Question
Will, can you offer advice on the safest way to mail live plants?  Specifically, I want to mail an asparagus fern divison from Canada to Kentucky.  Thanks for your help!

Cricket

Answer
Hi Cricket,

I am glad that you waited until April (no fooling, I hope) to do this mailing. Mailing live plant material in sub-freezing temperatures is not generally recommended. Even so, lots of insulating packing is essential even at this time of year.

Bear in mind that it is the roots that are most in need of protection from temperature extremes, dessication (drying out), and physical damage.

If possible, allow your Asparagus division to become established in its own pot before shipping. The longer the better. This will lower the stress quotient. Use a soilless, peat-based potting mix to lessen the chance of fungal diseases developing during shipping. Be sure the potting mix is well watered, but not dripping wet before shipping.

Place some crumpled newspaper over the soil and tape it tightly in place. This will help insulate the soil, keep it moist, and keep it in the pot.

Place the plant in a carton that is large enough to accommdate it and some packing material all around it. Newspaper does just fine as packing material and is ecologically sound. Make sure that the packing is tight enough that the plant will not move around very much inside the carton. Mark the carton LIVE PLANT MATERIAL - HANDLE WITH CARE! Some shippers do read, so this might help.

Use the shipper that will get it to its destination as soon as possible and is still within your budget. Note: It is often more cost efficient to purchase a plant locally than to receive a free plant with a high shipping cost.

The less time the plant spends inside the carton, the better. So pack it up at the last minute and have Cindy open it as soon as possible - as if she wouldn't anyway!

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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