How do I extract something that's bigger than the rim of its container?

[PrettyCandles]

I have two 'stuck' things.

One is a good size but somewhat straggly rosemary in a large earthenware pot whichtapers inwards slightly at the rim. I want to extract the bush and plant it in the garden, preferably without breaking the pot. It's too big for me to manhandle, and I think the plant wS potted in soil rather than compost, as it's rock-hard.

Secondly: oh I thought I was being so clever. I froze leftover soup in a freezer bag in one of the door pockets, intending to extract it and store it in the body of the fridge when it had formed a convenient block shape. Unfortunately I did not take into account that the front of the door pocket curves over at the top. The block of frozen soup is now bigger than the opening to the door pocket. I can't remove the front of the pocket bcause the block of soup is in the way. How do I extract it without defrosting the freezer?

no idea but i'm going to enjoy finding out!

the soup especially is interesting me.....

with the plant, i guess you''ll have to break up the soil a bit with a fork?

I would break the soil up around the edges of the pot with a fork or trowel after watering it well. Then get someone to hold one thing while you pull the other thing until they part company.

Freezer thing - try a hairdryer on it until the top bit defrosts.

Does the pocket of the door of the freezer come off? Ours do, for cleaning.

If the door pocket won't come off the freezer, you'll need to pour on enough warm water (put a washing up bowl below) to melt the soup's edges.

OK, I tried the hairdryer. Nothing doing - it made virtually no difference to the soup block, but the door got worryingly warm. I can't say I'm keen to pour water down the door, but I shall try placing a hot-water bottle in the door pocket for an hour or so. Maybe more gentle heat for longer would be effective.

I wonder whether I ought to switch the freezer off while I'm doing this? Otherwise it will work too hard to keep the contents cold, plus its alarm will go off all the time. Drape a folded blanket over the opening as well.

Dammit I was hoping you were being coy about a butt plug or something!

Pour water in the plant and swish it until muddy and lift some of the earth away, pull the plant out after.

If you can't take the front drawer off the freezer then you'll have to switch it off and defrost the normal way. Or leave it there forever!

Have you got a very sharp serrated (sp) edge knife, or one of those electric carving knives?

If so, could you cut the block of soup in half or quarters and get it out a bit at a time?

Dammit WellMeant - I knew I was going wrong somehere! I should have made sure my 'soup' had an outflared edge before inserting it in the 'door pocket'.