All About Packaging Plants for Shipping

By threegardeners
November 9, 2011

There eventually comes a time when you want to share your plants with someone in another state, province, or country. This is a tutorial showing one of the best ways to package your plants, ensuring that they will make it to their destination in one piece.

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Nov 8, 2011 6:21 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Lin Vosbury
Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)

Region: Ukraine Region: United States of America Bird Bath, Fountain and Waterfall Region: Florida Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Birds Butterflies Bee Lover Hummingbirder Container Gardener
Lee Anne: Thank you for this wonderful tutorial! That is the best plant packing I think I've ever seen! Although I haven't traded/shipped plants in a long time I did use paper towel rolls cut down the middle when I was shipping small plants a few years ago. I hadn't thought of the cotton balls to keep soil intact and that's a great idea! I am *starring* this great tutorial for future reference!
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~ I'm an old gal who still loves playing in the dirt!
~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot!


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Nov 8, 2011 6:23 PM CST
Name: Lee Anne Stark
Brockville, Ontario, Canada (Zone 5a)
Perpetually happy!
Keeps Goats Forum moderator Frogs and Toads Tip Photographer Keeper of Poultry I helped plan and beta test the plant database.
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Critters Allowed Cottage Gardener Charter ATP Member Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Region: Canadian
I tip my hat to you. Big Grin Lovey dubby
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Nov 8, 2011 6:30 PM CST
Plants Admin Emeritus
Name: Evan
Pioneer Valley south, MA, USA (Zone 6a)
Charter ATP Member Aroids Irises I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Tropicals Vermiculture
Foliage Fan Bulbs Hummingbirder Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Composter Plant Identifier
Great job Lee Anne. This one gets tagged.
Avatar for Dutchlady1
Nov 8, 2011 7:07 PM CST

Plumerias Photo Contest Winner: 2015 Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Garden Ideas: Master Level Forum moderator
Region: Florida Cat Lover Garden Sages Cactus and Succulents Tropicals Hosted a Not-A-Raffle-Raffle
A good system but more than this is needed when shipping large plants. One of the main things is to secure the plant inside the box so it doesn't move around (and maybe adding a stake). But keeping the soil in the pot will ensure less stress for sure, unless you ship bareroot, which is how I usually package my plumeria plants.
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Nov 8, 2011 7:18 PM CST
Name: Lynn
Oregon City, OR (Zone 8b)
Charter ATP Member Garden Sages I helped plan and beta test the plant database. I helped beta test the Garden Planting Calendar I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Database Moderator
Forum moderator I helped beta test the first seed swap Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Plant and/or Seed Trader Garden Ideas: Master Level
Wonderful tutorial Lee Anne. I will be starring this one also for hand referral. Thumbs up
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Nov 8, 2011 7:51 PM CST
Name: Ann ~Heat zn 9, Sunset
North Fl. (Zone 8b)
Garden Sages Region: Ukraine Native Plants and Wildflowers Xeriscape Organic Gardener I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Garden Ideas: Master Level Butterflies Charter ATP Member Plant Identifier Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Dog Lover
It's starred. Perfect. Thank you Lee Anne!
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown
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Nov 8, 2011 8:14 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Lin Vosbury
Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)

Region: Ukraine Region: United States of America Bird Bath, Fountain and Waterfall Region: Florida Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Birds Butterflies Bee Lover Hummingbirder Container Gardener
I ship bare root mostly but with the exception of Gesneriads (African Violets and others in that family) - I like to ship them intact in their little pots soil ... they seem to be less stressed upon arrival when shipped in that manner.
~ I'm an old gal who still loves playing in the dirt!
~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot!


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Nov 8, 2011 9:54 PM CST
Name: Allison
NJ (Zone 6a)
Charter ATP Member Forum moderator I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Dog Lover Hummingbirder Container Gardener
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Region: New Jersey Seed Starter Garden Ideas: Level 1
great tips... I have come to love glad press & seal for a replacement for the plastic bag.. it sticks to the pot and does not come off.. until peeled .. great stuff
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Nov 8, 2011 11:58 PM CST
Name: Sheila F
Fort Worth TX (Zone 8a)
Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Tip Photographer Region: Texas Butterflies Garden Art
Ponds Dog Lover Hummingbirder Birds The WITWIT Badge Region: United States of America
Great information and step by step pictures! I haven't shipped but a few items and always struggled with how to secure them. I will be a lot more confident with your information at hand.
Avatar for Dutchlady1
Nov 9, 2011 4:10 AM CST

Plumerias Photo Contest Winner: 2015 Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Garden Ideas: Master Level Forum moderator
Region: Florida Cat Lover Garden Sages Cactus and Succulents Tropicals Hosted a Not-A-Raffle-Raffle
The Press&Seal is my friend too Smiling
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Nov 9, 2011 4:42 AM CST
Name: Ann ~Heat zn 9, Sunset
North Fl. (Zone 8b)
Garden Sages Region: Ukraine Native Plants and Wildflowers Xeriscape Organic Gardener I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Garden Ideas: Master Level Butterflies Charter ATP Member Plant Identifier Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Dog Lover
I agree Glad Press & Seal works great!
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown
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Nov 9, 2011 6:15 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Lin Vosbury
Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)

Region: Ukraine Region: United States of America Bird Bath, Fountain and Waterfall Region: Florida Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Birds Butterflies Bee Lover Hummingbirder Container Gardener
I ship bare-root and use the press & seal too. I wrap the roots in a moist paper towel and then wrap the press and seal around the paper towel to hold the moisture in. The heavy paper or cardboard tubes protect the stems and leaves of small plants from being broken during shipment.
~ I'm an old gal who still loves playing in the dirt!
~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot!


