Bare Root Berries

Bare root plants are dormant perennials (trees, shrubs, vines, berries, roses, peonies, flowering shrubs) that are grown, removed from the soil and packed up without any soil around the roots, thus the name “bare root”.  As long as the plants are kept cold, they will be dormant.  Once you take the proper steps in planting them, they will start to grow again.  Be sure to plant them before they start to show new growth.  They are not much to look at now, but if you plant them soon, they will have leaves by summer.

There are several reasons to buy and plant bare root plants.  They require less fuel to transport as they don’t have the weight of the soil to ship.  They are quite a bit less expensive, especially if you are thinking of planting fruit or nut trees.  You can start planting them early in the season (i.e. right now if you live in the PNW) as long as your soil is not too soggy. Planting bare root plants is a low-risk way to try something you’ve never grown before.

Bare Root Flowering Trees

How to Plant Bare Root Plants

1. Soak the roots of the plant in a bucket of water.  If you’re planting a woodsy shrub or tree soak for 2-3 hours.  For perrenials or berries soak about 30 minutes.
2. While the plants are soaking, dig a hole that is big enough that none of the roots will be crowded or bent.  Everything is going to depend on how well the roots can take hold.
3. Fill the hole while keeping the plant upright and in position.
4. Water thoroughly and continue to water as needed until plants are well established.  If you plant now you can take advantage of the rain to save on watering.