From Ground: First, moisten the soil around the water chestnut to make extraction easier. Dig a wide circle around the plant with your shovel, ensuring the root ball stays intact. Gently work the shovel beneath the root ball to lift the plant from its original spot. Always handle water chestnut by the root ball, not the stem, to avoid damaging it.
From Plant Pots: Water the water chestnut first to keep the root ball intact during removal. Tip the pot on its side, hold the plant close to the base, and pull out gently. The root ball and soil should slip out together. If the plant is stuck, slightly tap the sides of the pot against a hard surface.
From Seedling Trays: Use a garden trowel or a dibbler to gently lift each seedling by its root ball. Be cautious not to bunch the stems or leaves, instead, focus on holding it by the root ball while lifting.