How to Dig a Barrel Cactus

A barrel cactus is a species that has a cylindrical shape without the arms of the more iconic saguaro cactus. They are common to the American southwest. If you have a barrel cactus growing in your landscape and you need to dig it up to transplant it, you can do so without any special equipment. If the cactus is more than 2 to 3 feet tall, have a helper assist you because they can be too heavy to handle alone.

Chalk
Shovel
Garden hose
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Mark the south-facing side of the cactus with a piece of chalk if you are transplanting it. When you replant it, it will need to have the same orientation to prevent sun scald.
- 2
  Insert a shovel into the soil 6 inches from the base of the cactus. Pull the shovel out and insert it into the soil again, cutting a circle around the cactus that is always 6 inches from the base.
- 3
  Dig under the cactus, starting at your 6-inch cut. Cut through the roots with the edge of the shovel.
- 4
  Wrap a garden hose around the middle of the cactus. Lift it out of the ground by the hose so you do not cut yourself on the spines.
- 5
  Lay the cactus on its side. Examine the roots for any torn or damaged roots and cut them back to just above the tear.

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