Helpful Tips for Transplanting Plants

Transplanting Plants for Optimum Growth

You may have a plant that has outgrown its current residence or you may need to thin out another, whatever the reason for transplanting plants, care needs to be taken.  For the best results care of the root system is adamant.

In the very early spring, when plants have just barely begun to show some signs of new life, is the best time to transplant.  The new plantings can get a good start while the weather is still cool and they can be watered by spring rains.

Front and Backyard Plants

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.

Rock Plants

Rock plants that have been planted to fill in the spaces between the rocks on a garden retaining grow mostly in a mossy type soil.  They seem to do well when transplanted as long as they receive the same amount of water, drainage and are planted in the same type of soil.

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