Bare root stock is an economical method of acquiring plants, typically occurring during the late winter and early spring months when plants are naturally dormant. Understanding this specific method is the first step toward successful establishment in a new location. Bare root plants offer a unique opportunity to introduce a wide selection of species into your garden before the warmer growing season begins.
What Defines a Bare Root Plant
A bare root plant is a specimen that has been harvested from the field and sold without any surrounding soil medium. These plants are intentionally dug up while they are in a state of dormancy. This allows the plant to handle the stress of being moved and replanted far better than a plant in full leaf.
The root system is cleaned of most soil and is usually packaged in a material designed to maintain moisture, such as peat moss, shredded paper, or wood shavings. This method is primarily used for woody plants like fruit trees, ornamental shrubs, roses, and certain perennials like asparagus or strawberries. Because they are not weighed down by heavy soil, these specimens are easier to ship and handle upon arrival.
Advantages of Buying Bare Root Stock
The primary appeal of bare root stock is the logistical benefit and reduced cost compared to containerized plants. Since there is no soil to transport, the overall weight of the shipment is greatly reduced, leading to lower shipping fees. This efficiency is a major factor in the lower price point of bare root options.
The selection available through bare root programs is often much wider than what is found in local nurseries later in the season. Mail-order companies can offer hundreds of cultivars that would be impractical to keep potted. Plants grown in the field and dug up as bare root stock often retain a greater portion of their original, healthy root system than those grown in pots. These unrestricted roots can establish themselves more quickly in native soil without the circling root patterns that sometimes develop in containers.
Essential Care Before Planting
Upon receiving a bare root plant, immediate inspection is necessary to check for any broken or damaged roots, which should be pruned with clean shears. The roots must be prevented from drying out, as desiccation is the most common cause of failure. If planting cannot occur immediately, the plant must be stored in a cool, dark location, such as a garage or root cellar, to maintain dormancy.
Before placing the plant into the ground, the roots require rehydration, which is achieved by soaking them in a bucket of water. A soak of one to six hours is advised to allow the roots to absorb moisture. Soaking for too long, however, can deprive the root cells of oxygen and should be avoided. The roots should be kept moist by wrapping them in damp material until the moment they are set into the planting hole.
Proper Planting Techniques
The planting hole should be prepared to be two to three times wider than the spread of the roots, but no deeper than the root system itself. This allows for easy lateral root growth without encouraging the plant to settle too deep. Sloping the sides of the hole outwards can help encourage this expansion into the native soil.
A small, firm cone or mound of soil should be built in the center of the hole to serve as an anchor for the root system. The plant is then placed onto this mound, carefully draping the roots down and out across the sides of the cone. This technique ensures that the roots are spread naturally and are not bent or forced into a tight, upward position.
The plant’s crown, which is the point where the roots transition to the stem, must be positioned level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade. Holding the plant steady, the hole is gently backfilled with the original soil, tamping lightly to eliminate large air pockets. The final step is a thorough watering to settle the soil around the roots and ensure good root-to-soil contact for successful establishment.