There are plenty of great moving companies out there choose from that can help you pack up all your worldly possessions, hit the road, and set up shop in any number of different places across the country. But the one thing that we gardeners often lament having to leave behind is our precious garden.

Have you every considered the idea that you may be able to bring your garden with you, though? If you hadn’t, perhaps it’s time that you do. If you’ve got a move coming up in the near future, consider these time-sensitive tips that could help you bring your garden, or at least parts of it, to the new home with you.

Weeks Before the Move: Consult a plant book, florist, or other expert to find out how long a particular plant can survive after being uprooted. Once you’ve got your answer, prune plants to facilitate packing.

One Week or Less Before the Move: Uproot your plants accordingly when it’s appropriate. Place them in a black plastic bag with a bug/pest strip, or a conventional flea collar or bug powder. Close the bag and place in a cool area. This will kill any potential pests on the plant or in the uprooted soil.

The Day Before the Move: Put all your plants in cardboard boxes. Using dampened newspaper or packing paper is a good way to hold them in place inside the boxes and to cushion the leaves. By placing a layer of damp paper towel on top of each plant, you also ensure that the plant remains moist throughout the move. If taking the entire plant isn’t a viable option, taking cuttings may be a suitable substitute for regrowth.

Moving Day: If you’ve decided to go with a moving company, it would be wise not to pack the plants with all the other furniture and belongings. Label the boxes with “DO NOT LOAD” in bold, so they aren’t mistaken for items to be loaded with all the rest. Close the boxes and use a knife or something to puncture holes in the tops to allow the plants to breath. Load them into your own personal vehicle if possible to avoid damage.

During the Move: If you’re moving during the hot summer months, try to park in a nice shady area whenever stopping. Conversely, in the colder months, park in a nice sunny spot whenever possible.

Arrival: As soon as you arrive, the plants should be unpacked. Avoid breaking any stems by removing the plants from the bottom of the box as opposed to the top; removing them from the top can induce stress on the weaker parts of the plant as they’re weighed down by the heavier roots. Do not expose the plants to much sunlight immediately upon removal. After being in the dark for so long, it’s important to give them a gradually increased dose of light so as not to shock them.

Post Move: Learn as much as you can about the soil around your new home and act accordingly. It may be necessary to import different types of soil, or to take other similar measures before the replanting process.

As with any gardening endeavor, it’s wise to do as much research as possible before attempting to transport any plants. In some scenarios, crossing state lines with certain plants may even have legal considerations that you need to look into. Regardless, doing the research and adjusting accordingly is the best way to avoid the pain of having to leave an entire garden behind. Enjoy your new home, and your old garden all at once.

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