Bare-Root Plant Care & Planting Guide

At RootGrower / Iron Ridge Farms, we ship healthy bare-root plants and rooted cuttings directly from our nursery to your door. Bare-root plants are dormant, with no soil around the roots, allowing them to ship safely and establish strong root systems when planted correctly.

To help your plants thrive, please follow these guidelines:

1. Inspect Your Plants Upon Arrival

  • Open your shipment promptly and check that all roots are healthy and moist.
  • If roots look dry, soak them in water for 1–2 hours before planting.
  • Remove any damaged or broken roots before planting.

2. Planting Bare-Root Plants

  • Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots without bending or crowding.
  • Place the plant in the hole so that the crown (where the roots meet the stem) is at ground level.
  • Backfill with soil and gently tamp down to remove air pockets.
  • Water thoroughly after planting.

3. Special Care for Rooted Cuttings

Rooted cuttings are small, immature plants that need extra attention to get a healthy start. Unlike established bare-root plants, they are delicate and require careful handling:

  • Do not plant rooted cuttings directly in the garden.
  • Keep them in pots or containers until roots are well-established and plants are strong enough to transplant.
  • Place them in a protected, shaded area with consistent moisture until ready for permanent planting.

4. Temporarily Holding / “Heeling In” Plants

If you are not planting immediately, bare-root plants can be temporarily “heeled in”:

  • Dig a shallow trench in a sheltered, shaded area.
  • Place the plants so that roots are covered with soil or damp mulch.
  • Keep roots moist until you are ready to plant.
  • Check regularly to ensure they do not dry out.

This method works well for both standard bare-root plants and rooted cuttings if planting will be delayed.

5. Watering & Mulching

  • Keep bare-root plants evenly moist for the first few weeks after planting.
  • Apply a light layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots from temperature extremes.

6. Timing

  • Plant bare-root plants as soon as possible during the shipping season (December 1 – February 28).
  • Avoid planting in frozen or overly wet soil, which can stress the roots.

7. Additional Tips

  • Prune only dead or damaged branches at planting time.
  • Avoid fertilizing until plants show new growth.
  • Monitor for pests and protect young plants as needed.