Transplanting Plants for Optimum Growth
Whether working with front or backyard plants, you might find yourself with an abundance of a certain kind that you want to move. Some plants do extremely well being moved and others will die. Therefore, it is important to understand the right way of transplanting plants so they will grow healthy and strong.
The cooler weather and fresh spring rains can add to the success of your transplanting project. If you live in a milder climate area successful transplanting can be done almost any time of the year. But in the harsher climates where there is the transition from a cold winter, mild spring, to a hot dry summer, springtime is the best.
Plants for Different Locations
You may have plantings in your front entry garden that need transplanting and you were hoping to put the transplants in the backyard or back patio area. If you live in a mild climate this may work well, but if you live in an area where the backyard receives lots of hot sun, a plant moved from the shade will not survive in the direct sun.
First, find the perfect location for your transplanted plant, then prepare the area. Have the hole ready and fresh soil on hand to gently pack your front or backyard plants into place. Be sure to keep the root ball intact with a small amount of soil while moving it to its new home.
With transplanting plants, a good rule to follow is that for every one inch of stem caliper, you need about 12 inches of root ball. While some people worry about cutting some of the roots, it will not hurt. Just be sure the roots are not cut shorter than the one inch of stem caliper to 12 inches of root ball guideline. If you do this, you will rejuvenate the plant with what is called pruning of the roots.
Once you have the front or backyard plants roots cut, lateral roots will grow. These new roots are extremely fibrous, which makes them capable of absorbing nutrients and water quite well. Once the plant is in the ground in the new location, you will find the new lateral roots actually produce a much healthier and stronger plant.
Starting Rock Plants from Transplants
Most rock plants have delicate root systems. Care needs to be taken when transplanting. They are accustomed to a large amount of drainage. For the best results they need to be moved to a location with a similar drainage situation.
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