or friend to check them every couple of days.