TRANSPLANTING PERENNIALS AND SHRUBS
There may be several reasons to move plants, flowers and shrubs to another part of your property—perhaps you are building a garage, planning some landscaping to enhance the perceived value of your home, or maybe you’re moving from one home to another, and you want to transport a few sentimental plants.
No matter what the inspiration, there’s planning afoot. Considering how much time, toil and expense you invested in your current garden, you’ll have to do the same for transferring your plant babies to a similar situation to ensure a long happy life.
Depending on the time of year you are moving (winter is out, of course), but Spring and Fall are the best times. Summer can be too hot to effectively move plants without drying them out in the process. If you are moving, make sure the new owner realizes you are taking some plants with you.
Careful preparation of the soil—essentially recreating the conditions the plants have been thriving in, is important. Investing in some quality sheep or cow manure (depending on what you are planting), quality soil, peat, compost and fertilizer that matches your plant needs will help prevent shock.
Bushes, shrubs and trees don’t do well being moved in winter either. Fall and Spring are highly recommended for the best time, but if your later summer is wet with lots of rain, it may be safe enough to move that favourite lilac.
Digging deep is the key to keeping as much soil around the plant or tree as possible. Think of it as a protective layer that the plant has deemed a comfort. Get as much of the roots as possible, as cutting them off can create great shock and can kill the plant quickly, even if you plant them immediately in the new space.
You can place the bottom of plants in plastic bags with lots of soil, moistened with water. You can also place plants in pots with plenty of room and dirt. Large plants, shrubs and trees, best to wrap the root ball and as much soil as possible in burlap for the move, or in pots. You’ll probably have to lie them flat for transport, so ensure the base is supported so the pressure isn’t left on the branches near the top.
Before you plant your transplanted items, check them for damage and distress (droopy leaves). Cut off broken branches or leaves with clean garden shears. The faster you plant, the better the plant has a chance to survive. Oh, and try and plant on a cloudy day—it helps take the heat off the plants and preserves moisture better.
Just like a human patient, plants that get transplanted need extra care. Use fertilizer designed to assist with new spaces, water frequently and keep an eye on their progress. To help keep moisture in from watering, pile a four-inch layer of low acid mulch around the base.
If in doubt, contact a garden center for advice before and after your move. The help is free and they can make recommendations for supplements and give you information about specific sensitivities, which will save you grief later.
Have more questions about your yard and garden? Contact the team at All Things Are Possible Ltd. at [email protected].
