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.

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.

Plants for Different Locations

You may have plantings in your front entry garden that need transplanting and you were hoping to put the transplants in the backyard or back patio area.  If you live in a mild climate this may work well, but if you live in an area where the backyard receives lots of hot sun, a plant moved from the shade will not survive in the direct sun.

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.

With transplanting plants, a good rule to follow is that for every one inch of stem caliper, you need about 12 inches of root ball.  While some people worry about cutting some of the roots, it will not hurt.  Just be sure the roots are not cut shorter than the one inch of stem caliper to 12 inches of root ball guideline.  If you do this, you will rejuvenate the plant with what is called pruning of the roots.

Once you have the front or backyard plants roots cut, lateral roots will grow.  These new roots are extremely fibrous, which makes them capable of absorbing nutrients and water quite well.  Once the plant is in the ground in the new location, you will find the new lateral roots actually produce a much healthier and stronger plant.

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.

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