Winter Transplanting

Winter is the most favorable time of the year to relocate existing plants. Keep these basic guidelines in mind for most transplanting situations.

Timing – Mild temperatures mean less stress on the plant, giving it a better chance of survival. Prepare the planting area and soil.

Digging – Make your planting hole about twice as wide and same depth as the root ball.

Planting – Trim or pull apart matted or tangled roots within the root ball and trim roots so they fit nicely withing the planting space. Also, lightly trim the top of the plant to compensate for the missing roots.

Filling – Fill the hole with the original soil, keeping it the same level as surrounding soil.

Finish with a thorough watering and about 2 inches of mulch to help conserve moisture and reduce the need to water as often.

Related Posts

The principles of pH

By Miguel Rios. Ever had trouble growing vegetables or struggled with plants not reaching their true potential? You may have labored to achieve perfect watering...

Primrose: A Summer Sleeper

By Kevin Pride, SAWS Conservation Field Investigator. Though it’s less common than winter dormancy, some plants — like pink evening primrose — snooze over summer...

Propagating Agave Pups

By Carlos Paris. If you have a mature agave, keep an eye out for little offshoots — aka “pups” — popping up. These small succulents...