Bare Root Planting: The Ultimate Guide for Successful Planting

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Planting trees and shrubs is an essential activity for any gardener or landscaper. However, planting bare root plants can be a daunting task, especially if you have never done it before. Bare root planting is the process of planting dormant plants without soil around their roots, which means they are lighter, easier to handle, and more economical than potted plants. In this ultimate guide, we will show you how to plant bare root plants successfully.

What is Bare Root Planting?

Bare root planting is a popular method of planting woody plants and fruit trees in the dormant season, usually between late autumn and early spring. It involves removing the soil around the roots of a plant, exposing them to air, and storing them in a cool and moist environment until they are ready to be planted. This method is ideal for gardeners who want to save money and time while still getting healthy and robust plants.

Bare root plants are usually sold by mail-order nurseries or garden centers. They are packaged in damp materials like sphagnum moss or shredded newspaper to keep the roots moist during transport. Once you receive your bare root plants, you need to plant them as soon as possible to prevent the roots from drying out.

Why Choose Bare Root Plants?

There are several advantages to planting bare root plants:

Bare root plants are cheaper than potted plants.
Bare root plants are lighter and easier to handle.
Bare root plants have a better chance of establishing quickly because they do not suffer from transplant shock.
Bare root plants are more adaptable to their new environment because they do not have to acclimate to a new soil type or container.

How to Plant Bare Root Plants

Before planting bare root plants, you need to prepare the site and have all the necessary tools and materials at hand. Here are the steps for successful bare root planting:

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Prepare the site - Choose a site with well-draining soil and adequate sunlight for the type of plant you are planting. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris and amend the soil with organic matter if needed.
Soak the roots - Before planting, soak the roots in water for at least six hours to help rehydrate them and stimulate growth.
Dig the hole - Dig a hole that is wide enough to accommodate the spread-out roots of the plant and deep enough to cover the roots with soil up to the base of the stem.
Plant the tree - Spread the roots out in the hole and backfill with soil, packing firmly around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Mulch the area - Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Do not let the mulch touch the stem of the plant.
Stake the tree - If planting a tall or heavy tree, stake it to prevent it from leaning or falling over. Use soft ties to avoid damaging the bark of the tree.
Care for the plant - Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells, and prune as needed to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make mistakes when planting bare root plants. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Planting too deep or too shallow - Make sure to plant the tree at the same depth as it was in the nursery. The graft union should be just above the soil surface.
Planting in poor soil - Bare root plants need good soil to establish quickly. Amend the soil if necessary before planting.
Using too much fertilizer - Fertilizer can burn the tender roots of a newly planted tree. Wait at least one year before applying fertilizer.
Watering too little or too much - Newly planted trees need regular watering, but overwatering can drown the roots. Water deeply once a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.
Ignoring the roots - When planting bare root trees, make sure to spread out the roots and pack the soil firmly around them to eliminate air pockets.

Bare root planting is an excellent way to save money and get healthy plants for your garden or landscape. With a little preparation and care, you can successfully plant bare root trees and shrubs and enjoy their beauty and benefits for years to come.