Winter is prime time for bare-root planting. Here's how to get established trees and shrubs off to a strong start.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
Bare-root plants — trees, hedging, fruit, roses and more — are dug up and sold while dormant, which makes winter the single best time to plant them. They're cheaper, establish faster and, handled right, become strong, healthy plants.
Plant bare roots any time the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged, though late autumn to early spring is the ideal window. If you can't plant right away, keep the roots damp and heel the plants into a trench so they don't dry out.
Dig a hole wide enough to take the roots without cramping and deep enough to plant at the same level the plant was grown. Loosen the base and sides so roots can push out easily, and check the depth with the soil mark on the stem.
Soak the roots for a few hours before planting, trim any broken or damaged roots, and fan the roots out evenly in the hole. Backfill with fine soil, firm gently as you go to remove air pockets, and water in well even in wet weather.
Stake top-heavy trees until established, and mulch the base to lock in moisture and keep weeds down. Water carefully through the first year or two until the hardy new plant has rooted as far as it can.
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