Bare root strawberry plants are dormant specimens harvested from a nursery field and shipped without surrounding soil. This method is efficient and economical, but it leaves their delicate root systems exposed and susceptible to drying out. Proper temporary storage is necessary to maintain their dormancy and prevent desiccation if they cannot be planted immediately. Successfully storing them requires a balance of cool temperatures and controlled moisture levels until planting.
Initial Handling Upon Receiving
Upon receiving the package, open it immediately to inspect the plants’ condition. Check the roots for signs of mold, rot, or physical damage that may have occurred during transit. Healthy bare roots should be firm, pale, and possess no foul odor; gently trim any damaged sections with clean shears.
The next step is ensuring the roots are properly hydrated. Before placing them into storage, soak the roots in a container of lukewarm water for 30 to 60 minutes. This rehydration allows dry root tissues to absorb moisture before a delay in planting. Only submerge the roots and avoid soaking the crown, which is the thickened part of the plant where the leaves emerge, as this area is susceptible to rot.
Short-Term Indoor Storage
For a planting delay lasting a few days up to two weeks, utilize a cool, dark, and humid environment to keep the plants dormant. The ideal storage temperature range is between 32°F and 40°F (0°C to 4°C), which effectively simulates winter conditions without freezing the plant tissue. A standard home refrigerator, particularly the crisper drawer, often provides this steady, low-temperature environment.
After the initial hydration, the roots must be wrapped in a material that retains moisture without becoming saturated. Slightly moistened peat moss, shredded newspaper, or sawdust are suitable packing materials to surround the roots. The goal is a damp consistency, similar to a wrung-out sponge, to prevent both drying and fungal growth.
The wrapped plants should then be placed inside a plastic bag, such as a loosely sealed grocery bag or a perforated zipper bag. This container helps to trap humidity around the roots, but it must be breathable enough to allow for some air exchange. Storing the prepared bundle in the refrigerator maintains the necessary cold temperatures and keeps the strawberries in their dormant state until planting day.
Temporary Outdoor Storage for Extended Delays
If planting must be postponed for longer than two weeks, or if the soil remains frozen or saturated, an outdoor technique known as “heeling in” is a better solution. This process involves temporarily burying the roots to protect them from environmental stress and is suitable for extended delays until permanent planting can occur. The first step is to locate a sheltered, shaded area that is protected from strong winds and harsh sunlight.
A trench should be dug deep enough to accommodate the full length of the roots, often with one side sloped at an angle. The bare root plants are then laid into this trench, ensuring the roots are spread out and not tightly bundled together. It is permissible to place the plants close to one another, as this is only a short-term holding measure.
The roots are then covered with loose soil, compost, or sand, which is gently firmed down to eliminate any air pockets. The critical point is to ensure the entire root mass is covered while leaving the crown—the area from which the leaves will sprout—exposed above the temporary ground level. This placement prevents the crown from rotting while keeping the roots moist. The heeled-in area should be watered lightly to settle the soil around the roots and monitored to ensure the medium stays consistently damp but never waterlogged.