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| Plants & Vans |
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| Moving your plants on the van with your
household goods can be
challenging due to cold and heat and lack of light. Plants are shipped
on the van at the owner’s risk. |
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Plants can also delay a cross border move.
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Moving Your Plants
How to Prevent Shock
Most plants are prone to shock when moved. Creating a
comfortable
microenvironment for the plants to weather the trip can minimize shock.
If you are moving in the winter, ensure that all plants
are on the dry side on moving day by watering them for the last time
two or three days before the move. If you are moving in summer, water
the plants well on the morning of the packing day and let excess water
drain away.
Temperature
It is easier to insulate plants from cold than to protect them from
heat. If you are taking them with you in the car, transport them inside
the passenger area. If you have to use the trunk, cover the tops of the
boxes with blankets to insulate them from heat or cold. If you leave
the car, park in a sunny spot and close the windows in the winter. Park
in the shade and leave the windows slightly open in the summer. If you
are staying in a motel, bring the plants into your room at night.
Two
or Three Days Before the Move
Water plants for the last time if you are moving in the winter.
Line packing boxes with plastic bags so moisture will not seep through
and weaken cartons. Cut several holes about the size of a quarter in
the lid and sides of the carton to ensure good ventilation and avoid
excessive moisture. Mark the carton "This Side Up" and
"Plants-Fragile".
The
Day Before the Move
In summer, water plants well in the morning. Construct protective
funnel-shaped sleeves out of heavy paper. They should be the height of
the plant and the diameter of its pot. Place the sleeve around the
plant, making sure the foliage is gently folded, and tape it firmly.
Stake larger plants carefully and tie their foliage if necessary. Place
plants of similar size into the carton. Leave enough space between the
lid and the top of the highest plant. Pad the pots well so they
won’t
jar against each other. Use a lot of cushioning paper.
On
Moving Day
Place newspaper (damp in summer, dry in winter) loosely around the
tops of the plants. Close the lids and fasten with tape. If you are
taking the plants in the car, make sure the movers know they are not to
be loaded into the van or container. Load the plants into the car at
the last minute. Make sure they won’t be crushed or tipped
over.
At
Destination
Move the plants into the house as soon as possible and open the
boxes. Leave the plants inside the boxes for a few hours to minimize
shock. Later in the day, unpack and water them. Place plants in
locations similar to the ones they were used to at origin, but do not
place in direct sunlight until one or two weeks after the move. Shock
can cause leaves to yellow and drop. Do not be alarmed; this is normal
and should not last. Altitude, air, water quality and moisture content
may be quite different in your new home and some plants may have to be
repotted into a heavier or lighter mix. A local horticulturist will be
able to advise you.
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