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The Stuff That’s Illegal To Bring Into New York

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The Freedom Tower. The Statue of Liberty. The City That Never Sleeps. Such are the images of possibility and promise that New York evokes.

At the same time, the state’s many strict and sometimes convoluted laws can turn your east coast dream into a nightmare in (ahem) a New York minute. To help you move to the Empire State with confidence—and without legal troubles—take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with what you can (and can’t) transport into your new home state.

New York Alcohol Laws

Generally, there are no prohibitions against transporting alcohol into New York state for your personal use. The thing to note here is that open containers are illegal in New York if they are anywhere within reach of the driver’s seat. This includes in the hands (or in the laps, or under the feet) of other passengers. 

What counts as an “open container”?

A container does not have to be open to being deemed “an open container”; a bottle that has been opened is an open container, even if the cap has been screwed tightly back on. On top of this, it doesn’t matter if the vehicle is moving or parked—the law applies at all times on all public roads (and parking lots).

Open containers are only legal to have in your vehicle if they are in the trunk or, if there’s no trunk, back behind the seat furthest from the driver. As an extra tip, we’d advise not even having an empty container in your vehicle, as that can be enough for a police officer to start asking questions and possibly perform a full DWI investigation, which is no fun even if you are sober.

New York Animal and Pet Laws

nyc laws

Like most (if not all) states, New York requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for all dogs and cats brought into New York. 

According to the state’s website, your pet’s CVI must be issued within 30 days prior to entry into New York. When applicable, your CVI must also include rabies vaccination information. In addition, New York state requires your dog or dogs to be licensed “immediately” with your local municipality.

To get your dog licensed in New York, click here.

Which animals can I bring to New York City?

In addition to dogs and cats, animals that New York City allows to be kept as pets include:

  • Domesticated rabbits and horses
  • Gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, other small animals
  • Parakeets, parrots, pigeons, canaries, hens or female chickens, other small birds
  • Non-snapping turtles larger than four inches
  • Certain reptiles
  • Honey bees

What animals can I not bring to New York City?

The list of animals that cannot be kept as pets in New York City is much longer.

Be aware that laws can differ between New York City and the rest of the state. For an exhaustive list of animals illegal to be kept as pets in New York state, check out this 25-page pdf produced by the New York Department of Agriculture. (More than half the list consists of a massive number of monkeys and snakes.) 

Some highlights of animals not allowed in New York include:

  • Black spider monkey
  • Tiger
  • Leopard
  • Coyote
  • Giant panda
  • King cobra
  • Swamp crocodile 

If you have a question about your particular pet, including your pet giant panda, contact the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets here.

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New York Firearm and Gun Laws (and Permits)

While laws can vary to some degree across the state, New York is known for having the strictest gun laws in the U.S.

Moving to New York with a gun can be tricky. If you have a permit to carry in your original state, you’ll have a grace period once arriving in New York state to obtain a New York state permit for your handgun, rifle, or long gun. But if you are moving to New York City, there is no grace period for weapons.

In other words, you cannot legally bring your gun with you when you move to New York City. 

New York Gun Permits (two permits are required in New York City)

Handguns and items that fall under the broad definition of “assault weapon” (as defined in the NY SAFE Act) are illegal to carry in New York without a permit. See that link for more details.

Specifically, in New York City, a special city permit is required on top of the state-issued permit to possess ANY kind of firearm. Long guns and rifles fall under a separate category and are, in some parts of the state, less tightly controlled. Unlike with handguns, it is actually legal to open carry a long gun in New York (though you still need a permit).

You’ll have to store it somewhere, surrender it to the authorities in advance of your move, or transfer it to someone who can legally hold onto it while you work through the process of obtaining a license to possess or purchase a handgun.

 

“…if you are moving to New York City, there is no grace period for weapons. In other words, you cannot legally bring your gun with you when you move to New York City.”

 

What is important to know if you are moving to New York is that the state does not necessarily recognize permits or licenses issued in other states. In other words, depending on your gun and your situation, New York may not care what sort of legal permission you have from your home state and declare that you are in violation of New York state or City firearms laws.

