Top 5 tips for transplanting your garden

For outdoor plants, drainage is especially important because of rainwater. Make sure pots have adequate drainage holes. If you want more holes you can use a drill or a screwdriver to add additional holes in the bottom of your pot (be careful if they're made of breakable material, like ceramics). If you live in a windy area, substantial pots such as terra cotta work well, as they are weighty and breathable. The taller the plant, the more root space it usually needs so pick your new pot accordingly. For indoor plants, the sky is the limit for pot choices; just make sure you have something under the plant to catch any excess water so your floors or tables won't get ruined.

If your plant is rootbound --  in its roots are compacted and retain the shape of the container when you remove the plant -- take these steps when transplanting. The easiest way to loosen roots is by using scissors on the outer edges. Slide the scissors in and out of the roots and you will soon see them free up. You can even cut some of the roots off if necessary. By loosening the roots themselves and the dirt stuck inside, you allow the roots to grow in a healthy way again once you replant.

Sometimes moving to a new pot is a good time to cut back plants and give them the opportunity to fill out in their new home. If a plant has thinned out as it has grown taller or has leaves that look diseased, you can take the opportunity to trim it back before transplanting so that it can develop a thicker, bushier look. This trimming may also eradicate disease if leaves have spots or discoloration.

While we all know plants need water, many people don't realize how much happier and healthier they would be if they were fed! Yes, plants thrive when both food and water are administered. Some potting soils already contain fertilizer; check the label. Fertilizer comes in liquid, stick and tablet forms, too. Many plants will do just fine with an all-purpose plant food. There are also special plant food mixes for acid-loving plants such as camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and evergreens, and for orchids.