Bare Root Planting

Ushered by our changing seasons, and witnessed by fall color and leaf drop, plants will soon be in their dormant season. Photosynthesis on deciduous plants will halt, thereby making transplanting a much safer transaction. This is how wholesale nurseries are able to undercut field-grown plants, and handle them with no soil on the roots.

Bare root in simple terms, means a savings to the consumer of 40 to 60 percent, and in many cases a more vigorous specimen. With bare root planting, roots grow directly into native soil – the same soil they will remain in during the plant’s life-span. Hence, no transition, and no dissimilar soils. Containerized soil is sometimes too adverse for its to-be-planted environment. Roots may refuse to absorb moisture from surrounding soil. These adversities can cause death or slow root growth.

Fruit trees, ornamental trees, flowering shrubs, roses, grapes, berries, asparagus, and strawberries are plants available in bare root. (Citrus is not available in this manner and should be planted in the spring.)

Before your local nursery receives its bare root supply, much preparatory work takes place at the growers. Trees and roses are budded and grafted. By uniting these characteristics from two individuals, the result is a super-species. This is exemplified by comparing a peach tree grown from seed, with a budded one. In most cases the budded tree will outlive and function better than the seedling. Also, fruit trees are grafted, such as the multiple graft 4 on 1 apple, which yields four types of apple on one tree.

Digging bare root stock for sale is a major operation for growers. Tractors pull U-shaped blades, undercutting roots below and beside. Plants are bundled and labeled as to variety. Retail orders are filled and shipped to nurseries where they are healed-in. (Root placed into moist wood-shavings or loose soil). Because of this efficient method of supplying quality plants, coupled with low freight weight and a minimum of labor at the retailers (no canning), prices are low.

Before planting a bare root, reflect on the axiom, “A successful marriage depends on proper selection.” So, check your soil, analyze it, and plant accordingly.

To Determine Soil Type

If rock-hard when dry and gummy when wet, soil is clay. This type holds nutrients and moisture, yet lacks air-space due to compaction of small particles. Latest research suggests planting trees on knolls. And be certain not to plant your orchard in zones where water will stand around plants.

If water sinks right in and is dry after short periods, your soil is sandy. Providing too much air space, moisture and nutrients drain away rapidly. Organic matter, such as a processed compost from a reliable source and/or aged manure should be added. Sawdust and rice-hulls should be avoided, due to lack of water and nutrient holding capacity, and their needs for nitrogen to decompose (otherwise available to plants).

Plants that won’t tolerate excessively wet soils are: cherry, (fruiting and ornamental) peach, apricot, blueberries, strawberries, pecan, asparagus, and artichoke. (it should be noted that any plant, unless aquatic, will suffer if waterlogged for too long).

Most tolerant to moist conditions are: plums, apples, pears, quince and cranberries.

Plant Selection

After a plant is selected as to soil type, individual specimen choice is an important task. Look for a fresh, well-formed root system, with symmetrically branched roots that are growing down and out to provide good support.

Select a straight trunk, with bark free of injury and sunburn. Contrary to popular belief, the biggest bare root plant is not the best to choose. It’s best to go with a medium size plant in the selection as there will be a better root to branch ratio.

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Happy bare root planting and enjoy your mouth watering harvest.