So around the beginning of the year (Dec. thru Feb) is bare root season.  It is an good time to buy bare root plants i.e. roses, deciduous fruit trees and berries and some perennials.  Plants are more affordable as bare root stock and can get a better “root hold” in the soil when grown from bare root stage.

Bare root means that the dormant plants are sold without soil with roots exposed and just wrapped in shavings. Only dormant or deciduous plants can be sold this way- no evergreens.

When buying bare root plants look for plants that are still without any new leaves or buds that are opening, roots that are plump and full rather than shrunken or shriveled, and plants that have a goodly amount of roots (these will help to support top growth).

Soak the bare root plants in a bucket of water when you get them home and plant in well turned earth that is not soggy or saturated with water. Always add compost and slow release fertilizer when planting new plants. use your fingers to pack the soil around the tender roots filling in all air
pockets. After planting use a broom handle (for roses and fruit trees) to probe soil areas around the root ball making sure all air pockets are filled in. This is very important.

Water in the plants after planting and repeat as needed if it is not raining much.  Use a shredded mulch layer over the root ball and soil to conserve water and keep weeds down. Pull mulch away from the plant crowns 3-4″. The crown of a plant is where the base of the trunk where the roots start. This area needs to be exposed to air to avoid crown rot.

I often ordered Roses as bare root plants from Jackson and Perkins (picture above shows a shipped bare root rose). They were excellent plants and I have had beautiful Roses for many years from these shipments. Unfortunately, Jackson and Perkins went through some big changes and a buy out so things are not what they were. Best to buy from a local nursery for bare root plants although some nurseries transfer stock into 5 gallon pots right away then charge the higher price. Best to see what is available in your area and if bare root is available.

Big box stores aren’t always good to buy from as they don’t care for the stock very well. If I do buy from these discounters check the material to see if the roots are dried out or dead (they shouldn’t be black). Also good to catch the stock on one of the delivery days.

I hope you will be able to experience this rewarding way of growing plants also and have many fruits from your labors- ha ha.