How To Prepare Plants for Moving

True, your plant may not be a pet, but you've protected and cared for your plant since it was just a sprout. It has provided green pleasure for quite awhile now, so when you heard it was time to pack up and move, you had no intention of leaving it behind.

Before you load that quiet friend into your back seat:

1. Consider the environment. Don't assume you are the only one who feels the stress of moving. The smaller the plant, the more sensitive it will be to relocation. The longer the move, the greater the risk to the plants health. Temperature and climate will also be a key factor to its survival. If you are moving from Washington to Texas or Florida to Minnesota, the climate extremes may not be compatible. The better choice may be to give your treasure to a close friend or appreciative neighbor.
2. Consider the legalities. This applies in two areas. If you are in the process of selling your home, write into the buyer’s contract that specific plants will be removed from the yard. In real estate, shrubs planted into the ground are considered "permanent fixtures" and it could be a deal breaker if you move a plant without a buyer’s agreement.

   Also, there are states (Arizona, California, and Florida) that have strict agricultural restrictions. It would a sad day, if after going through all the steps to prepare your plant for the move, you have to abandon it at some roadside border patrol.

3. Prepare your plant for moving. Once you've done the research, you can start preparing your plant for the move. A week before the move, inspect your plant carefully. Look for any signs of aphids and mites. Consider pruning to minimize the bulk. Take the plant out of its pot, preserving the root ball, and place it loosely in a soil prepared container, being sure to keep the dirt MOIST.

   The night before the move, gently wrap damp newspaper around the roots of the plant and tenderly bubble wrap the leaves to protect it from breakage.

   On the day of the move, prepare plants for the journey by placing them carefully into some sort of container. Cardboard is fine. Don't pack them in too tight.

4. Keep them alive during the trip. We now shift from how to prepare plants for moving to how to keep them alive until you arrive. Water is the key here. Be sure they remain spritzed and moist, not soggy. Be aware of the temperature in the vehicle and try to keep the move to less than four days.

Have a nice trip!