One exception is if you are legally licensed in your home state and are just passing through New York en route to another state where your firearm is legal and your permit or license valid. Even then your firearm must be unloaded and, separately from your ammunition, locked, and out of reach.

Once again, the above applies to New York state. In New York City, mere possession of a firearm requires a city-issued permit, even if you are just passing through. We suggest taking the long way around. Traffic is terrible anyway.

nyc laws

What’s the penalty for bringing a gun to New York? 

In New York, gun-related offenses can rank anywhere from a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1-year imprisonment and up to a $1,000 fine, to a class B felony, punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment.

New York Penal Code Section 265.00 and Section 400.00, along with all articles contained within, cover all you need to know. If you still aren’t completely sure how to navigate this sea of laws and you just have to bring your gun, contact the police or sheriff’s department in your new home county/municipality. If that doesn’t help you sleep better at night, get some quality legal advice. It’s better—and probably cheaper—than facing a weapons charge.

What other weapons are illegal in New York?

Aside from firearms, New York also has laws prohibiting owning other kinds of weapons.

Illegal weapons without a license Illegal weapons in any circumstance
BB guns Stun guns  Throwing stars (also known as Chinese stars and shuriken)
Paintball guns Switchblades  Various kinds of knuckles and clubs
Pellet guns Nunchucks  Slingshots

However, in 2019, the ban on certain of these, notably stun guns, tasers and nunchucks, was determined by the federal court to be unconstitutional. Yet the ban is, at the moment, still on the books. You may find resources asserting that stun guns, tasers, and nunchucks are legal in New York City, but the issue still seems to be unresolved. We suggest erring on the side of caution.

What about knives?

New York laws concerning knives are as convoluted as those pertaining to guns. State Penal Code Section 265 defines certain knives that are illegal, but in Section 265.01, it is stated that possession of “any dagger, dangerous knife…or undetectable knife with intent to use the same unlawfully against another” constitutes criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. (That’s not a good thing.)

The American Knife and Tool Institute gives a rundown of New York statutes regarding knives with several real scenarios to illustrate how the laws have played out. Of course, this all pertains to people already in New York. For someone like yourself, hauling your stuff into the state in your car or on a rental truck, just having that illegal knife or billy club may be enough to get you into hot water.

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New York Plants and Produce Laws

House plants are generally not a concern when moving to New York, unlike many other states. But there are a whole host of plants that New York regulates, or even outright bans.

So before you put those potted pets on your moving truck, check the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s list of all regulated and prohibited plant species.

Prohibited plants 

New York defines “prohibited plants” as:

“Prohibited invasive species cannot be knowingly possessed with the intent to sell, import, purchase, transport or introduce. In addition, no person shall sell, import, purchase, transport, introduce or propagate prohibited invasive species.”

Regulated plants

New York defines “regulated plants” as:

“…species which cannot be knowingly introduced into a free-living state, or introduced by a means that one should have known would lead to such an introduction, although such species shall be legal to possess, sell, buy, propagate and transport.”

TERRESTRIAL PLANTS
PROHIBITED REGULATED
Amur Cork Tree Fly Honeysuckle Mile-a-minute Weed Black Locust
Amur Honeysuckle Garden Loosestrife Morrow’s Honeysuckle Burning Bush
Autumn Olive Garlic Mustard Mugwort Chinese Silver Grass
Beach Vitex Giant Hogweed Multifora Rose Japanese Virgin’s Bower
Black Swallow-wort Giant Knotweed Narrowleaf Bittercress Norway Maple Acer
Bohemian Knotweed Golden Bamboo Oriental Bittersweet Winter Creeper
Border Privet Gray Florist’s Willow Pale Swallow-wort
Broad-leaved Pepper-grass Japanese Angelica Tree Porcelain Berry
Canada Thistle Japanese Barberry Slender False Brome
Lepidium latifolium Japanese Chaff Flower Small Carpetgrass
Chinese Lespedeza Japanese Honeysuckle Spotted Knapweed
Chinese Yam Japanese Hops Sycamore Maple
Cogon Grass Japanese Knotweed Tartarian Honeysuckle
Common Buckthorn Japanese Stilt Grass Wavyleaf Basketgrass
Cup-plant Kudzu Wild Chervil
Cut-leaf Teasel Leafy Spurge Wineberry Rubus
Cypress Spurge Lesser Celandine Yellow Groove Bamboo

