February 26, 2010, Newsletter Issue #433: Transplanting Garden Plants

Tip of the Week

Relocating perennials in the fall is easy. Be careful not to lose too much of the soil around the root ball to help eliminate transplant shock. Dig around the entire plant and then slide the root ball onto a tarp. Fold the sides of the tarp around the roots and lift the tarp up to move the plant to its new location. This helps you keep the root mass intact and minimizes shock, which ensures successful transplanting.
 


 


 
You do not have to wait until fall to move plants that are not thriving. Fall is the best time to move plants, but if you are willing to water more frequently you can move them, even in mid-summer.
 


 


 
If it is time to divide your perennials when you move the plant, then go ahead and do so. You will know when it is time to divide them when they start taking over other plants, when the center of a plant looks weak, or when blooms are smaller than they have been in previous years. Ideally, you should divide your plants while they are still dormant. Spring blooming perennials are best divided in the fall. Mid-summer or fall blooming perennials should be divided the next spring.
 


 


 
When dividing perennials you can either plant the divisions someplace else in your yard or pot them up to offer at plant swaps or to give to other gardeners. Another option is to offer them for sale. This can help you make some extra money to use for new plants, garden ornaments or other things that you may want.

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