Decide what genuinely needs attention
List the plants and systems that require care during the absence. In a UK or Irish garden, rainfall forecasts are not a substitute for checking covered pots or recently planted areas. Separate essential tasks from jobs that can wait until you return.
Make the route simple
Group compatible containers where practical and show the caretaker the water supply, equipment and access points. Label plants that need a different routine. Avoid instructions such as water everything generously: describe what to inspect and where drainage or overflow could cause trouble.
Test equipment beforehand
Run timers or irrigation while you are still home and check the results. Leave a contact for problems and agree what the caretaker should do if a fitting leaks or a system stops. Equipment should support observation rather than remove the need for it.
Practise a complete visit
Ask the caretaker to carry out the routine with you watching. Correct confusing details and leave a short written version with keys and contact information. If animals are kept, provide a separate species-appropriate care plan and reliable daily cover; plant-watering instructions are not enough for animal welfare.