Bare root plants are perennial plants that are dug up and stored while they are dormant, or in the resting phase of their life cycle, when they are still alive but not growing. They’re stored without soil, therefore, leaving the roots exposed or bare. There are clear benefits to storing shrubs and trees in this way that make bare root items a great choice when buying woody plants.
When you order bare root plants like trees, shrubs, and vines for your garden, they arrive ready to be planted into the ground But life sometimes gets in the way, forcing you to temporarily store your bare root plants before planting day arrives Whether weather delays planting or your schedule gets backed up, proper storage is key to ensuring your plants survive until their garden debut.
In this article we’ll explore tips and techniques for successfully storing bare root plants before it’s time to get them in the ground.
Why Store Bare Root Plants?
Bare root plants arrive dormant with their root systems exposed, rather than growing in soil or containers. This allows nurseries to ship them without heavy pots and soil. It also gives the plants the best chance of thriving once planted since their roots can spread naturally into surrounding soil.
But bare roots are vulnerable and require protection to stay viable until planting. Placing dormant plants in temporary storage preserves root moisture and protects them from drying out or freezing. Proper storage also prevents premature leaf or flower emergence before the plants are settled into your garden soil.
Common reasons for storing bare root plants before planting include:
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Inclement weather like heavy rain, snow, or frozen ground prevents immediate planting when plants arrive.
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You need time to prepare planting sites by amending soil and removing weeds or sod.
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Your schedule doesn’t allow planting right after the plants are delivered.
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Spring plants shipped in late winter may arrive before your average last frost date.
No matter the reason, with the right techniques you can store bare root plants and ensure their health until ideal planting conditions arrive.
Storing Bare Root Plants Short-Term (1 Week or Less)
For short delays of a week or less, storing bare root plants is fairly simple. Here are tips to safely store plants right after they’ve been shipped to your home:
Leave Plants in Shipping Packaging
Bare root plants are packed by nurseries for 1-2 days of storage and shipping. For up to 1 week of storage, leaving plants in their original shipping materials is fine. Just be sure to:
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Remove any plastic or twine wrapped around the stems and branches to allow air circulation.
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Check moisture levels every 2-3 days. Add a bit of water if packing materials like wood shavings or shredded paper start to dry out.
Place Plants in a Cool, Dark Space
Keep stored plants in a sheltered location away from light and warmth. A basement, garage or shed are ideal for maintaining cool temps between 34-40°F. This prevents growth and respiration from speeding up.
Monitor Temperature
Make sure plants don’t freeze below 25°F or overheat above 55°F. Freezing damage is irreversible. Warmth forces plants out of dormancy too soon.
With attentive moisture monitoring and cool, stable conditions, bare root plants should survive for up to 1 week of short-term storage.
Storing Bare Root Plants Long-Term (Up to 2 Months)
For extended delays between 2 weeks and 2 months, more intervention is needed to store bare root plants successfully:
Bury Roots in Moist Media
Place roots in a bucket or other container filled with 2-3 inches of sawdust, shredded leaves, wood chips, peat moss or soilless potting mix. This protects roots and retains moisture while allowing air circulation.
Maintain Ideal Temperature
Keep plants at the optimal 34-40°F by storing in a cellar, unheated garage or enclosed porch. Check that media moisture remains adequate but not soggy.
Or Heel-In Plants Outside
In milder climates, “heeling-in” plants by burying their roots in a sheltered garden bed or temporary trench maintains dormancy. Cover roots with soil or mulch and water periodically if rainfall is insufficient.
Monitor Carefully
Ensure plants are not exposed to freezing cold or warm periods that could initiate growth. Keep an eye out for mold or rotting. Trim any dead roots before planting.
With attentive care throughout storage, bare root plants can successfully bridge the gap between delivery and garden planting.
Step-By-Step Guide to Storing Bare Root Plants
Follow this simple process for keeping bare root plants dormant and healthy in storage:
Inspect Roots
Unwrap plants and inspect root systems, trimming any broken, diseased or dry roots. Soak for 1-2 hours in water or diluted seaweed extract to rehydrate.
Prepare Storage Container
Fill bucket or box with lightly moistened media like sawdust, soil or wood chips. Shake excess water so it’s damp but not sodden.
Position Plants
Arrange plants so roots are surrounded by media, keeping graft unions and root flares above the surface. Pack media around roots to eliminate air pockets.
