Fox Valley Area Chapter - Plant Rescue Guidelines

Preparation and Procedures

• Prepare site at home prior to dig, if possible. This will mean less work on dig day and allow prompt replanting at the new site. For a fall dig, use your vegetable garden space to heel in rescued plants for spring planting.
• Allow enough time and energy. All plants dug should be replanted promptly for best success. Sprinkle rescued plants with water if replanting cannot be done same day.
• Note soil type, exposure, companion plants at dig site and mark rescued plants accordingly. Do not try to force transplants too far from their original site situations.
• Take enough soil to disturb roots as little as possible. Put plant into plastic bag (grocery store type) so soil is disturbed as little as possible during transport. Loosely tie bag shut to help retain as much moisture for the root ball as possible.
• Water transplants regularly until established.
• After ground freezes, mulch to prevent winter heaving.

Photograph copyright © Anne Ross

What to Wear

• Long sleeves and long pants
• Sturdy boots or shoes; gloves
• Visible colors or orange safety vests if site is near busy road
• Cap with visor; rain gear, if necessary

Equipment

• Sun screen, insect repellant, drinking water, water for the plants, snacks.
• Sharp shovel, pruning shears, collapsible saw - Mark all tools with visible paint or ribbon. An unmarked tool left in leaf debris is easy to overlook.
• Plastic toboggan, saucer or rectangular laundry basket with comfortable (thick) rope handle. Wheeled carts are often clumsy and difficult to maneuver over rough terrain.
• Marking pen, plastic bags, plastic plant containers, boxes for temporary holding.
• Old shower curtain or other plastic sheeting to protect car trunk or to prevent wind damage to plants if transporting in truck bed.

Just in Case

Know what poison ivy looks like in its various forms and seasons. If you think you may have contacted it, wash exposed areas with Fels Naptha soap ASAP. If you are severely allergic to poison ivy, apply one of the topical lotions available through local pharmacies which can be applied before contact.

Be sure your tetanus booster is up to-date - repeat every 8 years.