Most of our bare root plants can be purchased in the winter while they are in dormancy.
Bare root plants generally do not have any leaves and they have not been planted in soil in a pot.
They will probably look like they are dead but they are just sleeping; we are the ones that need to give them the proper care in order for their survival.
Bare root shrubs and bare root trees can be planted during the winter, as long the ground is not frozen, or during the early part of spring.
In most areas of the U.
S.
you can plant from the middle of November to the middle of March while they are still dormant.
The perfect time for planting is after the ground thaws and you do not anticipate another freeze.
This way the bare root plants will be able to sprout some new roots before they have to deal with the added pressures of hot sun, drying winds, or the pres ordeal of creating new leaves.
Before planting your new bare root shrubs and trees carefully remove the material that is packed around the roots.
Delicately remove any clumps of dirt or gently rinse off any dirt that is still clinging onto the roots and cut away damaged or dead roots.
The roots of the plants need to be soaked in a bucket of water for 1 to 4 hours.
You can soak them overnight but do not leave them soaking any longer than that.
To succeed on having good bare root plants is to give them enough moisture prior to planting them.
When you dig the hole for your bare root shrub make sure it is two feet wider or larger than the root system and deep enough so you can cover the root ball at the section where the roots begin to flare out.
It is also a good idea to loosen the soil around the inside of the hole; this gives your roots somewhere to go during growth and will not harden up against the roots.
You now need to create a mound of soil at the bottom just high enough so the crown of the plant when placed on top begins to show through the ground.
If you are planting a tree and you feel it will need support now is the time to insert the stakes into the hole.
Now place your plant on the mound so the roots will fall over the sides.
Carefully spread out the roots if needed, and begin filling the hole with soil to the halfway mark.
Gently pat down the soil to remove any large air pockets.
Be sure your tree or shrub is standing straight and then slowly add water to soak the potting soil completely; this also removes any more air pockets.
Now add enough soil so the crown of the plant is at ground level.
Now is a good time to build a berm, with extra soil, around the roots and give the plant more water.
The soil needs to be kept moist during the initial year after planting.
Adding mulch around your plant will help retain moisture but keep 6 inches around the trunk bare.
You also want to check the plant frequently and water it if the soil gets dry or yellowing of the leaves begins to happen.
If you were to purchase your particular plant that has already been planted in a container it would cost you a lot more money.
Bare root plants will grow better if they are planted in potting soil instead of using all ground soil.
Potting soil has a tendency to remain loose and ground soil hardens up.
Loosening the walls of the soil during your digging process will help your roots spread much easier.
There are clues that will let you know how healthy your bare root plants are: there should be no signs of mold or mildew on any area of the plant or even the packaging; it should not have any unusual odors; broken branches are a no-no but broken twigs are okay; the roots, rhizomes or any other plant parts should feel heavy, the plant probably will not grow if they dried out or feel light.
During the first year of planting your plant should sprout leaves.
Planting a bare root plant in spring should bring you leaves that same summer.