How to move plants when shifting house

Many families in Lucknow have balcony gardens of tulsi, money plants, aloe and flowering pots. We do not carry flower pots or plants in our vehicles: pots break in transit and plants are damaged under other goods. Here is how to move them yourself.

Local moves

For moves within Lucknow, take plants in your own car or a separate small vehicle you arrange, on the day of the move or a day earlier.

1. Water them two days before the move, not on moving day; wet soil is heavy and messy.
2. Prune dead leaves and tie up long stems.
3. Move plants from heavy clay pots into plastic pots if possible.
4. Stand pots in an open carton packed with newspaper so they cannot tip.

Long-distance moves

Plants cannot travel with your household goods, and a long road journey is too much for most of them anyway. For intercity moves:

• Carry a few small favourites in your car or as hand luggage.
• Take cuttings of money plants and other easy plants in damp tissue and a bag.
• Give the rest to neighbours, friends or your society's common garden.

Moving between states

Some states check plants and soil at borders to stop pests spreading. Keep plants to a few pots for personal use.