Last Updated on December 30, 2021 by
If you are going to ship plants, you need to know how to ship potted plants do’s and don’ts to help you do it the right way. Plant sharing is a hobby that most gardeners love. This helps in the exchange of knowledge and a collection of different species to care for.
Shipping potted plants by mail requires careful packaging and preparation of the plant for travel. Some gardeners mail their plants across the country. To do this successfully, you must choose the fastest method for your plant to travel.
Check if it legal to send your plants because some areas have limitations and laws. Knowing how to ship potted plants and how to box them will give you a rich trading experience on your gardening journey.
Guidelines to Follow on How to Ship Potted Plants
Live potted plants mailed successfully through the mail depend on a few important points. They include,
- Careful packing
- Acclimating the plant
- Sending it with enough water to survive the days on transit
- Insulation for plants that send out during the hot or cold weather season
You may use the U.S postal service or any other shipping companies that will meet your needs. You will learn how to package them to avoid leakages and allow the plant to arrive in good condition.
There are Four Critical Guidelines on How to Ship Potted Plants
Understand the Shipping Restrictions for Plants within US
Before you prepare the plants, get information on the shipping restrictions. These vary from plant to plant and state to state. First, know what type of plant you are shipping and where you are shipping it to.
The other main restrictions are pests and disease control. Certain plants may be subject to quarantine on their arrival. This is to determine if they are carrying danger of pest or disease. Do not assume anything, do all the research you need to do well in advance.
Restrictions for Shipping Plants Internationally
If you want to ship plants from the United States, you will need to follow restrictions as per the destination. There are prohibitions for certain plants and seeds according to the destination. You will also need to get all the appropriate customs declarations and forms filled.
If you are doing this for business, you might need to get a shipping permit.
Prepare Shipping and Handling Labels
You will need to have a standard shipping label that contains basic information about the shipping products, the sender address, and the courier code. Use handling labels to explain what contents are being carried so they are handled the right way.
Get handling labels like live plants, Perishable, Please deliver fast, etc. They will let the handlers know how to handle your plants and when they can be delivered. Do not forget to label your shipment!
Check out Can you Grow Cucumbers in a Pot
Use Corrugated Boxes
Corrugated boxes are specific boxes used for packing plants. With these boxes, you can set with or without the pot. It is easy to pack your plants in these boxes.
You can also get plant shipping boxes specifically made for your plants if you ship often. If you are a small business or a start-up, the boxes could be an expensive affair. You can assemble your own shipping boxes by using regular boxes and partitions. Remember to secure them with high-quality tape.
Conclusion
Caroline is a gardener who loves to get down to the nitty–gritty of gardening. She proudly proclaims herself as a ‘dirt worshipper‘ and can often be found deep in the garden, covered in soil and singing to her plants. As a self–proclaimed ‘plant whisperer‘, Caroline believes that plants need love and attention just like any other living thing, and she loves to give them both. When she‘s not tending to her garden, you can often find her researching the latest gardening trends, or teaching others how to make their gardens thrive