How do you ship plants?

Question

I'm considering selling rare herbs/veggies/flowers locally next year. However, I might also attempt an internet type business.
My question is, does anyone know how you would pack plants in order to keep them alive during shipping. I'm aware that things should be shipped when they are dormant (early Spring, late fall). Also, what are the laws regarding shipping plants to different states?
Any info would help. Thanks.

Answer 1

Bare root is best. I wrap the roots in moist paper towels and then wrap in Saran and secure it loosely with a twist tie. I then immobilize them in a paper towel tube or tape the root bundle to the box. For plants in pots, I tape bubble wrap over the soil and immobilize the pot by taping it to the box. Always assume the shipping company or PO is going to use your package as a soccer ball and kick it all the way to it's destination. If shipping in the summer or winter watch the weather between you and the destination for extreme temps. RScott

Answer 2

Before packing, water the plant until the water running out the drain hole. Wrap the pot with plastic bag, tape the bag around the pot and tape looselly around the plant so the soil will not spill. Wrap the plant leaves with newspaper. Put in the box, do not bend the plant! Fill all of the space with crumpled newspaper or brown paper until the plant is not moving when you shake the box. Remember it will have to be able to handle the abuse during transit.
Use the fastest mail service possible. The Priority service have long and triangle boxes you can use for taller plant, and it's free!
You can not send any kind of Citrus tree to Florida!

GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 3

I use the damp paper towel method on bareroot stock. Potted plants can be watered the day before (to prevent dripping while shipping) and the soil covered and secured with plastic wrap and tape. Don't try sending any "agricultural" items into California or Florida. Shipping out of country is also regulated and includes seeds. Check websites (and even mail order companies catalogs) for areas plants cannot be sent to.

Answer 4

In regards to the laws, you need to contact your local agricultural department. You may need to secure a shipping license and some states require an inspection certificate if you are shipping in to that state. It really depends on what state you are shipping from and where it is going.

For example: Some states require a certificate for brown garden snail, some for fire ants, etc. Also, you need to be on top of what is considered a "noxious weed" as these are banned from shipping in to some states. Each state maintains it's own list and you must be aware of what is on that list.

For the most part, you need to do a lot of leg work and be somewhat responsible for what you are shipping and where it is going. Your local ag. department will be helpful but you will need to do some research too.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 5

From Mark T at Yahoo!

"Wrap the roots in moist paper towels, and the top of the plant in dry paper towels. Put into a plastic bag. Roll the bag up so the plants cannot "flop around" and get damaged. Send them by Priority mail. I have done this numerous times, with good results."

Answer 6

Read section 5 of the article below on mailing guidelines. You'll have to mark your package "perishable". I've ordered plants from e-bay in the past and have received them bare root, wrapped in wet newspaper and secured with rubber bands. The plants did very well and are now thriving.