How to Care, Feed Plants When in Transit
With proper attention and care, your fig trees, ferns, cacti as well as your favorite tabby cat or puppy easily will survive any upcoming move and flourish in a new home.
Professional movers say planning can help you settle into your new home comfortably surrounded by your favorite pets and plants.
If you’re one of the 20% of Americans who will move this year, experts at Atlas Van Lines, a leading household mover, say that pets and plants deserve special care.
Plants of all types should be moved in a temperature-controlled environment, such as a car. The extreme temperatures and lack of fresh air in a moving van can be fatal to plants.
Begin preparing plants for the move several weeks in advance. Start by re-potting those in breakable pots into plastic containers, and pruining large non-succulent plants. About a week before moving day, insects and plant parasites should be removed. Use of harmful chemicals may be avoided by placing the entire plant in a plastic utility bag with a pest strip or flea collar four about six hours.
As plants are packed, they should be anchored securely to prevent sliding during transit. Place the plant in a box, making sure the base fits snugly. Punch air holes in the sides of the box, and loosely fasten the lid.
Plants will probably not need to be watered during the journey unless you’re in transit for more than four days. If possible, watering should be postponed until you’ve arrived at your destination.
Experts warn that many states regulate the transportation of certain species of plants. California, Arizona, and Florida enforce the most rigid restrictions. Information regarding state restrictions is available through the State Department of Agriculture or Department of Natural Resources
If you’re unable to take your plants along, consider taking cuttings. Placed in a plastic bag with a damp towel cuttings should survive several days of travel and be ready to take root soon after you’ve arrived at your new home.
As for your pets, they become very nervous when faced with unfamiliar situations, but you can help them stay calm and happy. Pet relocation experts say a little planning can help you make moving easier on your dog, cat or bird.
If you are very busy handling the details of your upcoming move, you might consider enlisting a professional service to take care of moving your pet.
If you decide to handle your pet’s travel arrangements yourself, plan ahead to avoid problems.
It’s important to have a sturdy, comfortable container for your pet. It should be large enough for the pet to stand, turn, and lie down, and must have good cross-ventilation and a leak-proof bottom with layers of absorbent lining. A good container will have a secure lock and should withstand bumps, jostles and falls.
