Planting and replanting

Nearly all plants grow with their roots in the soil and they therefore have a strong bond with the earth and the spot where they are standing. In nature plants are very much tied to their position. They know the conditions and are adapted to them. Change in conditions results in stress: replanting is an emotional experience for a plant. Many plants therefore need some time to recover from such an operation.

When to replant

Small trees, shrubs and perennials standing in a garden can be replanted fairly easily, provided that the roots are affected as little as possible. Replanting is best done when the plant is hibernating (from the autumn onwards) or just before the new growth begins (end of winter or in early spring). The roots then have the best chance of regrowing successfully.

What happens when a plant is replanted

• The plant needs to adjust and recover. 
• Usually the turning of the leaves towards the sun is the first thing to happen. 
  Also when a plant is replanted large numbers of tiny hair roots, which take up water and nutrients are pulled off, which causes the plant problems with its metabolism. To survive it will concentrate on rectifying this first. 
• During the recovery period other parts of the plant may be sacrificed because there are insufficient nutrients and/or water available for them. 
• The faster a plant recovers, the less risk of damage there is.

Care after replanting

• Pamper your plant!
• Keep a close eye on freshly replanted plants for a couple of weeks. 
• Give them extra water, particularly if it is dry. 
• Protect them with garden fleece if a night frost is forecast.
• Check carefully for pests and diseases, (plants are more vulnerable during their recovery period).
• Protect from strong winds.
• After a few weeks the plant should settle into its new position.

Pot-grown plants

Many garden plants - from perennials to trees - are grown in pots or containers. Because their entire root system has developed inside that pot or container, the damage which the roots suffer when they are removed from the pot and planted is minimal. They are therefore quick to establish themselves. Pot-grown plants can be planted throughout the year, unless there is a frost.

Field cultivation

Trees and shrubs are often field-grown and then supplied - for deciduous varieties - with bare roots or a rootball. To make such a plant sellable, the grower prunes, shapes and regularly ‘digs round’ round the outside of the rootball in order to keep it compact. On delivery the rootball is wrapped in sacking in order to make it transportable.