How to Transplant Dwarf Marigolds

Select the marigolds you want to transplant and note how much space they take up if already in the garden. For example, a 5 foot by 2 foot bed of annuals may hold a 6 inch by 1 foot strip of flowers to relocate. Count how many plants you want to move.

Water the existing plants before or as you prepare their new growing space. The soil doesn't need to turn to mud, but a decent drink always helps before the potential shock of moving a plant.

View other areas of your garden to choose the best location to move the marigolds. Dig an area that gets sun and is at least the same size as the previous space the plants took up. Turn the soil, add compost and remove large dirt clods and large rocks. Rake out the new planting area and tamp the soil down lightly. Then dig a hole for each plant you are moving. The holes should be 3 to 6 inches deep. Retain the extra soil. Lightly moisten the ground.

Dig up the existing marigolds gently. Gently pry the soil around the plants with a pitchfork or hand tool. Using a transplanting trowel or mini-spade is ideal. In slightly moist soil, the roots loosen more easily. Carefully lift out each plant and walk it to the new location. If you have many plants, consider placing them all in a wheelbarrow and rolling the group over about six at a time.

Place each plant into its newly dug hole. Back-fill with additional soil and tamp it down. Repeat for each plant. Water thoroughly. Add additional compost or organic fertilizer around the plants once again during the summer months if desired.