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Managing Director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, Morris Hankinson explained that now is the time to plant bare root trees and shrubs. Bare root plants are seasonal (November until around April) and are ready to be harvested and delivered from specialist nurseries as they become dormant. Dormancy occurs when their leaves fall off in the autumn months.
“When you do plant them, plant smaller rather than bigger.
“By the time they’re big enough to get buffeted by the wind, they’re already anchored in the soil.
“The root system has grown and developed.
“If you try and plant some two-metre high coastal griselinias or something they’re probably going to get blown over in the first gale.
“But if your plants are little 20cm – 30cm ones, just let them grow.
“The same applies inland too obviously. If you’re on top of a hill somewhere, probably not best to start with three-metre stuff, start with something small.”
Morris said sometimes it’s best to plant smaller, cheaper plants that need a lot less work and watering in the following season.
The gardening expert also said the plants will “catch up in size”.
Simply use the heel of your foot to firm any wobbly plants when you spot them.
Morris also recommended not planting bare root evergreens if you have a windy or exposed garden or planting site.
He said: “Evergreen plants and shrubs such as laurel and box are never completely dormant and can lose moisture without a little shelter – they can dry out die long before spring.
“Invest a little more in some potted plants with a complete root system, they will fare much better.”
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