What Does Bare Root Mean?
A bare root plant is a plant, tree, or shrub that is offered for sale with no soil or growing medium around its root system.
This is a very common way that garden centers, nurseries, and mail-order companies sell their plants, especially during the spring months. It makes shipping easier and more economical.
Rose bushes, trees, and shrubs are commonly sold with a bare root system in the spring months when they are still in their dormancy. The plants can then be planted and commence growing as spring progresses.
Maximum Yield Explains Bare Root
Typically, bare root plants are more affordable than other plants and an ideal way to buy optimal plant specimens at an economical price.
Bare root plants are usually completely healthy. However, prior to purchasing a bare root plant, you should inspect the plant’s root system to guarantee that the roots are firm, pliable, and healthy. They should not be brittle, soggy, moldy, soft, or slimy.
Bare root plants should be planted as soon as possible after purchase. Most nurseries ship bare root plants with the roots bound together and contained in a plastic bag. Often the roots are surrounded by moist sawdust, shredded newspaper, or peat moss.
The roots can be soaked in water prior to planting to rejuvenate them and help the plant break dormancy. The plant's roots can then be placed into soil and watered to encourage it to grow. When the plant breaks dormancy, new shoots will emerge.