 

WETLAND PLANTS AQUATIC PLANTS
PROHIBITED PROHIBITED
Common Reed Grass Brazilian Waterweed
Marsh Dewfower Broadleaf Water-milfoil Hybrid
Purple Loosestrife Curly Pondweed
Reed Manna Grass Eurasian Water-milfoil
Yellow Iris Fanwort
Floating Primrose Willow
Frogbit
Hydrilla/Water Thyme
Parrot-feather

Why are some plants illegal in New York?

Grapes are a vital component of New York’s economy, so protecting them is critical. Any part of a grapevine or plant (aside from the fruit itself), if infested, can cause catastrophe to the grape and wine industry.

The same goes for other fruit-bearing plants, which can harbor invasive and/or destructive pests. If you need to bring such plant material into the state, each item must be accompanied by a certificate of inspection from your state of origin verifying that it is all disease and pest-free.

While there may be no legal requirement to have your house plants inspected and certified, it is a great (and shall we add noble) idea to inspect your plants for any signs of pests. And that includes eggs and anything else pests can leave behind. Make sure your plants are sitting in pest- and disease-free soil. (For the same reason, please leave your firewood and scrap lumber behind.)

The USDA regularly updates its list of plant and pest programs. Check for any notices regarding New York or the northeast in general.

Is marijuana legal in New York?

Yes. In March of 2021, New York state passed a law decriminalizing marijuana—but to a degree. 

It is now legal in New York to possess up to three ounces of marijuana outside of one’s residence, and up to five pounds of marijuana in one’s home. But it is also, as of this writing, still illegal to sell marijuana.

On top of this, laws detailing the legal limits of owning and growing marijuana plants, as well as selling and distributing marijuana, have not yet been worked out, and will take time to implement once they are.

But all this only matters once you are physically inside New York, because federal law still prohibits carrying marijuana across state lines! Doing so opens you up to the possibility of drug trafficking charges. So unless and until this changes, you’ll want to leave mary jane behind with your friends.

To read more about traveling with weed anywhere in the country, click here.

“It’s Up To You, New York, New York*”

When it comes to the laws regarding transporting weapons, animals, and plants, the safest route to take by far is simply not to have no weapons and nothing exotic in your possession when you enter New York. 

We hope the above helps shed some light on this murky subject, but please, do not take any chances. Go directly to the New York State or NYC authorities—before you arrive—if you are not entirely certain of the legality of your situation. Get expert advice. Protect yourself. 

You’ve got a world of possibility and promise waiting.

*Lyrics made famous by Frank Sinatra, native of New Jersey
Illustrations by Amanda Cotan

The Stuff That’s Illegal To Bring Into Florida

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What visions fill your head when you think of moving to Florida? Endless sunshine and miles of white-sand beaches? The Miami nightlife? The backwoods wildlife?

For all the fun that may be on your mind, do remember that before living the spring break life, new residents may want to know what they’re getting into before moving to Florida. It turns out, Florida’s laws make it a pretty unique place. Here’s a rundown of many of the things Florida doesn’t allow you to bring into it.

Plants and Produce 

Here are the main plants you can’t bring into Florida:

  • Non-native aquatic plants or seeds
  • Citrus plants
  • Dogwood plants
  • Sugarcane
  • Noxious weeds
  • Any plant hosting boll weevils
  • Any plant hosting fruit flies

There are additional pests and types of agriculture to avoid as well, which you can read about on Florida’s Department of Agriculture website.

