Why You Should Buy Bare Root Plants...
The colder months are approaching and it's time to dive deep into the world of bare roots! We have a few other blogs where we discuss what bare roots/root balls are and how to plant them, but this blog is all about why you should buy bare roots- something many of us want to know...
To start off with, bare roots have to be one of the most cost-effective ways to buy hedging out there- and the low price definitely does not lessen the standard of the plants compared to any other root types. After all, buying plants for long lengths of hedging can get quite expensive, especially if you're looking at pot grown or instant impact plants. Bare roots make it so much easier- for both of us! Delivery is lighter, and the plants have needed very little care from us, so are therefore priced much lower for you- the customer.
Bare roots are plants which have been grown in fields for a while, before being dug up and the soil brushed away. Hence they're so light. But some may be confused as to how they manage to survive with no soil on them for days- and the answer is simple. The plants are just sleeping. There is only one bare root season, also known as the dormant season. This is when the plants have stopped growing in order to protect any new growth from harsh, cold weather changes. This means we can only dispatch the plants when the dormant season comes around. One thing we cannot stress enough, however, is the importance of keeping the roots moist- this is the only way the plant will survive. If they dry out, you will end up with a dead plant on your hands that won't come back to life once planted!
However, this doesn't lessen the advantages in any way. You're still getting a lot more buck for your money, and they're so much easier to plant due to being so light!
One other key advantage to note is that when you buy bare roots you are able to check and investigate the roots before planting, in order to inspect their healthiness. We like to say that checking the roots before planting is the best way to ensure your plant will grow effectively and efficiently, without wasting your time of planting and waiting to find out. Unfortunately, bare roots have a higher risk of getting damaged roots during travel as they have very little protection, but this doesn't detract from how wonderful they are...
So, even though buying bare roots may seem a bit risky to some, it's definitely worth it- plus, they're much more eco-friendly to buy due to needing very little packaging during growth and delivery. Additionally, once you've then planted, all you need to do is water the plant very well and keep it well-mulched. This will ensure the plant has enough warmth and moisture for the roots to settle in and develop to their fullest, before going on to produce wonderful, bushy foliage in the new Spring.
Now that's the benefits of planting bare roots laid out, why not go and pre-order or buy your bare root plants now?
If you're needing more information, head over to our Bare Root and Root Ball Guide, where are expert advice will help you through it all! Or just pop an email over to sales@glenmorenurseries.co.uk to get in touch with our fantastic team who are happy to answer any query of yours...