Transplants

[ferrisbueller]

I've a few plants in my garden that are now beginning to overgrow others around them. How viable is it just to dig them up and move them elsewhere? Would they survive the move?

[Engineer1]

As a none gardener I would say what have you got to lose? It all depends on what you are planning to do about them being too big, if you move them and they survive then great, if they die then they where in the way anyway.

[Shaolin]

Yes it's possible, dig as big a root ball out as you can (lots of soil and little visible root) and have the new hole all ready to drop them straight in. A plastic bag/sheet could be used around the root ball to keep it intact during the move. Water them well in and keep an eye on them for a while afterwards in case they wilt.

[bleesh]

My S-i-L moves plants around all the time in her garden, at all times of the year too - has not lost many at all, despite the experts' opinions that the plants will all die!

[racing green]

Moving plants around is often not a problem, especially as we have just had a good bit of rain and some more due on Tuesday. The thing is to understand the mechanics of plants. The roots take in water and by lifting a plant damage is done to the roots and their ability to provide water. Three steps are than needed for succesful transplant - 1 try to lift the plant with as much soil around the roots as possible to minimise damage to the roots. 2 If damage to the roots is unavoidable then balance this by cutting back some of the top growth to balance the damage. A plant with lots of top growth but little root will loose water very quickly without being able to replace it so judicious pruning will be required. 3 Watering thoroughly and until the plant shows signs of new growth will be required. Of course if there is lots of rain then let nature help you out. If however tyhe job can wait then best leave it till late September/October when the soil is still warm but the temperatures lower. Do try to get the job done by December when it gets colder.

[ferrisbueller]

Thanks all.