EdgeApr 5, 2025

Question for our #plant people here. I'm finding many little Japanese maple seedlings growing in my front lawn, as the helicopters released over the last few weeks have sprouted. I am hoping to do something before the mowers come and put an end to their happy growth.

I've tried in previous years to 'transplant' a few into a small pot, but always failed at keeping them alive.

Any hints? Treat them as a house plant? Put them outside and try to remember to water them? It would be neat to keep a baby going this year.

All help appreciated.

#Gardening #Trees #Transplant

Show threadCornOnTheGob

@czarbucks

#goblinsolutions

Sometimes with plants that transplant poorly, if you are willing to sacrifice a chunk of your lawn, you can shovel a fair distance to all sides, and under, the plant.

Do not disturb the roots, leave it in its original soil, and put the whole chunk in a container.

It is sort of overkill. Just in case, move out of any direct sunlight for the first few days, to be sure it does not wither.

Once it is in a container and successfully transplanted, you can figure out how to patch up your lawn afterwards, and look in to the next size of container and substrate you would like it to grow in to!

Beautiful leaves!
Good luck!

Apr 5, 2025 at 2:10amWeb
Show threadDagnabbit, Pascaline! 💥Apr 5, 2025

@goblingua
Yes, 100% agree with this.
These don't have tap roots and should be fine. But you'll need to take out that soil around them to leave the roots in peace, and don't hesitate to dig a little bit deeper than you may have anticipated. If you dig out a big chunk which doesn't easily fit in a pot, you can carefully shake out some soil without breaking the roots, then pot them. But leave as much as possible 😊

@czarbucks