Why can’t I bring these plants in?

Florida’s citrus fruit industry is massive. 59% of the nation’s grapefruit groves, 70% of the country’s orange groves, and 57% of all citrus-growing acres in the U.S. are right here on the peninsula.

It should be no surprise, then, that the state operates a series of agriculture inspection stations – twenty-three of them, to be exact – where the authorities work 24/7/365 to keep plant pests and diseases from infiltrating and destroying their crops.

These inspection stations are located along the Georgia-Florida border and along highways leading from the panhandle into the peninsula. (There is only one inspection station in the actual panhandle, along I-10 near the Alabama border.) If you are driving a rental truck, you are required by law to stop for inspection. If you are in your own vehicle you are not required to stop.

florida fruit

If you happen to have a tangerine in your vehicle, no problem! Citrus fruits can be transported into Florida (though that would be like bringing a can of Budweiser to Germany). On the other hand, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: “It is unlawful to move into Florida any and all kinds of citrus trees and parts thereof except by a special permit from the Division Director.” In addition, no non-native aquatic plants or seeds may be imported into the state without a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

While your tangerine gets a free pass, your Ficus tree does not. Household plants coming into Florida must be accompanied by a certificate of inspection. If your home state does not provide such certification, the state says you must be able to furnish the DEP with a Florida address where the plants will be located. This information will enable the department to conduct a follow-up inspection if deemed necessary.” So as long as you give Officer Friendly the information he or she needs, you and your Ficus should be allowed to continue on down the highway together.

To make sure what you are hauling is legal, check this page of the FDACS website. If you can’t get your answers online (or simply don’t have the time and patience to muddle through it all), you can always contact the Division of Plant Industry at 1-800-282-5153 or the Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement at (850) 922-6507. Or just stop and ask at the inspection station if you’re worried about what you’re carrying. It’s well worth the peace of mind.

Can I bring marijuana into Florida?

At the time of this writing, recreational marijuana use is strictly illegal in Florida. Penalties for possession vary, from four-digit fines, to 1-5 years of jail time. Growing marijuana in your home is also illegal in Florida. At present, some Florida lawmakers are pushing for the legalization of recreational marijuana use, though no legislative efforts seem likely before 2022.

Pets and Exotic Animals

You can bring most traditionally domesticated animals into Florida, but they need to be inspected in the first month. Plan to obtain a certificate of veterinary inspection within thirty days of moving your dog, cat or bird into the state.

If you have a cat, you have it easy in Florida—at least by the fact that there are few regulations for owning one. Rather than looking to the state, check with your local municipality for whatever laws pertain to your feline companion.

What are Florida’s dog laws?

Dogs, on the other hand, are kept on a shorter regulatory leash.

Florida state law requires vaccinations for no fewer than nine different diseases. One of them is Leptospirosis, a potentially-fatal disease that usually originates with smaller forms of wildlife or livestock, and is often transmitted via animal urine existing in ponds, puddles or streams. Heartworm disease can also be deadly, but is not on the vaccination list. Heartworms are most often transmitted by mosquitos that in Florida’s warm climate never quite go away. Foxes and coyotes are also known as occasional culprits.

(To that last point, letting your dog run wild in the woods can also lead to direct encounters with any of Florida’s many species of venomous snakes, Black bears usually run from dogs, but that’s not always the end of the story. Alligators simply eat your dog.)

 

“If you are driving a rental truck, you are required by law to stop for inspection.”

 

There are local laws for keeping your dog on a leash in public in Florida, to keep you, your dog, and those around you safe. As with other issues, check with your municipal or county authorities. Keeping your pup on a leash is an especially good idea in any city or town in Florida, where there are statewide statutes known as “strict liability” laws that cover dog bites. Even if your dachshund has never so much as nipped at someone, if he or she snaps, the state will hold you the owner responsible for the consequences of your bad dog’s behavior (though there may be mitigating circumstances).

What about other animals?

On the more exotic side, you may find it useful to know you can keep non-venomous, non-threatened snakes, reptiles and amphibians.

