Transplant shock is the most common issue gardeners experience with new plantings. Thankfully for all of us, it can be mitigated with a few straightforward practises.

Transplanting (moving a plant to a new location) is disruptive to a plant’s growing cycle, as it must adjust to new soil, light, and wind conditions as well as different moisture and nutrient levels. Many plants also depend upon a delicate symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizae (a beneficial fungus) present in the soil. When we pull a plant out of a pot or the ground, we often disrupt this relationship. Finally, sometimes the thin, fibrous roots responsible for the uptake of water and nutrients are damaged or allowed to dry out during the transplanting process, reducing the plant’s ability cope in its new location.

Transplant shock presents itself in a number of ways. With many plants, a common symptom is the drooping or browning of leaves. The plant may appear to be in constant need of water even though the soil around it is saturated. It might not grow at all over the first year of planting, or it might only push out tiny, sparse foliage.

Follow these simple tips to mitigate lasting damage from transplant shock, and ensure a healthy plant for years to come:

1. Try to transplant when the plant is still dormant (when it is showing no signs of active growth). Otherwise, transplant early or late in the season when the weather is cooler.

• If you must transplant in the hotter months, do so early in the morning or late in the evening.

• Once the plant is removed from its original location, immediately plant it in its new location – depending on the temperature, some roots may dry out in as little as three minutes.

• If your plant has been growing in a pot, gently pull apart and reposition any roots that are encircling the main mass of roots before planting it.

• Use a liquid or water soluble 5-15-5 transplant fertilizer during the first year. This will encourage the plant to push out new roots.

• Water your new planting frequently, but not too frequently – if the soil is dry a few inches below the surface, it’s time to give it a drink.

• New plantings often don’t have an extensive root system, and can’t take advantage of rainwater like older plants, so ensure you check it for water even if it recently rained!

• Do not prune back the top of the plant to try and reduce the plant’s water needs; there is no evidence that this actually helps.

Looking for more tips? Check out our planting and watering guidelines to ensure you give your plants the best start possible!