Moving with Plants

Unless you have a special attachment to your plants, you might want to consider gifting them to a friend and buying new ones at your new home, especially if you are traveling a very long distance.  Consider also that some states and countries will not allow the transportation of plants across their borders.  But if your plants are part of your family and you cannot leave them behind, then you'll need to take some steps to maximize your chances of a successful transfer.

• Transplant your plants to plastic containers to avoid worrying about the heavy fragile pots breaking.  Since transplanting can cause trauma, this is best done well before the move to give your plants a chance to settle in before they have to travel.
• Cut your plants back, if possible, to avoid having long ends which can be easily damaged.
• Talk to your neighborhood garden center or florist about which plants you want to move and ask them for their ideas on how to protect them in transit.  They may also provide special containers designed just for this purpose.
• Water plants thoroughly and allow time for them to drain.
• Select tall, narrow boxes to protect the plants and conserve space, cutting holes in them to allow air flow.  Wedge the plant boxes firmly inside an open carton, to prevent them from sliding around. 
• Protect the bottom of your transportation vehicle with a water-proof mat or piece of plastic.
• Give your plants lots of TLC when you arrive at your new destination.

If you have favorite outdoor plants that you prefer not to dig up and take with you, you can always take a cutting.  Make sure you get started in plenty of time before the move, so the cuttings have a chance to take root.