Bare-Root Season: A UK Planting Guide
Bare-root planting season, running from November to March, is the perfect time to add roses, hedging, and fruit trees to your UK garden — at a lower cost and with better results than container-grown alternatives.
Bare-root season is upon us, and if you haven’t yet discovered this gem of the gardening calendar, you’re in for a treat. From November to March, the UK is awash with bare-root roses, hedging, and fruit trees, all offering a splendid combination of affordability and performance. Let's delve into why bare-root is the savvy gardener's choice and how to make the most of this season.
Why Bare-Root?
Bare-root plants are lifted from the ground while dormant, with their roots free of soil. This makes them lighter and cheaper to transport and buy, as there’s no costly pot or soil involved. Additionally, this method offers a broader selection of varieties, especially for roses and fruit trees. For example, you might find a delightful Graham Thomas Rose or a fragrant Munstead Wood Rose that’s typically unavailable in containers.
From an environmental standpoint, bare-root plants are a win. The absence of plastic pots reduces waste, and the reduced weight lowers the carbon footprint of transporting them. Plus, plants establish more robustly, as they aren't constrained by the potting environment they’ve grown accustomed to.
What to Order
The star attractions of bare-root season are undoubtedly roses, hedging plants, and fruit trees. Deciduous hedging like beech, hawthorn, and hornbeam thrive when planted bare-root. In the rose department, favourites such as the Iceberg Rose or the elegant Gertrude Jekyll Rose are prime candidates. Fruit trees, from apples to plums, are also readily available and often at a fraction of the price of their potted counterparts.
How to Plant
Planting bare-root is straightforward and rewarding. The key is timing — aim to plant as soon as conditions allow, ideally when the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
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Preparation: Upon receipt, soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting. This rehydrates them after their journey.
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Digging: For roses and trees, dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots without cramping. For hedging, a trench works well.
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Planting: Place the plant so that the nursery mark (the soil line from where it was previously grown) is level with the surrounding soil. Spread the roots out gently.
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Backfilling: Use a mix of the original soil and a bit of compost to backfill the hole, ensuring good contact with the roots.
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Watering: Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots, eliminating air pockets.
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Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Remember to keep an eye on them, especially if there’s a dry spell. The first year is crucial for establishment, and a bit of care now will pay dividends later.
Embrace the Season
With bare-root season stretching into March, there's plenty of time to plan and plant. Whether you’re looking to add a classic Rosa 'Desdemona' or a productive apple tree to your garden, now is the time to act. For the best deals and the widest selection, compare offerings from various nurseries. You might be surprised at the savings you can make.
As always, you can browse our listings on ComparePlants to find the best options available this season. Happy planting!