Exotic animals like gorillas, snow leopards and Komodo dragons are out of the question (at least without a proper permit, in case you’re inspired by a certain Tiger King). Please don’t take my word for it though, check what the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has to say.

Florida Guns & Weapons Laws

Florida may not have a gun-slinging, wild, wild west reputation, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t trying.

Despite not being an “open-carry” state, carrying a gun into Florida is perfectly legal, even if you don’t have a license. You only can’t have it sitting out in the open within easy reach. (You can, however, have it sitting in your unlocked glove compartment, or in a box with a lid.) Note that there are some restrictions, such as having to be older than 18 years old.

Please note: Other states you drive through have their own laws. Check them before you head for the highway packing heat.

Which weapons can I bring into Florida?

If you own a Florida Concealed Weapons and Firearms License (CWFL), almost anything goes. Some of the more common weapons Florida allows are:

  • Handguns
  • Knives
  • Brass knuckles
  • Tear gas
  • Tasers

There are, however, a number of places where carry is still restricted, such as government buildings, schools, and polling places.

No license is required in Florida for:

  • Pocket knives under four inches
  • Chemical spray containing less than two ounces of chemicals
  • Non-lethal stun guns

If you wish to apply for a CWFL, go here.

Please note: Only handguns are covered consistently state-wide. For all other weapons, local statutes may actually differ, so check. Also be aware that there is no open carry in Florida, except in a few limited circumstances. And while it is legal to own and keep a firearm or weapon in your residence, a private property owner (i.e., your landlord) can prohibit weapons on their property if they wish. Knowing violation can get you an armed trespass felony, so again, check what’s legal before finding out the hard way.

Here is a quick run-down of the most pertinent of Florida’s firearm/weapons laws. This resource goes into more detail about carrying with a permit.

Other important Florida laws

What a bummer it would be to cover all your firearms, citrus fruit and exotic animal bases only to be nailed for a silly little moving violation. To this point, here are a few things to keep in mind as you roll down the Floridian pavement.

Seat belts: They are required in the front seat of your vehicle, and are mandatory for everyone under 18 regardless where they are seated.

Florida ID or license: You must get a Florida license within 30 days of becoming a resident. (Also of interest is that beginning in October 2021, you will need REAL ID-compliant identification if you wish to fly domestically.

Boating: In Florida, boating does not require a license, per se. But to operate a vessel with a motor of ten horsepower or more, you must have a boating education ID card (or out-of-state equivalent) which proves you have successfully completed a boater safety course.

Yielding to emergency vehicles: One more item to keep in mind is Florida’s Move Over Law, which “requires motorists to move or yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles”. In 2014, utility and sanitation vehicles were added to the statute, which states that “drivers must move over as soon as it is safe to do so for any authorized law enforcement, emergency or service vehicles displaying any visible signals while stopped on the roadside.”

In case you’re thinking this is a mere publicity campaign, know that in 2020, over 12,000 citations were issued for failure to move over!

Florida ManDoes any of this stuff matter?

Not only does Florida take this stuff seriously, but thanks to Florida’s Public Records Act, any individual can check out almost any public record at any time for any reason. Of particular note is the curious legal access everyone has to almost all court documents and records. This broad policy on making court records public makes it easy for journalists and anyone else to make known to the world all the zany adventures Floridians engage in, leading to the phenomenon known as “Florida Man“.

Let me suggest once again the value in contacting your state and local authorities regarding what is legal and illegal in Florida. We’d hate to see you on the next edition of Florida Man.

Don’t worry too hard, though. You’re not alone in making this move. Florida consistently remains among the top “move-to” states. (Texas and California are, too, if you want to read about their laws.) If you too are heading for the Sunshine State, you are in good company. Just keep in mind the laws of the land.

Welcome to Wild, Wild Florida! 

Illustrations by Subin Yang

How To Move Plants Long Distance

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Moving long distance has a lot of moving pieces, but can one of those pieces be your garden? If you have a beloved monstera deliciosa or English rose garden that needs to be moved from point A to point B, we have some options for you and your green friends.

