And just like that, gardeners, we find ourselves in the year 2023. Happy New Year! I say, what better way to celebrate a new year than to plant a tree?
Although these gray skies may not bring to mind thoughts of sweet peaches and juicy berries, January and February are in fact the perfect time for purchasing and planting fruit trees and shrubs for future harvests.
WHAT IS A BARE-ROOT TREE?
Local nurseries generally begin selling bare-root fruit trees in early to mid January. These deciduous trees and berry bushes are in their dormant state for the winter, and they are sold with no soil at all on their roots. This may make you wonder why you are paying good money for a large stick (I’ve been there), but trust me, it’s worth it!
Because the trees take up less space at the nursery than potted plants, retailers are able to offer a much wider selection of unusual varieties. This is perfect for people like me who enjoy growing unique types of fruit that aren’t available at the grocery. Bare-root trees are also generally less expensive than trees in pots, and they are easier to transport. The one downside is that they must be planted immediately after purchase so that their roots aren’t exposed to the drying air. If you aren’t able to plant right away, you can put the tree’s roots into a bag or bucket of sawdust or wood chips for a few days. But the sooner you plant your new tree, the happier it will be!
Pictured Above: Almost-ripe Santa Rosa Plums on my tree last June. I purchased this bare-root tree about five years ago and it is one of my favorites!
PLANTING
Once you bring home an exciting new fruit tree variety, and you’ve selected the perfect place in your yard with the appropriate amount of sunlight and space for it to grow and spread, then you are ready to plant!
It’s generally recommended to soak the tree’s thirsty roots in a bucket of water for 2-6 hours. Then dig a hole that is a few inches wider than the roots (fan the roots outward from the base; do not let the roots spiral around in the planting hole), and deep enough to accommodate any downward-growing roots. The trickiest part is knowing how deep to plant your tree. To determine this, find the tree’s graft point, which will look like a knobby bump on the trunk just above the roots. When planted, the graft point should sit 2-3 inches above ground. After filling the hole back in with the native soil and any amendments, your tree will appreciate a layer of mulch and a good watering. If your tree is in a windy area or a place where it could get bumped, you can add a stake to keep it steadily upright.
WHERE TO GET BARE-ROOT TREES
Two local nurseries that have a great selection of bare-root trees are Harmony Farm Supply and Cottage Gardens. Call before going to make sure their shipment has arrived. Just beware: you may end up coming home with more plants than you had on your shopping list. Or maybe that’s just me?
Are you ready to start your own backyard orchard? Reach out, I can help!