How to Transplant Crown Vetch

Energetic ground cover plants can quickly cover planting areas to provide interest and erosion control. When you have a dry, rocky and steep hillside that you wish to cover, one crown vetch plant can cover approximately 6 feet of ground space in only two to three years, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. Transplant crown vetch from areas where you do not want it growing to where you wish to grow it and the plants should acclimate quickly.

Garden spade
Shovel
Tarp

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the new planting area before you dig up any plants. Use the garden spade to cultivate the soil lightly down to a depth of about 4 inches. Dig holes for the crown vetch 2 feet apart. According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension, planting crown vetch at this spacing will provide complete ground cover within approximately two years. If you desire faster coverage, space the holes 1 foot apart.
- 2
  Lay the tarp on the soil near the area where the crown vetch is currently growing to hold the plants as you dig them from the soil.
- 3
  Dig up the plants from the current growing area using the shovel. The roots are shallow -- in the upper 4 inches of soil. You may sever root runners as you dig up the crown vetch, but the energetic root systems will recover and continue to grow after transplanting. Transfer the plants to the tarp.
- 4
  Replant the plants immediately in the prepared location. Place each plant into the holes you dug, replacing soil around the roots and firming it carefully with your hands.
- 5
  Water the transplanted crown vetch immediately. Keep the soil evenly moist for about two weeks after transplanting to ensure that the plants acclimate to the new growing location successfully.

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