Is Moving Plants Long-Distance Possible?

It’s important to know that most moving truck and shipping container companies don’t allow the transport of plants. Many of these companies won’t move plants due to certain state laws and possible liability. 

And don’t think about hiding your plants among your other belongings, either. Doing so could void your contract with the long distance movers and would invalidate any protections if the plants cause a mess that damages your belongings.

That said, it may still be possible to move your plants across the country. You just have to really, really want it.

First, check state laws to see if you can bring your plants at all (seriously)

usda

Moving plants across state lines can be a bit tricky.

States that rely heavily on agriculture – including California, Texas, and Florida – are very wary of allowing in any pests or invasive species of plants that could destroy crops. Several have strict regulations around bringing in plants from out of state. Unfortunately, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) even bans the transport of some plants altogether.

If you really want to get into the weeds (ha), you can check out the USDA’s full list of regulated plants within all 50 states and U.S. territories.

Because the rules for each state are different, you’ll need to research which states you’re traveling through and ensure that you don’t risk having your plants confiscated at border checkpoints. Some states allow you to bring in plants that exclusively exist indoors, but may require you to re-pot them with sterile soil before moving. Others may require a certificate of inspection, or have you quarantine your plants before bringing them home.

No proud plant parent wants to say goodbye to their collection, but that may be what you have to do. In that case, spend some time finding them a good home by donating them to friends and family, users on plantswap.org, or finding buyers on sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

If you’re still committed (and legally able), pick how you want to transport your plants

moving with plants

Again, most moving companies don’t transport plants (but definitely ask ahead of time). You’re likely to have to use your own vehicle, whether it’s your personal car or a rental truck. Don’t forget your spray bottle of water!

Cars

It may go without saying, but don’t pack your plants away in some box. Instead, you should pack your plants so you can give them plenty of room and attention. Plants that are more fragile or sensitive to temperature should go in the front where there is access to A/C or heat and the driver can keep an eye on them. Other plants can be packed in the backseat and even secured with seat belts. (If you have a lot of plants, you may need to literally keep an inventory.)

If possible, don’t pack plants in the trunk, since the airflow is limited, and avoid open vehicles like the bed of a pickup truck (unless it’s covered) since the wind can damage plants in transit.

“Because the rules for each state are different, you’ll need to research which states you’re traveling through and ensure that you don’t risk having your plants confiscated.”

 

Rental trucks

moving plants long distance
Uhaul.com

For the same reason, it’s best to transport plants in the front cabin of a rental truck, due to sunlight and airflow concerns (especially since you’re probably driving a long way). Plus, remember that U-Haul, Penske, and Budget Truck Rental have cleaning fees if your plants leave a mess. (U-Haul’s says their cleaning fee is $25, while Budget simply claims a “reasonable fee“.)

It’s worth noting rental companies like U-Haul can lend you plastic moving bins for dirty and fragile things like plants. It’s an upsell if you don’t have your own plastic bin to use though. U-Haul claims their “Ready-To-Go” boxes begin at “12 boxes for a week (for) as low as $18”.

Other moving alternatives such as Moving Place can create a custom made moving plan that includes the right transportation method for your plants.  All you have to do is make sure they are packed properly and they will drive them safely to their new home.

Can’t drive? Try the post office

That said, if it’s not possible to personally drive your plants to your new destination, you’re not out of luck. 

The second best option when moving plants across the country, believe it or not, is to mail them. It’s not ideal, since you can’t directly control the care with which they’re handled, or allow them to get water and sunlight while in transport. That means you should choose a fast shipping option and prepare to pay a good chunk of change for it. And be sure your plants don’t arrive before you do! (Read more on how to mail plants below.)

Prep your plants for the move

Once you’ve nailed down the transportation method for your plants, you gotta prep them for moving.

