How to Transplant Impatiens

Select a new location for your impatiens in full or partial shade with fertile, moist well-drained soil with a pH of 6.1 to 7.8. Although impatiens like moist soil, they are intolerant of soggy soil and can develop fungal diseases from poor drainage and over-watering. If the new location is only in partial shade, make sure impatiens don't receive direct afternoon sun.

Prepare the new planting site by digging a hole about twice as big around as you expect the root ball of the impatiens to be. Till the soil around the hole deeply, and loosen the sides of the hole to help root establishment.

Use a trowel to dig up the impatiens to be moved, making sure you bring up the entire root ball. Check the roots to make sure they are healthy, flexible and white. If they are browning and brittle at the ends, the impatiens may be developing root rot. Trim the brown ends with cuticle scissors.

Place the impatiens plant in the new hole, making sure it is centered and straight. If the hole you dug was too small, enlarge it before you plant the impatiens.

Provide additional nutrients for your impatiens by adding a teaspoonful of general purpose slow-release granular fertilizer to the garden soil removed from the hole. Backfill with the fertilized soil, firming it gently around the root ball. Make sure you transplant the impatiens at the depth at which it was already growing.

Water the transplanted impatiens thoroughly, and check it daily thereafter to make sure the surrounding soil stays moist. Avoid allowing the soil to become water-logged by letting soil surface dry out very slightly between waterings.

Mulch your impatiens well after you transplant them. Not only does mulch cool the soil, discourage weeds and conserve moisture, it also decomposes and provides beneficial microbes that promote your impatiens' health. Yardener.com recommends a 3-inch layer of chopped leaves, wood chips, shredded bark or compost for your impatiens.