To prevent transplant shock water the seedling, plant, shrub or tree with a liquid fertilizer high in phosphorous and potassium (such as Down To Earth's Liqiud Micronutrient Blend) the day before transplanting.

Pop the seedling or plant out of its old container with as much root ball as possible. If root bound, cut through the mass of tangled roots and remove any excess amount.

While out of the ground, keep the root ball damp at all times to prevent roots from drying out. Leave the plant out of the soil for the shortest time possible.

Keep the plant stem base level with the new soil 1" to 2" below the lip of the new container. Tamp the soil down firm to remove any air pockets and water in well.

If plants are to live outside, transplant on a cloudy day or in the evening and keep plant in partial shade for a few days. In cool weather, seedlings need to be gradually exposed to the chilly temperature before the final transplant into soil or another container.

Always evaluate the soil before transplanting. If the soil is hard clay, add compost into the back fill soil and fertilize with a transplant mix to help the plant re-establish faster.