Moving will undoubtedly be stressful for your plants. You want to make sure they’re in the best shape possible before you uproot them. Getting rid of any dead leaves or pests will ensure they’re happy and primed for growth when you get to your new home.

With that in mind, now let’s talk about how to best physically move your plants.

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How To Move Your Plants and Garden

There are some special considerations for plants moving long distances.

It’s a good idea to water your plants well a couple of days before the move, not right before you pack them up. A soggy potted plant is heavy and could leak all over your belongings while in transit. Not to mention, overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems. Make sure your plants are well hydrated ahead of time and that the soil is just moist enough when it’s time to make your trek across the country.

How to Move Plants in Pots

plastic pots
Always use plastic pots to ship plants long distance.

If you have potted houseplants that need to be moved long-distance, you’ll want to take a few steps to ensure that the pots don’t get broken and the plants themselves survive the trip.

For smaller plants, you can nestle them in a box in their original containers. Use crumpled paper, dividers, or bubble wrap to ensure they don’t clink together or move around. Wine shipping boxes are great for this purpose. Just be sure to leave the top open so they get adequate airflow.

For larger plants, it’s best if you can transfer them to plastic pots. You’ll not only save yourself some sore muscles from lugging heavy pots around, but ensure that your delicate pieces don’t get broken in the move. Alternatively, you can place your plants in a more eco-friendly planter if you’d like to avoid plastic. It’s also a good idea to cover the top of the planter with cardboard or a bag to prevent the soil from spilling when things get jostled around.

Be sure to transfer your plants a couple weeks ahead of time. You’ll want to give them enough time to adjust to their temporary housing and ensure the moisture level is just right so they’re not stressed before you even begin the move.

How to Send Plants in the Mail

polymer
Polymer crystals mixed with a little water will help release water a little bit at a time.

If you’re shipping your plants, it’s important to make sure they’re well packed and protected from damage. 

In this case, it’s best if there is no pot involved. Instead, trim down the roots, wrap them with a few wet paper towels, and then wrap that with a plastic bag and place in a box. If it’s going to be a longer trip, add a couple of teaspoons of polymer moisture crystals to water and apply this slurry to the roots before wrapping it in plastic. You can also loosely roll the plant in newspaper before packing it to help protect the stems and leaves.

The box you choose should be sturdy, but not too roomy, as you don’t want the plant to bounce around inside. In fact, every empty space around the plant should be filled with newspaper and bubble wrap to ensure it stays secure. You can also put a “fragile,” “live plant,” or “this end up” label on the box (even better, all three) so handlers know to be careful.

Finally, mail it at the beginning of the week. Much of the USPS does not run on the weekend, increasing the odds your plant sits in a dark room for a couple of days. Additionally, check the weather for the day of your box’s arrival so your beloved plant neither freezes nor wilts to death. And it may go without saying, but if you’re going through this much trouble to transport your plant, you probably want to spring for the quickest delivery option!

Finally, be sure you aren’t violating any restrictions on shipping plants in the mail.

Can I move my garden locally?

moving a garden

What if you have a prized garden that you don’t want to just abandon? Though there are a few more steps involved than moving potted houseplants, it is possible to move plants from the ground to somewhere relatively nearby.

The time of year you choose to move is important. Perennials, especially, need to be moved during the spring or fall when they won’t be exposed to harsh temperatures. 

You’ll actually want to soak them really well the night before you move them. Though it’s not a great idea to water houseplants right before moving them, the opposite is true with in-ground plants. 

When digging up your plant, attempt to get as much of the root as possible. Do this by digging a ring around the base of the plant, ensuring that you don’t cut into the roots. For larger plants, this may require digging at least six inches into the ground. Don’t shake off the extra soil attached to the root ball—this will offer extra protection during the move.

Check out our infographic for more details.

Regardless of how you transport your plants, you’ll want to get them into their new homes right away to minimize stress and damage. Have your pots unpacked and ready to go, and your garden dug up and labeled so you know where everything should be replanted. With a little extra TLC, your plants should adjust to their new surroundings in no time.

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