Summer is never the best time to move or transplant garden plants. However, sometimes you have no choice but to move your plants during the hot months.

Here are some tips on how to transplant:

1. Water the garden plants to be transplanted the day before you do it. This insures that the whole plant will be hydrated, leaves and all, when it’s time to transplant.

2. Transplant when it is overcast or during the cooler evening hours.

3. Water the plant immediately before digging or removing from its pot. Soak the root ball so that the soil will adhere to the roots, when it is dug from the garden.

4. Never leave the roots exposed to sun, heat or wind. Don’t remove all plants from their pots and place them in the garden. Remove just prior to planting.

5. Water the hole before you place the transplant into it.

6. Place the transplant into the hole and fill it halfway with water. Allow the water to settle the soil around the roots and then finish filling the hole

7. Once again, water the whole plant, leaves and all.

Check the plant daily for the first couple of weeks. Transplants will need watering every day, if not more. If it is wilting, water the plant. Depending on the weather and the plant, you may need to water twice a day until it becomes established.

– Rebecca Cole, On The House