If you’ve recently decided to live in a different state, congratulations on the huge milestone! While long-distance moving comes with challenges, everyone has to tackle them; this includes moving your belongings, hiring professionals, setting up a new home, and more.
Some might have pets they must bring along, while others carry heavy-duty equipment, but we’ll focus on phytophiles who love their gardens and don’t want to leave their beloved plants behind.
If you’re wondering whether you can make it long-distance with your plants, this guide will help you navigate the entire process from uprooting to replanting.
Can You Move Plants Long-Distance?
Simply put, you can move long distances with your plants, but certain situations may prevent you from doing so.
Here are four reasons why bringing your plants along might become more complicated than it seems:
- Too Many Plants: Every move is only as big as the moving van you rent, so if you don’t have enough space, you might want to prioritize more important items; this means you’ll have to leave some plants behind.
- Plants’ Age: Mature plants, especially those ten or older, will not easily adapt to new soil. You can still try, but it’s risky because these plants are too old to adjust and may not survive.
- Legal Restrictions: Most states allow plants to be moved if they’re in sterilized potting soil, but some have legal guidelines that might require an inspection due to best control or local bans on specific species.
- Climate Difference: Suppose you have plants acclimatized to the coastal region; moving them to a place with harsh winters can kill them. For example, if you’re moving from Florida to Chicago, plants like petunias, hibiscus, begonias, and dahlias won’t withstand the freezing temperatures.
Preparing For Moving Your Plants
You can’t simply pull your plants out and send them on their way. Here are the three crucial stages before your plants set off on their journey:
Uprooting And Packing
Water the soil just enough to moisten the roots before you start uprooting. With a sharp shovel, dig out a circle around the plant, carefully keeping as much soil as possible around the root ball to prevent damage. Next, wrap a damp burlap sack around the root ball and place it in a planter or any sizable container.
The size of your plants will determine how you pack them for the journey. A large plant will need its foliage wrapped in protective paper or newspaper and require rigid protection. For small plants, you can purchase a bin and use it to carry multiple small plants. Just ensure they’re not stuffed and have enough ventilation to make the journey.
Safe Transportation
Plants can be tricky to move, so it’s best to keep them close and under supervision. You’ll have to move them in your car.
However, if doing it yourself is not an option, here are three alternatives you can consider:
- Professional Movers: Discuss your concerns when hiring a moving company and assess their customer reviews to determine whether they’ll do the job correctly. You can choose their specialized services to ensure everything is handled with care.
- Shipment Companies: Mail carriers like the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, and UPS allow you to mail plants across states. However, beware that the shipment can take a while, which could cause your plant to wilt or even die.
- Take A Flight: This is more of a last resort, and you can only take a few small plants in one go, but you can bring plants on a flight in your check-in and carry-on luggage. Check the TSA and your airline for any specifications or guidelines.
Resituating In The New Garden
Now, it’s time to unload and replant your green babies. To ensure the entire trip is successful and your plants are safe, keep these things in mind when resituating in the new garden:
- Unwrap and unload your plants as soon as you reach your destination. The longer they stay cramped or in contact with other moving items, the more likely they will be damaged.
- Prep your new garden by choosing a spot for your plant beds, removing weeds, and working the soil for regular plants. For bigger ones, install tree root barriers to protect patios, sidewalks, and property lines from root damage.
- Maintain a similar planting environment to the previous one because this helps your plants adapt better. For instance, keep the potted ones in the same-sized pots and find a spot for those planted on the ground.
Tips For Long-Distance Travel With Plants
While short moves with plants are relatively straightforward, long-distance travel is a different ballgame. These are some tips to consider when moving your plants over large distances:
- Pack your vehicle strategically. Plant pots tightly to prevent them from being thrown around, but the tops must be free and have enough space.
- Water plants in advance. Succulents or cacti will be fine even if you don’t water them during a move, but it’s important to water regular plants to prevent damage lightly.
- Remove dead leaves or pests. A few weeks before the move, check your plants for wilted foliage or pest attacks; pruning beforehand ensures the plant remains healthy and in good condition during the move.
- Control light exposure. Excessive sunlight is bad, but not for many days, and it is even worse. So, ensure they’re placed away from direct sunlight and give them a few minutes daily in the sun.
- Temperature control. If the move takes a few days, leaving the plants in a van or truck means prolonging their exposure to heat and stuffiness, so consider airing the space out when you stop.
Parting Thought
If you are worried about leaving your cherished plants behind, these tips will help you bring them along and share the joy of moving to a new place with your garden. Follow the steps carefully, plan ahead, and keep an eye on any plants that need special attention.