Maintain Moisture & Temperature
Water occasionally if needed to keep media moist but not wet. Move container to cool location between 34-40°F. Monitor temps closely.
Limit Light Exposure
Prevent top growth by keeping plants away from sunlight or warmth. Store in complete darkness if possible.
Plant Promptly After Storage
Once ideal planting conditions arrive, transition plants ASAP into garden soil so they can resume growth.
Storing Different Types of Bare Root Plants
Specific plants have certain ideal storage conditions:
Fruit Trees & Berry Canes
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Can be stored for up to 8 weeks in humid 34-40°F temperatures.
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Maintain roots buried in very moist sawdust, wood chips, soil or potting mix.
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Prune canes back by 1⁄3 to limit bud swelling and growth.
Roses
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Store in open boxes or buckets of damp wood shavings, peat or vermiculite.
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Ideal temps are 34-38°F to avoid premature leafing or blooming.
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Inspect for molding canes or loss of plumpness. Discard any if found.
Grapevines
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Store in conditions similar to fruit trees with roots packed in very moist media.
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Ideal temps are 30-35°F to prevent bud swell. High humidity helps.
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Inspect roots and canes thoroughly and prune away and dead portions.
Perennials, Ornamental Grasses & Vines
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Can be stored at warmer temperatures of 35-40°F.
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Use moist sawdust, soil, peat, wood chips or shredded leaves.
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Discard any plants showing dried out or mushy roots or crowns.
With proper media, temperatures and moisture, most bare root plants can successfully bridge the planting gap. Just be sure to limit light exposure, monitor closely for mold or rotting, and plant into the garden at the earliest opportunity once conditions allow.
The Benefits of Proper Bare Root Plant Storage
Taking steps to properly store and care for bare root plants before planting day comes with many advantages:
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Minimizes transplant shock and stress when plants are finally planted.
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Allows flexibility if poor weather or other delays happen.
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Keeps plants dormant until ideal planting time.
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Reduces root drying and damage from improper storage.
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Saves money compared to buying replacements if plants fail.
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Prevents premature leaf and flower emergence.
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Gives time to amend and improve future planting sites.
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Allows ordering plants when availability and selection are best.
While bareroot plant storage requires attention and monitoring, the benefits make the extra effort worthwhile!
Storing Bare Root Plants is Key to Garden Success
Bare root plants are delivered ready-to-plant, but few gardens follow that ideal timing. Knowing proper storage techniques saves your investment when planting gets postponed for any reason. With the right mix of moisture management, temperature control and sunlight avoidance, you can store plants successfully for weeks or even months. Just be sure to get them planted in the ground once conditions allow so you can enjoy their beauty in your garden for years to come.
Soaking Your Bare Root Plant
Soak the roots for at least two hours and no more than eight to twelve hours, but no more than twenty-four hours. This is an important step because it will allow the roots to re-hydrate and absorb water. If roots are soaked longer than 24 hours they can become oxygen-starved and be permanently damaged.
Benefits of Bare Root Plants
- Bare root plants are an economical choice. Because they’re easier to store and lighter to ship, they cost less than plants in pots.
- You can plant bare root plants very early in the spring when they are still dormant. This gives them more time to get established in their first growing season.
- They are often easier to establish than plants in pots because they are dormant when planted.
How to store #bareroot trees and plants till planting time
Can bare root plants be stored in the refrigerator?
Yes, you can store bare root plants in the refrigerator before planting, as long as you take care to keep them moist and prevent them from freezing. The refrigerator can provide a cool, dark environment that is suitable for storing bare root plants until you are ready to plant them.
How do you store bare roots?
The problem with storing bare roots is moisture. Water can help the plants to get some moisture, as long as you give the right amount. You should keep the roots moist and not soggy. Before you store the plant, you should hydrate the roots. Remove the packaging, then soak the roots in a bucket of lukewarm water for 30 minutes up to 2 hours.
How do you store bare-root plants & trees?
When you open the package, you will see strips of damp paper around the bare-root plants and trees’ roots. Make sure the paper remains damp, but avoid drenching it. Wrap the bare-root plants and trees in the shipping plastic and store in a cool, dark place, like an unheated basement, cellar, garage or shed.
How do you store bare root berries?
Some small bare-root berries and other plants can be stored in the lower section of your refrigerator or in the “crisper” drawer. Do not store them with produce unless your plants are completely sealed in plastic (in gallon-sized re-sealable bags, for example). To be extra cautious, you can double-bag your plants in the airtight plastic.