How to Move Your Plants

With some advance preparation, you can safely transport your plants when you move to a new location.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Boxes
• Cartons
• Plastic Containers
• Old Newspapers
• Burlap
• Boxes

1. Check with the airlines about any guidelines or regulations for transporting plants if you plan to fly to your new home.

2. Check with your moving company about policies on moving plants; realize that many movers will not move plants unless the move is local or delivery is scheduled within 24 hours.

3. Keep your plants moist during transport by thoroughly watering in advance, wrapping newspaper around the pot, and placing burlap around the leaves and stems.

4. Transfer plants from breakable pots into plastic containers.

5. Place pots in a carton for easier transport.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're moving out of state, be aware that some states prohibit moving plants across state lines; check with your local florist or nursery or with the Department of Agriculture about any restrictions for your state.
• For a do-it-yourself move, avoid extreme temperature changes by transporting plants in your car instead of placing them in a van or trailer.
• Moving your plants may not be worth the hassle, so consider donating your plants to a local nursing home or giving them away to friends before you move.

[kerian47]

on 10/26/2006 i have a question as to the distance you need to plant a ficus benjamina plant from the sidewalk, foundation, seawall, or plants when you plant outside? i allready have planted 2 ficus outside by my front porch and steps/walk and they need to be moved. i need to know how far.? thanks, kerian47

on 11/22/2005 It also helps if you time their waterings so that they are at their driest. Adding water right before the move can make them much heavier and harder to carry.

on 11/22/2005 If you've got a lot of large plants and aren't moving too far, put them all in the back of a pickup truck. Drive slowly in the early morning or late afternoon. They should do quite well!