Heeling In Plants: The Best Way to Store Plants Before Transplanting

Moving soon? Don’t leave your prized roses, rhododendrons, azaleas, bulbs, or dogwoods behind. “Heeling in” keeps them alive and healthy until you’re ready to plant at your new home.

How to Heel In

1. Dig a trench 3 feet wide and 12 inches deep in a sheltered, shady spot. Pile the excavated soil alongside.
2. Lift plants with as much root ball as possible. Lay them side by side in the trench, crowding slightly if needed.
3. Keep roots at their original soil depth. Backfill with the stored soil, firming gently.
4. Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and ensure root-to-soil contact.

Care Until Spring

Mulch with straw or leaves for extra insulation. Check moisture monthly; water if dry. Most plants will wait happily until planting season. In spring, transplant to their permanent locations with minimal shock.

This method works for roses, Indian hawthorn, rhododendrons, azaleas, bulbs, red twig dogwood, and many other woody plants.

Plants heeled in a trench, waiting for spring transplanting.