HELP! Shipping Tips For Live Plants?

[injunjoe]

I am getting a box ready to ship.

I have never sent nor received plants before.

I have an idea of what to do but can anyone help me out here so they arrive alive.

Thanks; Joe

 

[Greensage45]

Hey there,

Sorry if I am late. I am surprised that no one else has responded yet.

I guess several factors can be present. I am going to go over those that I can think of.

If the plant you are shipping is potted. Shipping soil is such an expense. You can pull a plant and break away a large portion of the soil and then slip this into a plastic baggy; then twisty-tie to the base of the plant, leaving the leaf part exposed but supported by crumpled newspaper or packing peanuts.

If it is a cutting without roots, you can lay the piece on some wet newspaper and then fold this over and then insert into a baggie, then put into the box supported by dry material like peanuts or crumpled newspaper.

If this is a cutting that can hold its moisture, such as a succulent, then no moist paper is needed and no baggie either; just simply support/suspend the cutting in some crumpled newspaper or packing peanuts.

Once you're are done, before your final taping of the box, give it a good shake; see if you can move the item or dislodge it in the paper. This will give you the confidence that some postal Gorilla wont destroy your hard work.

OK, I think that is it. This is a good time for shipping because most places are now going to experience a considerable drop in temps soon. I would be a bit more apprehensive with shipping during the hottest months.

I am sure there are other ways that would prevent problems. Some established/potted plants will stress over the loss of soil removal in order to reduce shipping weight, but you can help by doing the soil removal a few days prior to shipping so you can 're-perk' the poor thing up before boxing it.

Goodluck,

Ron

Oh yeah, did I forget to send you my address too? LOL

 

[injunjoe]

Thanks Ron You covered almost all the things I have in mind to ship.

I got a fixed rate box, I think I can get a half a garden in 'er! (That's me packing the box)

I had a nice rain again today, so in the morning I will start collecting.

I walked my gardens today in the rain and looked on as," hey this must go in that box!"

Oh and yes you did forget to send your address!

 

[chills]

sorry i'm no help, i just go to home depot .. never a delivery to my house ..

 

[Lavender2]

I've shipped lots of live plants for trades and prepare them similar to how Ron described. I also wrap the roots with moist paper towel to keep roots moist and prevent wet soil from leaking out, then place root ball in plastic bag. A trick to make them easier to pack... roll the plant up in newspaper 2-4 sheets, making like a tube, to help support and protect the leaves and stems.

I have also used water/soda bottles to pack small plants or divisions. Cut the bottom off, 3" or so, wrap roots in moist paper so it fits snug in the bottom of the bottle. Place the top back on, adjust to the height of the plant. Leave the cap off for air. This works well for shipping single plants as it can be shipped in a padded envelope.

One of the most important things you've already got covered... always ship priority, it will get there in 2 days, well most of the time.
Oh, and I try to remember to label the plants.

 

[injunjoe]

Thank you for the tips.

 

[HiDelight]

what a terrific thread you guys! I have learned tons if I had not read this I would have just shoved plants in a box lined with news paper tossed dirt on top and crossed my fingers ..seriously that is how I thought I would do it!


excited row