Congratulations! You’re probably here because you just received bare root plants, or are thinking about getting them! Either way, bare root plants are a great way to buy plants.
The great thing about bare root plants is they are extremely hardy! This doesn’t mean however they’re immune to all planting mistakes. Our aim here at Hand Picked Nursery for this article is to help you be successful on:
Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been working with plants for years at Hand Picked Nursery, and today I’m gonna share our tried-and-true planting instructions that’ll help you turn your garden into a thriving paradise. Whether you’re starting with strawberries, asparagus, or any other plants from our nursery, I’ve got you covered!
First Things First: The Golden Rules
Before we dive deep into specific plants. here are some universal tips we always tell our customers
- Never start plants in full sun when temps are above 80°F (trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!)
- Always hydrate your soil before planting – dry soil can literally suck the life outta your plants
- The crown of plants should stay above soil level for good airflow
- Skip those fancy glass cup methods – they’re just asking for trouble
Strawberry Planting 101
Soil Preparation
- Mix ratio: 2/3 quality potting mix + 1/3 play sand
- pH sweet spot: 5.5-6.5
- Pro tip: Always pre-hydrate your soil mix!
Container Requirements
- Minimum size: 8 oz or 3″ container
- Fill completely and ensure crown stays above soil
- Don’t use hanging baskets or bags for starters (I’ve seen too many fails with these)
Environment Control
Indoor Start (First 2 weeks):
- Water roughly twice weekly
- Keep in consistent environment
- Watch for leaf curling (sign of high humidity)
Outdoor Transition
- Start in shade (2 days)
- Gradually increase sun exposure
- Always mulch before moving outside
- Use hardwood mulch (no grass, straw, or leaves!)
Asparagus: The 25-Year Investment
Yeah you read that right – these babies can live for 25 years! Here’s how to make it work
Planting Specs
- Depth: 12 inches
- Spacing: 12 inches between plants
- Row spacing: 2-3 feet
- Soil mix: 30% sand (commercial growers use up to 70%!)
Pro Tips
- Store in fridge (paper bag) if can’t plant immediately
- Don’t panic about some mold – just rinse and dry
- pH target: 7.0-7.2
- First year: enjoy a spear or two, but let most fern out
Blueberry Growing Secrets
Listen up, ’cause this is important – blueberries are super picky about their soil!
The Soil Formula
- Must be RIDICULOUSLY acidic (pH 4-5)
- Mix equal parts:
- Milled peat moss
- Compost
- Native soil (non-clay)
Mulching Strategy
Layer like this:
- 1-inch peat moss
- 1-inch compost
- Shredded leaves on top
- Keep mulch away from plant base!
Real Talk About Common Mistakes
We see these all the time at the nursery:
- Using pure potting soil (big no-no!)
- Planting directly in full sun during hot weather
- Forgetting to mulch (seriously, don’t skip this!)
- Ignoring humidity needs
- Over-complicating the process
Final Words of Wisdom
Look, I know this might seem like a lot, but here’s the deal – plants aren’t rocket science. They just need consistent care and the right environment. Start small, follow these instructions, and don’t be afraid to text us pictures if you’re unsure about something.
Remember, at Hand Picked Nursery, we treat every plant like an adoption – it’s a living thing you’re bringing home! We’re here to help you succeed, and our veteran guarantee’s got your back for 30 days.
Got questions? Need help? Just holler at us – that’s what we’re here for! And hey, don’t forget to check out our guarantee page for more details about our plant promise.
Happy planting, y’all!
Want more specific instructions for other plants? Drop by our store at 233 Ennis Rd, Benson, NC, or give us a ring at (919) 696-0328. We’re always happy to chat about plants!
What is a Bare Root Plant?
Bare root plants are plants that are dormant without soil around the roots. The temperature bare root plants are stored at is what puts them and keeps them in a dormant state until they are ready for planting.
This will also help to reset their internal clock which can be taken advantage of to produce a larger yield.
In addition to being hardy, buying bare root plants is cheaper than buying plants already in a container. They are also extremely easy to care for once you know how.
How Long Can you Keep Bare Root Plants Before Planting?
Sometimes you cant always plant right away. You will need to make sure that your plants are kept cold if you store them for a period of time before planting. This will allow for the best survival rate. A temperature of around 32-42 degrees (the temperature of most fridges) is best.
If you take strawberry plants for example, the most important aspect of this stage is to keep the crown dry and keep the roots moist.
When it comes to the lifespan of a stored bare root plant, all plants are different. Two weeks is a good rule of thumb though and here at Hand Picked Nursery we find this to be ideal. With proper care, your plants could last longer for up to a few weeks.
Circled in green is the crown of a bare root plant.
The key is to keep the crown dry and free of mold. Mold is a common killer for plants that have been dormant for some time.
Keep in mind too storing plants should be a last case scenario for the best survival rate of your plants. We will shortly cover how you can start your plants right away, indoors, so that storing your plants really is a last case scenario!
How to Plant Bare Root Strawberries – Our Best Planting Method!
FAQ
Can I start bare root strawberries inside?
Starting Bare Root Strawberries Indoors
If your plan is to start your bare root strawberry plants indoors to get them ready for the ground, then any pot or container the roots can fit into is generally fine.
How do you start strawberries from roots?
Dig a small hole and create a mound in the middle. sit the crown in the middle and fan the roots out around the plant. Use your fingers to firm the soil around the roots. Now rinse and repeat every 30cms if you’re growing multiple plants. Keep the plants well watered during dry weather and enjoy your strawberries.
How do you plant a strawberry plant?
Plant placement: The Strawberry plant has two important parts the roots and crown. Both of them should never be in standing water. I recommend cutting roots to about 2 inches. Then putting them in the medium you are using. The crowns do not need to be in the medium. The main killer of strawberry plant are root and crown rot.
How do you grow a strawberry plant hydroponically?
Growing Environment: Growing Strawberry plants hydroponically requires low humidity with good air flow because strawberry plants are prone to powdery mildew in high humidity environments. Temperatures should be around 65 – 75 degrees F with 12 to 16 hours of light is optimal.
How do you grow a crown plant?
Make sure to only soak the roots, leaving the crown and sprouts above the water. Plant in something that is at least 8 oz or 3″ container. Fill the container completely full and then plant your plant. Make sure the crown is above the soil and container lip. The crown needs good airflow.
How far apart should blueberry bushes be planted?
Blueberry bushes need space to spread their roots, so it’s important to plant them correctly. Dig a hole that is about twice as wide and just as deep as the plant’s root ball. The extra width gives the roots room to spread out and establish themselves. Space the plants about 4-5 feet apart, with rows 8-10 feet apart for highbush varieties.
How do you care for a blueberry plant?
Water the plants regularly, making sure the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy. Fertilize potted blueberries with a balanced fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen, as this can encourage excessive leafy growth at the expense of fruit production.
How far apart should a plant be planted?
For spacing: 4’–5’ and between plants 8’–12’ between rows. So excavate their planting area as deeply as your muscles allow, use a garden fork to break up the clay at the bottom and refill the hole with equal amounts of milled peat moss, compost and any native soil you have that doesn’t look like clay.