How to Move Garden Plants

Move plants to achieve a pleasing garden design.

Gardeners move garden plants for a number of reasons -- to redesign a flower garden, to prevent overcrowding, to group plants with similar care practices next to one another, or simply to bring along a favorite plant when changing households. Gardeners are familiar with the common practice of transplanting seedlings and other plants started indoors in pots to the garden outside. Moving garden plants that have already taken root outdoors entails a similar process with a few extra steps included.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Spade or shovel
• Hand spade
• Fabric row cover or homemade plant shelter

1. Choose a time to transplant. Move woody plants when they are dormant, early in the spring before bud break or in the fall after leaf drop and before the ground freezes, North Dakota State University Extension recommends. Move perennials in the spring or early fall when the temperature is cooler and the plants are using less water. Utah State University Extension advises that fall bloomers should be moved in the spring, and that in general, perennials should not be moved while they're blooming.

   The best time of day to move a plant is in the late afternoon or early evening, after the brunt of the sun's heat has passed. Avoid windy conditions, which can dry out roots if they're exposed too long during transplanting, the Weekend Gardener Monthly Web Magazine recommends.

2. Water the plant thoroughly the day prior to transplant. This ensures the plant will be fully hydrated for the move.

3. Cut back the tops of perennials you're moving to reduce transplant stress. The plant doesn't have to work so hard to take up water and can put its energies into establishing itself in its new spot, according to Utah State University Extension.

4. Dig a hole for the new plant using a sharp, full-size spade. The hole should be slightly larger than the roots of the plant. Poke and turn the soil at the bottom of the hole with a hand spade so the plant's roots have an easier time becoming established after the move. Water both the plant and the hole immediately prior to transplantation and allow to drain.

5. Dig up the plant, getting as much of the root ball as possible while being careful not to damage the roots. The roots of a plant are typically about the same width as the visible portion of the plant. Water the plant's root ball once it is free of the ground.

6. Center the plant in the new hole as quickly as possible to prevent exposure to the elements. Water the hole halfway and allow the liquid to drain into the soil. After you get the plant in the hole, step back and take a good look to be sure it's situated properly before you add the soil.

7. Pack loose soil around the plant's root ball. Work in a small amount of well-aged compost or other organic material around the drip line if desired. Do not add a rapid-release fertilizer as this will spur the plant to growth at a time when it is already stressed from transplanting. It needs to apply its energies to root growth in its new location.

8. Water the plant and the soil around the plant thoroughly. Add a layer of mulch to help regulate soil temperature and ease the plant's transplant shock. For example, a 4-inch to 6-inch layer of organic mulch can reduce water needs by as much as half, according to the Arizona University Master Gardener program, both by reducing evaporation from the soil and smothering weeds that might compete with the transplant.

9. Water the plant frequently, keeping the roots moist without waterlogging the plant. Protect it from direct sunlight and wind to prevent wilting. The University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension suggests using a fabric row cover, available at most gardening supply stores, a windbreak of evergreen prunings or a milk jug with the bottom removed, depending on the size of the plant.

References

• Super Eco: How to Transplant Garden Plants
• The Weekend Gardener: The Best Time to Transplant Plants
• North Dakota State University Agriculture: Transplanting Trees and Shrubs
• University of Nebraska Lancaster Cooperative Extension: Transplant Care for Garden Plants
• University of Arizona Master Garden Manual: Transplants for the Garden
• Utah State University Extension: Fall's the Best Time to Move Perennials