Shaded out! Can I move maturing plants?

npars 8/4/2011, 2:31 pm

I'm in the midst of my first attempt at a square-foot garden (or any garden for that matter). My veggie plants are growing amazingly well - some actually too well! I have 2 squares each of carrots, swiss chard, eggplant, broccolli, and green beans. However, the beans are becoming gigantic, and rapidly grew up and over all those other veggies. All eggplant and brocolli are still only 6 inches tall, and one square of carrots and swiss chard are pretty stunted. Is it possible for me to move any of these plants (namely, the stunted eggplant and broccoli) to a 2nd new box that I'm assembling now? Or will that kill them? Or should I just trim the beans a lot? Thanks for your advice.

littlesapphire 8/4/2011, 2:36 pm

My suggestion would be to try directing the beans so that they don't shade out your other plants, and if that doesn't work, prune back some of the bigger leaves. They're survive. Trust me, my pole beans have had their leaves all eaten off by deer THREE TIMES this year, and they're still doing fine.

I would be kind of hesitant about moving your other plants, but if you have no other options, make sure to dig deeply around them and give them some shade and lots of water for a few days.

**camprn** 8/4/2011, 3:08 pm

I would suggest not cutting the bean vines. Yes you can move smaller plants. I just moved a few plants (under performing eggplants) that were about 6 inches tall. The trick is to use a garden fork and lift the entire root system within the square. Have a small board or bucket available to place the lifted plant onto so there will be minimal damage when moving it to it's new location. FYI eggplants need LOTS of water!! I am not sure about your broccoli. Would you be able topost some photos?

Shaded out! Can I move maturing plants? 396615

Shaded out! Can I move maturing plants? 396615

to the forum. When you say you are up north, where do you mean?

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Shaded out! Can I move maturing plants?

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