Transplanting Shrubs and Bushes During Porch Construction: Autumn Timing and Pot Storage

Homeowner adding farmer's porch (6-week project). Needs to move shrubs/bushes and replant after. Asks how to store them.

Strategy (The Long Island Gardener)

Autumn is perfect: plants entering dormancy, roots still active (root flux). Do NOT hold out of ground all winter—misses root growth opportunity. Prepare planting holes now, pot them up, keep outdoors with normal exposure. Don't overwater, DO NOT fertilize (would break dormancy). Replant when porch done.