Congratulations! You probably found this page because you just got bare root plants or are thinking about getting them. Either way, they are a great way to buy plants.
The great thing about bare root plants is that they are very hardy. That doesn’t mean that you can’t make mistakes when you plant them, though. Our aim here at Hand Picked Nursery for this article is to help you be successful on:
Here at our nursery, we strive to provide our customers with the highest quality plants and top-notch guidance to ensure their new additions thrive. Proper planting technique and care is crucial for establishing strong, healthy plants that will bring joy for years to come. Our team has crafted comprehensive planting instructions tailored to each plant type we offer so your new plants get off on the right foot.
In this in-depth guide, we will walk through our nursery’s best practices for getting your plants off to a vigorous vibrant start. Follow our instructions closely and your plants will reward you with vigorous growth beautiful blooms, and bountiful harvests.
Receiving and Preparing Bare Root Plants
Many of the plants we offer, like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, trees, and grape vines arrive as dormant, bare root plants This means the roots are exposed without soil It’s important to understand how to handle these plants when you receive them to prevent transplant shock. Here are our tips
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Immediately unpack: As soon as bare root plants arrive, remove them from packaging and plastic bags so they can breathe. If you can’t plant them right away, place the roots in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
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Soak roots: Before planting, soak bare root plant’s roots in water for at least 1 hour to rehydrate. Make sure only the roots are submerged.
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Plant quickly: Get plants in the ground as soon as possible before roots dry out. If planting must be delayed, heel them into a trench outdoors and water regularly.
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Avoid direct sun: Don’t start bare root plants in full sun. The tender roots and crowns need gentle treatment. Start them in part shade.
Following these steps prevents transplant shock and promotes quick establishment after planting. Pay close attention to bare root plant’s needs for the best results.
Potting Mixes – Getting the Soil Right
Soil quality and drainage are two of the most important factors that determine how well your plants will grow. We recommend using high quality, commercial potting mixes for starting plants and making custom amendments to garden beds and planting holes to improve drainage and nutrition. Here are our soil tips:
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Avoid 100% potting mix: Pure potting soil retains too much moisture for some bare root plants. Amend with 30% sand.
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No added moisture retainers: Don’t amend soil with peat moss, coir, or compost which can lead to overly wet soil.
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Check drainage: The ideal soil drains well but also holds some moisture. Test drainage before planting.
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Adjust pH: Most plants need a slightly acidic pH between 6.0-6.5. Test and amend pH before planting if needed.
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Add fertilizer: Mix a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 into outdoor garden beds before planting. Don’t fertilize containers until plants are established.
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No soil on crowns: Don’t bury crowns of plants like strawberries in soil. Leave them exposed.
Proper soil prep before planting prevents many common issues like poor drainage, nutrient deficiencies, disease, and pH problems. Invest this effort for a healthy start.
Starting Plants Indoors
Some plants like strawberries, raspberries, and trees require some indoor care before moving outside. Starting plants indoors gives roots a chance to establish and protects tender crowns and leaves before hardening off. Here are our indoor planting tips:
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Gentle transition: Don’t start bare root plants at 80°F or above. Gentle handling prevents shock.
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Control humidity: Cover plants with cloches or plastic tents to retain humidity during establishment. Vent them daily.
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Let soil dry: Don’t overwater while plants are indoors. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
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Transition light levels: Start plants near windows or under lights. Slowly expose them to more sun over 7-10 days before moving outside.
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Harden off: Set plants outdoors in shade for 1-2 days before slowly exposing them to more sun over a week.
Be patient and gentle when moving plants from indoors to outdoors. A gradual transition prevents stress and keeps plants thriving.
Outdoor Planting Guidelines
Once indoor plants are hardened off or shipped dormant plants arrive, it’s time to get them planted outside for the growing season. Follow these key guidelines for planting outdoors:
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Plant at right depth: Plant crowns at soil level. Dig holes to correct depth based on root length.
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Space properly: Follow our spacing guidelines for proper air flow and sun exposure.
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Amend backfill soil: Mix compost or fertilizer into backfill soil removed from planting holes. Avoid amendments in holes.
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Water immediately: Water new transplants thoroughly after planting to saturate root balls and surrounding soil.
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Add mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of shredded bark, leaves, or wood chips. Don’t pile mulch on crowns.
Proper planting techniques promote quick establishment, healthy roots, and stronger plants ready to take off growing.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
The work doesn’t stop after planting your new additions. Regular care and maintenance keeps plants thriving over the long term. Here are our top tips:
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Weed weekly: Pull weeds and clear debris to prevent competition for water and nutrients.
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Water when dry: Test soil moisture a few inches down. Water thoroughly when top layers are dry. Avoid overwatering.
