Moving Your Plants Safely

If you're getting ready to move, and you're a plant person, there are some key steps you should take to make sure you move your plants safely.

• Prune or trim the plants a few weeks before you plan to move.
• A few days before you move, place each plant in a trash bag with some pesticide to get rid of all the bugs before you pack the plants. Make sure that you tightly seal the bag.
• The day before the move pack each plant into its own cardboard box. Use a couple boxes for each plant if necessary. Secure the plants by stuffing newspaper in the boxes.
• On the day of the move, close the boxes holding the plants that are small enough to fit all the way inside. Poke holes for air flow.
• If the plants are exposed to weather at all while they're being moved, make sure to park in the shade when you stop if its sunny and to park in the sun if its cold and cloudy.
• When you arrive to your new location, unpack the plants carefully so as not to damage the branches or leaves.
• Don't place the plants in sunlight right away. Do it gradually so the plants don't go into shock.

Be sure to handle the plants carefully and to check with local authorities if you are crossing state lines to make sure there are no rules prohibiting certain plants. Good luck!