How to Transplant Wood Sorrel Oregana

Prepare the Planting Site

• 1

  Site Oregon wood sorrel in moist soil in partial or full shade. Well-drained soil is best, but O. oregana tolerates constantly wet soil.

• 2

  Prepare the new planting site before you dig up old plants. Loosen the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. If your garden soil is poor or sandy, spread a 3-inch layer of an organic material such as compost or peat moss over the planting area and mix it thoroughly into the loosened soil.

• 3

  Test the soil's pH with a home meter or test kit, following the package directions carefully for accurate results. The testing method will vary depending on the type of meter or test kit you purchase. Alternatively, send a soil sample to your local extension service for analysis. Oregon wood sorrel grows best in soil with pH levels between 5.6 and 7.5.

• 4

  Adjust the soil pH, if necessary. Incorporate lime to raise the pH or agricultural sulfur to lower it. Ask your extension service or garden center for advice on the amount of lime or sulfur to apply, since the amount varies depending on the product purchased and the soil structure in your garden.

• 5

  Dig holes 6 inches deep and at least 12 inches apart. Individual Oregon wood sorrel plants will grow 1 to 6 feet wide, depending on the available space. For rapid coverage, space the plants 12 to 15 inches apart, which should give you complete coverage within a year. If you're willing to wait several years for total coverage, space the plants 3 to 4 feet apart.

Transplant Existing Plants

• 6

  Find the crowns of existing plants by lifting the top growth off the ground and trimming the stems and foliage back to 6 inches above ground level. Trimming the foliage back compensates for root loss when digging up the plants. The transplants will reestablish their root systems quickly and then fill out rapidly.

• 7

  Insert your shovel or spade straight down into the soil, 3 inches away from the outside edge of the plant's crown and to a depth of 6 inches. Once you've encircled the plant, slide the shovel underneath the roots and lift the root ball carefully, keeping the soil and roots as intact as possible.

• 8

  Divide large plants by cutting straight down through the crown of the plant with a sharp knife. Divide each crown into three or four equal portions.

• 9

  Place each plant in a prepared hole, making sure the crown is at the same soil level as it was before moving. Backfill the planting hole with soil, firming it gently with your fingers to remove air pockets. Water the plant well to settle the soil. Do not fertilize at this time.

• 10

  Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch over the planting area, keeping the mulch 1 inch away from the plant crowns.

• 11

  Water often enough to keep the soil moist to a depth of 6 inches, to encourage rapid root growth. The amount of water you apply will vary depending on your soil and the weather.

• 12

  Fertilize the transplanted Oregon wood sorrel when new top growth appears. The amount of fertilizer to apply will depend on the product chosen. If your plant food doesn't specify an amount for newly installed plants, use one-half of the recommended application rate for established plants.

Plant New Plants

• 13

  Water plants thoroughly the day before you want to plant them if the soil in the pots is dry. This will keep the roots from sticking to the inside of the pots and lessen transplant shock.

• 14

  Remove the wood sorrel plants from their containers by placing one hand over the crown of the plant and then turning the pot over. If necessary, tap the pot against the ground to loosen the soil. Never remove plants by grabbing the plant and pulling up.

• 15

  Inspect the root ball carefully before planting. Use clean pruners to cut away any broken or diseased roots, then gently loosen the soil on the outside of the root ball with your fingers.

• 16

  Set the plant into the prepared hole so that the crown is at the same soil level as in the pot. Backfill the hole with soil, firm it gently and then water to settle the soil.

• 17

  Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch over the planting area, keeping the mulch 1 inch away from the plant's crown.

• 18

  Water often enough that the soil stays moist, but not soggy, to a depth of 6 inches. The amount of water to apply will vary depending on the weather and your soil.

• 19

  Feed your new plants when you see new stem or foliage growth. Follow the fertilizer directions for the correct amount to apply. If the label doesn't specify an amount for new plants, use one-half of the amount needed for established plants.