Start Them Young

After yesterday’s message about getting the juices flowing, here is one tip to consider as you plan your spring garden – ordering bare root stock. The majority of perennials, trees and shrubs are available in bare root form. Purchasing your plant material this way assures the best price, the best health and the highest success rate for any plant. Think about it. Wouldn’t you be in better health if you weren’t squished into a container or wrapped tightly in a burlap bag? Mass marketing has removed gardeners from using this effective method of planting our gardens. We are too programmed about instantaneous beauty; therefore we often forgo the best methods.

Don’t hold off on this tip. Bare root stock is seasonal. Now is the time to place your order for the early spring. Take out those journals and notepads with all your scribbled notes of ‘must-have plants’ and find out where you can find it in bare root form. When you do place your orders, remember, bare root stock is perishable. Don’t plan a getaway when your plants are due to ship and arrive on your doorstep. It is best to plant the root stock immediately in its ideal conditions. If you must store your stock for any length of time, it should be kept in a cool, dark place and provided enough moisture to keep it fresh. Do not put the stock in your refrigerator with fruits and vegetables. The ethane gases emitted from your produce is toxic to live plants.

Research each species and variety you intend to plant; there are no shortcuts for optimum conditions and prep work. Always apply proper planting techniques and use common sense for any new plant material. And as Albert Einstein reminds us, “The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.” Enjoy the remainder of your planning season and get ready for the big jump into spring. (Photo of floral clock from Internet)