Transplanting Plants Takes Care

For the most optimum growth, transplanting plants can often be necessary. If you have a potted plant, there may not be any soil left in the container, only roots. Some plants become too crowded in the garden and may need to thinned out.

When it comes to transplanting plants, the best time of year is during the spring, while the plants, trees, or shrubs are still dormant. If the plant has already come out of winter hibernation, trying to transplant them can work but it puts a tremendous stress on the plants, which is why they will usually die if moved too late in the year.

Plants for Different Locations

Remember, front and backyard plants will become dormant during the fall when the weather goes through a hard freeze. Perennials will stay dormant in the ground until spring. You want to make sure the leaves are not open and out, a sign that transplanting plants is too late. However, if there are green and swollen buds that have not changed into actual leaves, then transplanting is fine.

When separating the plant or digging up a whole one for transplanting, try to keep the root ball nicely packed in a small amount of soil. Whether they are front or backyard plants, have the new space properly prepared before moving the transplant. Fresh potting soil with a fair amount of nutrients will insure their survival.

A healthy root system is vital to successful transplanting. While a certain amount of pruning of the roots is good, too much may kill the plant. A small stem with a bit of fresh growth with a large root area is best. Too much growth on top and a small, weak root will not do well.

To aid in the root growth of your new transplant, prune a small amount of the roots before planting. The cut ends will be able to take in nutrients from the new soil and new roots will sprout from the cut ends produce new growth in the stem system above ground.

Transplanting Rock Plants

Now, if you want to consider rock plants for transplanting, you may find that you have to move the rocks to get enough of the root so the existing and cut plant to move is not damaged. Sometimes, rock plants will wrap the root around the rock or deep underneath so you will need to make sure you can gain proper access to get enough of the root or consider some other types of front or backyard plants to transplant.