Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them. – Liberty Hyde Bailey
Move it or lose it. That's the only time garden plants should be moved in the heat of summer. If you have to transplant, here are a few guidelines that will help them survive.
- The Day Before
Make sure the plant is well hydrated by watering it well the day before. - Water Again Before Digging
Water again just before you begin digging, soaking the root ball so soil will stick to the roots. Move as large a clump of root soil as possible keeping the root ball intact during the move with a bag or tray. - Do It When It's Cool
Do your transplanting in the cool of the day. Evenings are best. The plant will have a cool night to help retain moisture. Mornings and overcast days are also better than the heat of the day. - No Dry Roots
Make sure the plant's roots are not exposed to direct sunlight to prevent them from drying out. Also, prepare the planting hole before digging out the plant to complete the transplant quickly. - The Planting Process
Water the planting hole well before you place the transplant into it. Then fill the hole halfway with water, allowing the water to settle the soil around the roots before you finish filling the hole. - The Final Touches
Finish the transplant by lightly firming the soil around the transplant and watering well again. Then cover with 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch to conserve moisture and cool the soil. - The Week After
The week after the transplant is critical to the plant's survival. If possible, shield it from direct sun and water once or twice a day to keep the soil consistently moist but not marshy.
It may seem like overkill, but by following these few steps, your chances of a successful summer transplanting will improve significantly.
Work in the fall will bring healthy, flourishing plants in the spring. Read "Fall Landscape Tips" here.
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