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Nov 9, 2011 6:17 AM CST
Name: Carole
Clarksville, TN (Zone 6b)
Charter ATP Member Garden Sages Plant Identifier I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! I helped plan and beta test the plant database. Avid Green Pages Reviewer
I helped beta test the Garden Planting Calendar Garden Ideas: Master Level Cat Lover Birds Region: Tennessee Echinacea
A good method, Lee Anne. It's always a relief to open a box and receive a well-packaged and protected plant. It's amazing how much protection cardboard and newspaper can afford to plants during shipment.
I garden for the pollinators.
Last edited by SongofJoy Nov 9, 2011 6:20 AM Icon for preview
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Nov 9, 2011 7:54 AM CST
Name: Michele Roth
N.E. Indiana - Zone 5b, and F (Zone 9b)
I'm always on my way out the door..
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Forum moderator Garden Sages Garden Ideas: Master Level Dog Lover Cottage Gardener
Native Plants and Wildflowers Plant Identifier Organic Gardener Keeps Horses Hummingbirder Hosted a Not-A-Raffle-Raffle
Very well-done, Lee Anne! Thumbs up

Lots of helpful information here. Thank you!
Cottage Gardening

Newest Interest: Rock Gardens


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Nov 9, 2011 10:09 AM CST
Name: Julia
Shepherdstown WV (Zone 6b)
Clematis I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Daylilies Hummingbirder Irises Region: New York
Seed Starter Vegetable Grower
Thank you for sharing . Very informative and a good way to keep the soil from spilling out. Thumbs up
Julia
Shepherdstown WV
Zone 6b
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Nov 9, 2011 10:55 AM CST
Name: Becky (Boo)
Phoenix, AZ 85022
finding joy one day at a time!
Charter ATP Member Forum moderator I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Garden Art Purslane Garden Ideas: Master Level
Region: Southwest Gardening Enjoys or suffers hot summers Region: United States of America Birds Hummingbirder Container Gardener
Thanks Lee Anne for a timely and easy way to ship plants. GREAT visual aids too! Hurray!
ALL THINGS PLANTS ~ Garden Art ~ Purslane & Portulaca ~
MY CUBITS ~ Trust in the Lord ~
MY WEB SITE ~ Joyful Times Today
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Nov 9, 2011 11:01 AM CST
Name: Maridell
Sioux City IA (Zone 4b)
enjoy the moment
Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Tip Photographer Cat Lover Garden Ideas: Level 2 Region: United States of America
Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge)
I have always wondered about this. I have never sent a plant in the mail but now I have a great reference should I decide to in the future. Thanks!
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Nov 9, 2011 2:29 PM CST
Name: Rick Corey
Everett WA 98204 (Zone 8a)
Sunset Zone 5. Koppen Csb. Eco 2f
Frugal Gardener Garden Procrastinator I helped beta test the first seed swap Plant and/or Seed Trader Seed Starter Region: Pacific Northwest
Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Avid Green Pages Reviewer Garden Ideas: Master Level Garden Sages I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! I helped plan and beta test the plant database.
Great tip! I starred it, too.

Once I got some tiny plants from an online vendor, where the soil was held in the 2" pots by a thick mat of moss and some grass growing in each pot. There was so much moss and grass that you could hardly see the baby Lavatera.

I was never sure if that was just someone being sloppy about putting overgrown plants into pots, or a clever scheme to hold the soil in place. Since they also seem to have mislabeled the Lavatera, I'm betting on "sloppy". Hirt's Nursery.

One thing I've noticed about receiving bare root plants with roots wrapped in paper towels - the more expensive paper towels with good wet strength produce a much more stable package, hold more water without dripping, and are also easier to unwrap.
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Nov 9, 2011 9:41 PM CST
Name: Allison
NJ (Zone 6a)
Charter ATP Member Forum moderator I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Dog Lover Hummingbirder Container Gardener
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Region: New Jersey Seed Starter Garden Ideas: Level 1
Randy is my packer when shipping plants... he tapes the packages to the bottom of the box as well.. nothing shifts then
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Nov 10, 2011 1:00 AM CST
Name: June or Nancy-June o
Fort Leonard Wood, MO (Zone 6a)
Charter ATP Member I sent a postcard to Randy! Garden Art Roses Region: United States of America Container Gardener
Tropicals Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Hummingbirder Birds Orchids Region: Texas
Great tutorial and Perfect Timing! I am packing out tomorrow and will use your tips to help my poor plants make this move Thumbs up

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