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Fertilize regularly: Use balanced fertilizers like 10-10-10 according to our label rates to keep plants well fed.
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Prune for growth: Remove dead or damaged growth and prune plants like blueberries for optimal fruiting and plant shape.
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Monitor for issues: Catch problems early by regularly inspecting plants. Treat diseases and pests quickly to avoid spreading.
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Prep for winter: Prune, fertilize, and mulch plants in fall to protect from harsh winter weather.
Diligent, ongoing care keeps plants healthy and prevents issues. Don’t just plant ’em and leave ’em!
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even when planted and cared for correctly, issues can pop up with plants. Here are some common problems and our solutions:
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Poor drainage/overwatering: Add more sand or gravel to improve drainage. Allow soil to dry before watering again.
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Transplant shock: Set plants in shaded location for 7-10 days until showing new growth.
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Sunburn: Move plants to part shade if leaves are wilting, yellowing or burning in full sun. Harden off gradually.
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Pests: Identify insects, spray plants with appropriate organic pesticides. Prevent by attracting beneficial insects.
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Diseases: Remove affected leaves immediately. Treat with natural fungicides. Improve air flow and avoid overhead watering.
Don’t hesitate to contact us at the nursery if you notice plants declining or need help diagnosing issues. We’re happy to troubleshoot!
If you require any help with your new plants, don’t hesitate to contact our nursery experts. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help get your plants off to the right start! Just give us a call or chat with us online. Happy growing!
When to Plant Bare Root Plants
This is again dependent on the plant, but there are common trends among most bare root plants.
The best time to plant bare root plants we find is anywhere from November to March. It’s important to note that this does not mean planting outdoors though.
The key here most of the time is to actually plant early. For this reason, “off-season” growing times may be the best times to start your plants indoors.
Soak your plants in water for a few days to give them a HUGE head start when you move them outside.
People often worry that when they plant bare root plants, the crown (the top of the plant) won’t grow right away. When you plant for the first time, the crown will grow slowly at first while the feeder roots stretch out.
How Long Can you Keep Bare Root Plants Before Planting?
Sometimes you cant always plant right away. There should be no warmth around your plants if you plan to keep them for a while before planting. This will allow for the best survival rate. A temperature of around 32-42 degrees (the temperature of most fridges) is best.
In this stage, the most important thing is to keep the crown dry and the roots moist, like with strawberry plants.
When it comes to the lifespan of a stored bare root plant, all plants are different. There is, however, a good rule of thumb that says two weeks is the best amount of time. With proper care, your plants could last longer for up to a few weeks.
Circled in green is the crown of a bare root plant.
The key is to keep the crown dry and free of mold. Mold is a common killer for plants that have been dormant for some time.
When you store plants, remember that it should only be done as a last resort for the best chance of survival for your plants. We will soon talk about how you can start your plants indoors right away, so storing them is really the last thing you should do!
How to Plant Bare Root Strawberries – Our Best Planting Method!
How do you grow a raspberry tree bare root?
Look for branches in the middle that don’t have any or very much new growth. Those will be the ones you want to remove. Be sure and cut the branch off down to the very base of the bush. This will encourage healthy new growth. Raspberry plants from us it will come completely dormant bare root with no leaves. The roots can have some new growth.
How do you grow a raspberry cane?
Once planted, cut the raspberry cane to about 2″ in height. This will help stimulate root growth to help send up new shoots! Then take those cuttings and put in a large freezer bag with a lightly moisten towel like you do a seedling and put by a window. Those will also grow. You can also do this to root. Things to avoid! 1.
How do you take care of a plant in a hole?
After planting a plant in a hole, ensure the top of the root ball is 1-2” above ground level. Fill the hole with amended soil, lightly tamp to remove air pockets, and mound the soil to form a basin for water retention around the plant. Add a 2-3” layer of mulch around the plant, and water the plant well after it’s planted.
How do you grow a crown plant?
Make sure to only soak the roots, leaving the crown and sprouts above the water. Plant in something that is at least 8 oz or 3″ container. Fill the container completely full and then plant your plant. Make sure the crown is above the soil and container lip. The crown needs good airflow.
How do you grow a strawberry plant in a container?
Fill the container completely full and then plant your plant. Make sure the crown is above the soil and container lip. The crown needs good airflow. When there is high humidity around them you will see the leaves curl and die. When you go to a strawberry picking farm you see them on raised covered rows. That is key.
How do you plant a cactus plant in a container?
Plant in something that is at least 8 oz or 3″ container. Fill the container completely full and then plant your plant. Make sure the crown is above the soil and container lip. The crown needs good airflow. When there is high humidity around them you will see the leaves curl and die.