Transplanting garden plants is one of the most common gardening tasks, but it can also be one of the most stressful for both the plants and the gardener.
If you dont know what youre doing, transplanting can easily damage your plants—and even kill them.
Thankfully, with a few simple steps, you can transplant potted plants without killing them or causing any lasting harm to their roots.
Moving plants from one location to another can be quite stressful for the plants. If not done properly, transplanting or moving plants can damage their root systems and even kill them.
However, with some planning and preparation, you can move potted plants or an entire garden successfully to a new home. In this comprehensive guide, I will provide tips and step-by-step instructions on how to move plants without killing them
When is the Best Time to Move Plants?
The season and timing are critical factors when moving plants. Here are some guidelines on ideal conditions:
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Spring and fall are the best times for transplanting when temperatures are mild Avoid summer heat or winter cold
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If moving in summer or winter is unavoidable, take extra precautions to protect plants before, during and after the move.
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Give plants a few weeks to acclimate to new location before temperature extremes hit.
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The best time of day is early morning or late evening when sun is not intense.
Preparing Potted Plants for Relocation
Properly preparing container plants ahead of time will help reduce transplant shock:
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Water plants thoroughly 1-2 days before the move so they are well hydrated.
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Prune away any dead or damaged branches and leaves to reduce stress.
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Check for and treat any pests or diseases so they don’t spread to the new location.
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Repot rootbound plants into larger plastic containers for easier transport.
Handling Potted Plants With Care
When moving potted plants, special care must be taken:
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Water on moving day but don’t soak soil completely. It should be moist, not soggy.
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Place pots in boxes or bins with packing material to cushion them during transport.
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Keep plants out of direct sun and avoid hot spaces like closed car trunks.
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Unpack pots quickly at destination and situate in optimal growing location. Water immediately if needed.
Digging Up Established Garden Plants
For transplanting plants grown in the ground, proper technique is important:
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Water soil thoroughly 2-3 days prior to digging. Moist, not muddy soil.
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Dig around drip line instead of plant base to get wide root ball and minimize damage.
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Keep root ball intact when lifting out of ground. Place in bucket or burlap, cushioned with mulch.
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Avoid exposing bare roots to sun/air. Transplant quickly.
Transplanting Technique at New Site
How you replant the plants is critical for survival:
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Prepare new holes first and water holes before planting.
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Carefully place root ball in hole, disturbing roots as little as possible.
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Backfill with soil, tamping down gently but firmly to remove air pockets.
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Water transplants thoroughly after planting to settle soil and eliminate air pockets.
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Provide shade from sun for a few days until plants adapt.
Post-Transplant Care
After moving, plants need extra care while adjusting:
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Water more frequently, about every 2-3 days, until roots establish.
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Apply transplant fertilizer to reduce shock and stimulate new growth.
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Monitor for transplant shock (wilting, leaf drop) and address issues promptly.
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Check routinely for pests/diseases and treat quickly before spreading.
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Avoid fertilizing or pruning for 3-4 weeks after moving to allow recovery.
With proper timing, preparation, handling, and aftercare, you can move plants successfully into their new home without the transplanting process killing them!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Plants
What is the best way to move plants long distance?
For long distance moves, transport plants in a climate controlled vehicle you control, like your own car. Pack them very securely and unpack immediately upon arrival. Shipping plants professionally is another option. Avoid moving trucks.
When should I transplant plants?
Spring after the last frost and early fall prior to cold weather are ideal times. Avoid mid-summer heat or when ground is frozen solid in winter.
How long can plants survive without water when moving?
Most plants can go 1-2 weeks without watering, but soil should be moist when transplanting. Water thoroughly after transplant and regularly while establishing.
Should I prune plants before moving them?
Prune dead or damaged branches a few weeks prior to reduce stress. But avoid major pruning right before or after moving.
What’s most important when moving plants?
Keeping the root ball intact with minimal disturbance to the roots during digging, transport and transplanting is critical. Protect those fragile root systems!
Key Tips for Moving Plants Without Killing Them
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Plan moves for spring or fall when temperatures are moderate.
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Prep plants by watering, pruning and treating pests/diseases beforehand.
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Handle potted plants with extreme care when transporting.
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Dig up garden plants properly to keep root balls intact.
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Transplant quickly into pre-watered holes at destination.
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Provide attentive aftercare while plants establish in new location.
By following these guidelines, you can feel confident in relocating your plants to any new landscape without harming them in the process. Pay close attention to their needs at all stages, and you’ll have happy, healthy plants thriving in no time at their new home.
Prune off one-third of the root ball.
When youre transplanting, prune off one-third of the root ball. This will ensure that your plants root systems dont get damaged.
You should also make sure that your pot is bigger than the root ball; otherwise, youll end up with a very crowded and compacted root system, which can lead to stunted growth over time.
The key here is to make sure that the soil around the roots is loose (not root bound) enough for them to spread out easily once they start growing again.
Make sure that the pot you’re using can drain easily.
If youre transplanting a houseplant into a container with drainage holes (and you should be), make sure those holes are large enough for water to flow freely through them without getting trapped inside the pot.
You should also make sure that you eliminate air pockets and use a fresh soil mix.