You've invested time and money in your plants and flowers. Be sure they're still thriving when you get home.

Give indoor and outdoor plants a good soaking before you leave.

Move indoor plants out of direct sunlight, and group them together in one cool, medium-light area to cut back on their water needs.

Move outdoor potted plants out of direct wind and sun.

Lay a coarse mulch on beds and borders.

If you'll be gone for more than a few days and you don't have a plant sitter, try DriWater Gel Pacs ($2 each, www.driwater.com for store locations) or Water Maid Wicks ($2.50 for five, 800-343-8114, ext. 20) to keep indoor and outdoor potted plants watered for up to a month.