It’s true, just because you’re moving doesn’t mean you have to say farewell to your garden.
There is actually a myriad of reasons you might want to move your garden. You might have bought a new greenhouse and want to move your tomatoes and other vegetables inside before it gets cold. Perhaps you just bought a new home and want to relocate your favorite perennials to the current landscape. Or maybe you simply want to place potted plants into the ground instead.
Regardless of the reason, you feel the need to relocate your garden. However, you should not do this without first reading about it. A garden needs to be moved in a number of steps, so get your hoes, wheel barrels, and expandable hoses ready. Let’s move!.
Moving to a new home with your beloved plants in tow can be stressful The transition from one location to another puts stress on your plants and could potentially kill them if not done properly However, with some planning and preparation, you can move your potted plants or garden successfully.
Follow this guide to learn how to move plants without killing them:
Timing is Key
The first step is choosing the right time to move your plants. Some tips:
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Spring and fall are ideal as temperatures are milder and less stressful.
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Avoid moving plants in summer heat or winter cold to prevent shock.
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If you must move in summer or winter, take extra steps to protect plants before, during, and after the move.
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Give plants a few weeks to acclimate after transplanting before extreme temps hit.
Prepare Plants in Advance
Proper preparation sets your plants up for a smooth transition:
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Water plants regularly leading up to the move day so they are well hydrated.
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Prune back any dead or damaged growth to reduce transplant stress.
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Treat pest or disease issues beforehand so they don’t spread.
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Remove plants from ceramic pots and repot into plastic pots for easier transport.
Handle Potted Plants With Care
Potted plants need some extra TLC:
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Water the morning of the move, but don’t soak the soil completely. You want the soil moist but not wet.
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Place potted plants in boxes or bins, and cushion them with packing paper to prevent jostling and damage.
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Transport potted plants in climate-controlled space, not hot car trunks. Keep them out of direct sun.
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Unpack pots quickly at the new location and situate in optimal growing spot. Water immediately if needed.
Dig Up Garden Plants Properly
When digging up plants from gardens, flower beds, or the ground:
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Water soil a few days before digging. Make sure soil is moist but not muddy.
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Dig around the outer drip line, not at the base, to get the roots but not damage plant.
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Keep root ball intact with minimal disturbance for best transplant survival.
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Pack root balls in buckets or burlap, cushioning with newspaper or mulch to protect delicate roots and foliage.
Transplant With Care at New Site
How you replant is just as important as how you dig up plants:
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Before transplanting, water new planting holes well unless soil is already moist.
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Carefully place each plant into pre-dug hole, keeping as much root ball intact as possible.
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Backfill soil gently around roots and tamp down. Leave a slight depression around base to hold water.
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Water transplants thoroughly after planting to remove air pockets and nourish roots.
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Provide shade for transplants during the first few days to protect from sun damage.
Provide Proper Aftercare
The transition period after moving requires extra attention:
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Water transplants frequently for the first few weeks until roots establish.
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Apply water-soluble transplant fertilizer to reduce shock and stimulate new growth.
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Check for pests or diseases and treat promptly before they spread.
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Monitor for transplant shock like wilting or leaf drop and remedy appropriately.
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Avoid fertilizing, pruning or repotting for 3-4 weeks after the move to allow plants to recover.
With the proper care before, during, and after transplanting, your plants can thrive in their new location. Pay close attention to their needs, and you can move plants without killing them!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Plants
How do you move plants long distance?
For a long-distance move, the best way to move plants without killing them is by transporting them in your own vehicle. Pack them securely in boxes with plenty of padding, keep them climate controlled, and unpack immediately upon arrival. Or have plants professionally shipped. Avoid leaving plants in moving trucks for days on end.
When should I move plants?
The best time to move plants is during the spring after the last frost or in early fall before temperatures drop. Avoid moving plants in peak summer or if the ground is frozen solid in winter.
How long can plants go without water when moving?
Most plants can go 1-2 weeks without water, but you want the soil moist when transplanting. Water 1-2 days before moving. After moving transplants, water thoroughly and regularly for several weeks until established.
Should I trim plants before moving?
It’s best to prune back any dead or damaged growth a few weeks before moving plants to reduce stress and direct energy into healthy areas. But avoid major pruning right before or after the move.
What is the most important thing when moving plants?
Keeping roots and soil intact as much as possible is the most critical factor in successfully moving plants without killing them. Prevent disturbing or exposing fragile root systems when digging, transporting and transplanting.
Key Takeaways on Moving Plants
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Spring and fall provide ideal transplanting conditions.
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Prepare plants by pruning, treating issues, and watering well before moving day.
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Transport potted plants carefully in cushioned boxes out of direct sun.
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Dig up garden plants properly around drip line with intact root balls.
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Transplant quickly at new location into pre-watered holes.
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Provide aftercare by watering, using fertilizer, and monitoring health.
Follow these tips for the best results moving your plants! With the proper care, preparation and handling, you can ensure your plants survive the transition and thrive in their new home.
If you are able, choose the season you move
The worst time to move a garden is in the heat of the summer. Not only is the dryness damaging to the roots, but the sun is especially hot at that time of year and direct light can cause a great deal of damage. More on this from thespruce.com:
Provided you aren’t moving into a winter wonderland, any other time is better. Of course, if you have to move your garden in the middle of summer, we will give you some safety tips along the way.
Dig up using the drip line
Now it’s time to dig up those plants. But you won’t want to dig into the base of the plant. Cutting a healthy root in half is not a good idea! Instead, use a hand shovel to dig a ring around the plant’s main stem, being careful to keep the roots in place. This is the drip line, which is where the water from your plant falls to the ground. It’s a great way to dig up plants.
For larger plants, the ring you dig around the plant should be at least 6 inches deep. If you dig around any plant, you will probably cut some roots along the way. This is okay, but make sure they are clean cuts, not torn.
Once the ring is dug, use a larger shovel (or several, for larger plants) to pop them out of place. Don’t shake or remove any soil from the root ball, since this will serve as protection. Put your plants into their transportation vehicles to get them ready for their final destinations!
