How to Move Garden Plants

If plants are not growing well in a certain area, or if you want to rearrange your landscape, you may need to move plants. Many plants can be moved easily and can adapt to new soil fast. Others may need additional plant food or water to help them grow in the new spot.

1. Determine the best time to move the plant. If the plant is a woody plant, such as a bush or shrub, it should be moved early in the spring before it begins to flower or bloom. Perennial flowers should be planted in the spring or early fall. Plants that bloom in the fall should be moved in the spring or summer.


2. Give the plant plenty of water the day before you plant it. Plants that do not have adequate water will not survive being moved.


3. Trim or prune the plants before moving them. This keeps them from having to pump water to tall or dead parts of the plant, which helps save water for the parts that need it.


4. Dig a hole in the new location. The hole should be a few inches larger than the base of the roots. Add a small amount of water to the hole. Place the plant in the hole, and fill in dirt around the roots.


5. Water the plant again to make sure the soil is thoroughly saturated. Add plant food to the soil to help provide nutrients to the plant. Some plants may have a difficult time adapting after they have been moved, and plant food gives them a boost.