Give Your Plants Room to Grow

When we first plant up our gardens, everything looks neat and full of promise. But as plants mature and spread, things can start to feel a little crowded. Not only do they compete for light and space, but we also lose the chance to fully appreciate their shape and beauty.

Sometimes, after a couple of years, we may also find that a plant just isn’t happy where it is — perhaps it’s too shaded, too dry, or simply not thriving. That’s when it’s time to move it.

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plants and shrubs grow and although they may have looked perfect when you initially planted them, add they get bigger they can become crowded. Not only is this not good for the plant’s, we don’t get to appreciate them in their full glory either. The end of autumn is the perfect time to be doing this, when the plant is leading into dormancy and the ground is wet #gardening #gardeningtips #gardeninghacks

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The best time to move plants is during the wet season — ideally from late autumn into winter — when most plants are dormant. This gives them time to recover from any root disturbance before they begin growing again in spring.

When lifting a plant, try to dig up as much of the rootball as possible. No matter how careful we are, we’ll never get all the roots, and the plant will experience some stress. Once you’ve chosen the new spot, dig a hole that’s a good bit larger than the rootball. Loosen the soil around the edges and mix in some compost. This helps ensure the surrounding ground isn’t too compact and makes it easier for new roots to grow into their new home.

Step outside, reshape, and let your garden breathe again

If you know that you’ve lost some roots during the move, it’s best to cut back some of the foliage too. It may feel harsh, but it really helps the plant survive. Fewer leaves mean the plant needs less water, allowing it to focus on growing new roots instead.

That’s why we move plants during their dormant season — they’re not putting energy into new leaves or flowers, so they can concentrate fully on recovery underground.

A little care and patience now will reward you with healthier, happier plants — and a garden that continues to thrive.

Happy gardening! 🌱