how to store bare root plants before planting

How to Store Bare Root Plants Before Planting Them in Your Garden

Bare root plants are a great way to get inexpensive shrubs, trees, and perennials for your garden Unlike potted plants, bare roots arrive without any soil around their roots. This allows nurseries to ship them easily while dormant. But it also means you can’t always plant bare root plants immediately after they arrive Proper storage is key to keeping them alive until planting day.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about storing bare root plants including

• Why bare root plant storage is important
• Short term storage for 1 week or less
• Longer term storage for up to 2 months
• Step-by-step bare root storage process
• Storing different types of bare root plants
• The benefits of proper storage

Read on to learn the best techniques for storing your new bare root trees, shrubs, roses, fruit plants, perennials and more so they thrive once planted in your garden.

Why Proper Storage is Crucial for Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants arrive dormant, with their root systems exposed for shipment. This allows nurseries to pack and ship them without heavy pots and soil. It also means the plants experience less transplant shock when planted in your garden since their roots can spread naturally into the surrounding soil.

But bare roots are vulnerable and need protection to stay viable until planting day. Placing dormant plants in temporary storage keeps roots moist and shelters them from drying winds or freezing temps. Proper storage also prevents premature leaf or flower emergence before the plants have established roots in your soil.

Common reasons you may need to store bare root plants before planting include:

• Inclement weather prevents immediate planting when plants arrive.

• You need time to prep planting sites by amending soil, removing sod, etc.

• Your schedule doesn’t allow planting right after delivery.

• Plants shipped in late winter could arrive before your last frost date.

No matter why planting gets delayed, using the right storage techniques will keep your bare root plants healthy until the ideal planting window opens up.

Short Term Storage for Bare Root Plants (1 Week or Less)

For short planting delays of a week or less, storing bare root plants is fairly simple:

• Leave plants wrapped in original shipping materials. Nurseries pack plants to survive 1-2 days of transport. For up to 1 week of storage, leaving plants wrapped as-is is fine. Just be sure to remove any plastic or twine around stems and branches for air circulation. Check moisture levels every 2-3 days and add a bit of water if packing materials like wood shavings or shredded paper start to dry out.

• Keep plants in a cool, dark space away from light and warmth. A basement, unheated garage or shed work well to maintain cool temps between 34-40°F, preventing dormancy from breaking.

• Monitor temperatures closely so plants don’t freeze below 25°F or overheat above 55°F. Freezing damage can’t be reversed but warmth forces plants out of dormancy prematurely.

With regular moisture monitoring and cool, stable conditions, bare root plants can successfully survive 1 week of short-term storage.

Longer Term Storage for Bare Root Plants (Up to 2 Months)

For extended planting delays between 2 weeks and 2 months, more care is required to store bare root plants:

• Bury roots in moist media like sawdust, shredded leaves, wood chips, peat moss or soilless potting mix in a bucket or other container. This protects roots and retains moisture while allowing air circulation.

• Maintain ideal 34-40°F temperature by storing in a cellar, unheated garage or enclosed porch. Check that media moisture is adequate but not soggy.

• Or “heel in” plants by burying roots in a sheltered garden bed or trench. Cover with soil or mulch and water if rain is insufficient.

• Monitor for mold, rotting or dead roots. Trim any dead roots before planting.

With attentive care throughout storage, most bare root plants can successfully bridge the planting gap from delivery to garden bed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Bare Root Plants

Follow these steps for keeping bare root plants dormant and healthy in storage:

1. Unwrap plants and inspect roots, trimming any that are broken, diseased or dry. Soak for 1-2 hours in water or diluted seaweed extract to rehydrate.

2. Fill a bucket or box with 2-3 inches of lightly moistened media like sawdust, soil or wood chips. Allow excess water to drain so it’s damp but not sodden.

3. Arrange plants so roots are surrounded by media, keeping root flares and any grafts above the surface. Pack media around roots firmly to eliminate air pockets.

4. Water occasionally if needed to keep media moist but not wet. Move to a cool 34-40°F location. Monitor temperatures closely.

5. Prevent top growth by keeping plants away from light and warmth. Store in complete darkness if possible.

6. Once ideal planting conditions arrive, transition plants ASAP to garden soil so they resume growth.

Storing Different Types of Bare Root Plants

Specific bare root plants have ideal storage needs:

Fruit Trees & Berry Canes: Can be stored for up to 8 weeks at humid 34-40°F temperatures. Maintain roots buried in very moist sawdust, wood chips, soil or potting mix. Prune canes by 1⁄3 to limit bud swell and growth.

Roses: Store in open boxes of damp wood shavings, peat or vermiculite at 34-38°F to prevent premature leafing or blooming. Inspect for molding canes or loss of plumpness and discard any affected plants.

Grapevines: Store similar to fruit trees with roots packed in very moist media at 30-35°F to stop bud swell. High humidity helps. Inspect roots and canes thoroughly and prune away any dead portions.

Perennials, Grasses & Vines: Can be stored at slightly warmer 35-40°F temperatures. Use moist sawdust, soil, peat, wood chips or shredded leaves. Discard any plants with dried or mushy roots or crowns.

With proper media, temperatures and moisture, most bare root plants can successfully bridge the planting gap. Limit light, monitor for disease, and plant into the garden at the earliest opportunity.

The Benefits of Proper Bare Root Plant Storage

Taking steps to properly store and care for bare root plants before planting day offers many advantages:

• Minimizes transplant shock and stress when planted.

• Allows flexibility if poor weather or other delays occur.

• Keeps plants dormant until ideal planting time.

• Reduces root drying and damage from poor storage.

• Saves money compared to buying replacements if plants fail.

• Prevents premature leaf and flower emergence.

• Gives time to improve future planting sites.

• Allows ordering plants when selection and availability are best.

While requiring some extra attention, proper bare root plant storage is worthwhile to ensure success!

Storing Bare Root Plants is Key to Garden Success

Bare root plants arrive ready-to-plant but delays often happen. Knowing proper storage techniques saves your investment until planting day arrives. With the right moisture, temperature control and light avoidance, you can store plants successfully for weeks or even months. Just be sure to plant them into the garden ASAP once conditions allow so you can enjoy their beauty for years to come.

Follow these bare root plant storage tips and you’ll give your new plants the best chance to not just survive, but thrive in your landscape.