Garden Landscaping - Transplanting Tips and Techniques
Sometimes to maintain or improve the health of one or more of your plants, transplanting
becomes necessary. It can be a delicate procedure, as
different types of plants require different strategies. Learning some basic tips and techniques
for your specific plants can help you
complete the job safely and efficiently.
With all plants, the best time to transplant is when the plant is least active. If a flower is in
the process of performing a natural
function, such as blooming, it is not the best time to consider transplanting.
The late summer months of August and September are the best times to transplant most
perennials, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. Great care should be taken when digging up
and replanting during these times, since it can still be very hot in some regions. Allow the
plants to
absorb as much moisture as possible by sufficiently watering them the day before replanting.
The first step is to clear approximately a one foot diameter of soil from around the base of
the plant. Next, slant down and continue to
remove soil until you reach the roots. Whenever you dig up a plant, be very careful to avoid
damaging the root system. Fastening your perennials to a stake during transplanting is a good
way to avoid breaking or cracking the stems if they should fall over.
Make sure all of the roots are free of the soil before gently lifting the plant straight out of
the hole. Always lift from the base of the
plant while keeping the top balanced to avoid damaging it. Once you’ve successfully removed
the plant from the hole, gently clear away the
remaining soil from the roots.
Replanting should be done in a watered hole that is approximately the same size as the one
it came from. The water should be allowed to absorb
into the soil before placing the plant in the hole. After the water has settled, place the plant in
the hole and fill in with the proper
mixture of soil and fertilizer. Different plants require different amounts and types of fertilizer.
Manure-based fertilizer, compost and pellets
are the most common.
Your plant should remain at the same depth that it was in the old hole, even if a portion of
the roots are exposed. They may not be able to
get the proper amounts of moisture, air and heat if they are buried too deep.
If you’re transplanting on a sunny day, be sure to do it either early in the morning, or
during the evening hours. Transplanting in direct
sunlight and hot temperatures is not healthy for you or the plant.
Be sure to water the transplanted plant well after you have it firmly in place.
Not all plants can be transplanted at the same time of year. Each species has it’s own set
of guidelines. Do your homework and be sure you are
doing what’s best for your particular plant. If you do, you greatly increase your chances of
successfully moving your plant while also
keeping it healthy.
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