Shipping Plants

[Captain Hook]

Hey guys I'm wondering what the easiest way to ship plants would be. It's pretty cold where we are and I'm not sure how long shipment will take so I am wondering if I need a heat pack as well. Where's the easiest place to find them in Canada? Do stores like Canadian Tire or Wal-Mart carry them?

I'm wondering how to package the plants as well. Can I just put them in a box or should I try and insulate it somehow?

Edit: MrGoodbytes you need to clear out some of your PMs cause your box is full. It helps to delete the sent items as well.

[odessa]

I just put em Ia box and send them priority mail 2-3 day delivery. It is much better to ship in cold weather than hot. Cold actually helps to preserve the plants just so long as they dont freeze. I don't think freezing is very likely as the post office doesn't store your mail outdoors. If you are worried about freezing you can use a Styrofoam box or other insulating material. I would not use a heat pack unless temps are in single digits.

[Captain Hook]

Odessa good point about not keeping the packages outdoors I never really thought of that to be honest. I am thinking it probably would be best if I insulated the box with some kind of styrofoam to help protect and insulate.

[OrionGirl]

I've ordered plants from several different locations, and never had a problem, even when local temps were below 0F. The plants have always been wrapped loosely in wet newspaper, and then put in a bag, left open. Then wrap more newspaper around the bags. Delicate plants will sometimes drops leaves from this, but mine have always recovered.

[Captain Hook]

Hmm OG I've never heard of using newspaper, only paper towel. Your way seems pretty simple though and a pretty good way of doing it. Thanks.

[joe schmoe]

The plant distributors for PetsMart used newpaper, as does aquariumgarden.com. However, Aquariumgarden didn't wet the newpaper as much as I would like on the plants I just ordered, and when I got the plants 2 days later, some were drier than I would have liked. I don't see any harm in giving them plenty of water.

But I have no idea just how moist plants need to be kept in the first place.

[DIYMatt]

I personally have had frozen plants show up at my door. Sure, the USPS doesn't store the mail outside, they will leave it in your door at your house whens its -10 outside. It was shipment of plants from AZgardens I got a couple years back, and everything except the swords and crypts I ordered never recovered. Also, check closely the shipping policy of where you are buying them from. I didn't get anything back for what I lost, because that was their policy.

BTW- I would like to know where to get heatpacks also. The hand warmer ones I have seen, seem like they get way too hot to me.

[Captain Hook]

Matt too bad about your unfortunate experience. At least all your plants weren't lost.

I'm glad to hear it should be pretty easy to ship the plants and not too complicated. Should be able to handle it pretty easily :cool:

[odessa]

The post office will also leave plants at the door when its 104 f outside. hardly the post offices fault that I was not home to get them. I am aware of what time my mail is usually delivers and if I have plants arriving I try to be home to get them. I don't see how you can blame Az. gardens or the usps for your plants getting frozen.