Some growing plants can be moved in the garden during their winter dormancy. Find out how and why gardeners move and transplant plants in October.
Why should gardeners move and transplant plants in autumn?
Typically, I choose to transplant and move my plants in autumn after the first hard frost, as it is proven to be the optimum time to do so. This is because most plants become dormant in preparation for winter, thanks to cooling temperatures. Deciduous plants can be relocated anytime between October and mid-March. However, I suggest only moving evergreen examples in October or late March when the soil is warmer.
Plants going dormant simply means they no longer focus their energy on any growth above the ground. Instead, they concentrate on root development, making this the perfect time to help them establish in a new position.
There are a few reasons why your plants may need to be moved. This could be because areas of your garden have become overcrowded, leading to less healthy plants with fewer blooms. Also, your garden environment may have changed, or you may even be moving house and want to pot up your plants to take with you.
Other plants moving or nearby construction may have altered how sunny various parts of your garden are. Despite the reason, making sure moving your plants is seamless and carried out properly, should lead to healthier plants in the future.
Preparing the ground
Trees and shrubs that have been established in your garden should only be relocated if necessary. Larger plants that have been in place for a long time may not be suitable for moving. The damage to their long-existing root systems may be too much to recover from. However, there may be several reasons why this needs to happen in your space. Just be wary that some plants like roses and magnolias don’t like having their roots disturbed and may struggle to reestablish.
If you have decided to move your trees or shrubs, there are a few things you need to do to prepare the ground. Because you’re going to be moving a lot of heavy material, the AMES Tools Carbon Steel Digging Spade will ensure the job is easier. Thanks to the larger pan, and the Comfort Step foot tread, you will be able to pierce the soil and lift large quantities with each pass.
Make sure the new hole is large enough to take the spread of the roots and add at least 30cm. Backfill with some garden compost and organic matter, particularly if you have poor soil. Watering the new spot too will also be beneficial once your plant is in position.
Lifting trees and shrubs
I suggest you water the soil to guarantee your plant has plenty of moisture the day before positioning. This will also make digging into the soil much easier. Then, figure out the general spread of the roots by doing some careful digging work. I suggest using an AMES Tools Carbon Steel Border Spade, as the narrower blade will allow you to more carefully explore the area and avoid damaging the roots.
Once you have excavated the root area, make sure you dig widely around the base. This will give you plenty of room to lift the plant without damaging the root system. Also, have a sheet of polythene or an old blanket nearby. Using your AMES Tools Digging Spade, push it clearly underneath the root ball of the tree or shrub.
Then, using the long handle, lever down to lift it out of the ground, and slip the polythene or an old blanket underneath. This will make it much easier to move your tree or shrub, particularly if it is quite heavy. Plus, it will reduce the risk of damaging the roots whilst moving the plant.
Transplanting trees and shrubs
Next, you want to move your tree or shrub into its new spot. Once it is in the hole, you will have a much clearer vision of whether you need to dig more space, for either the width or height of the root ball. You could lie a stick across the new hole to indicate whether the stem is too high or low in position. Also, you can refer to the old soil mark remaining on the stem of the plant.
Finally, firm your tree or shrub into its final position, using either your shoe or the back of one of your spades. You should aim to remove any air pockets in the planting hole.
Make sure you water it in thoroughly, and apply a thick layer of mulch, either from garden compost or bark chips. This will help the soil to retain moisture, plus it will suppress weeds, helping to keep them at bay.
How to move perennials
Perennials are much smaller and easier to move, but you still need to be aware of their root, rhizome, bulb or similar spread under the ground. You may find after digging around your plant that it may be the right time to divide and replant them in several positions.
This is great for summer-flowering perennials rather than spring-flowering perennials, which are best divided during the summer months. Just ensure your plants are not still flowering when moving, as this can put it under stress and reduce its chances of success when moved.
Similarly to when moving trees and shrubs, dig around your perennial to get an idea of its underground root system. If you are handling smaller perennials, an AMES Tools Hand Trowel made with Carbon Steel is well-suited for the task. With the pointed blade making piercing compacted soil much easier, it should be all you need to excavate your perennials.
Dividing perennial plants
Once removed from the soil, do any necessary division depending on the type of perennial you are growing. For most perennials, this should be done every few years, to avoid congestion and to improve health. Lift them gently, and remove excess soil as carefully as you can, to avoid damaging the roots.
Firstly, plants with fibrous roots can be pulled apart, or levered apart with two garden forks, back to back. Alternatively, perhaps take a sharp knife to separate the clumps. If your plant has a woody crown, or fleshy roots, using a sharp knife is best.
Transplanting your perennial plants
Once you have appropriately divided your plant (if necessary), now is the time to reposition them. If you haven’t divided your perennial, just make sure you loosen the root ball, tidying up the roots to help them to spread.
Dig a hole in the garden slightly larger than the root ball of your plant. Aim to make sure the diameter of the hole is approximately 15 cm wider than the original width, and 15 cm deeper than the roots. This extra room gives the roots more space to spread out and establish effectively.
Position it in place, ensuring the height of the soil mark on the stem is level with the top of the hole created. Backfill it in with fresh compost, patting the soil down using your hand trowel to remove any pockets of air and ensure it is level with the surrounding earth.
Give your transplanted perennials planted of water once in their new position, and some organic mulch will help reduce water loss and weed growth. Keep an eye on the soil of your transplanted perennials too, using your finger to test the moisture of the soil. You don’t want your plants to dry out whilst they are still getting established.
By using AMES Tools and the right practice, moving and transplanting plants around your garden will be a much easier process. Make sure you transplant any necessary plants now, for a thriving and happy garden next year.
