Definition of the word dig over

The phrase "dig over" originated in the context of gardening to indicate the process of breaking up and overturning soil in preparation for planting. The word "dig" has been used in this sense since the Middle English period, meaning to pierce, penetrate, or excavate. When vintage fruits or vegetables need to be moved to a new location in a garden, "dig over" is employed instead of "transplant" to avoid the negative connotations associated with moving the plants before they have developed strong root systems. The term "dig over" is more appropriate for older plants because digging them out entirely and then replanting them creates disruption to the root ball, which could result in failure to establish new roots and higher mortality rates. This way, gardeners can avoid losing their plants by gently breaking up the soil in the vicinity of the plant they want to move and then incorporating organic matter, such as compost, into the loose soil to support the plant as it adjusts to its new position.