Question
I have a healthy barrel cactus, in my yard, which has a number of good sized babies which I would like to remove and plant, in a cluster in another location.  I understand I should pull off the babies using carpet scraps.  Please advise, in detail, how to do this, and how to replant.  I live the Phoenix area. Thank you.

Answer
Hello Betsy,
Removing offsprings can be tricky. Depending on the size of the shovel, you may need to do this using a shovel, spoon, or spatula. Insert it in between the mother and the baby plant. Apply to all sides of the baby plant as well. Then, dig up the plant and transplant it where you wish to just like you would with a normal plant. NOTE: It is very likely for small shoots to be attached to the mother plant. You may need to pull it off (IF it has already developed root, otherwise you may need to leave the babies planted there for a little while).