PROTECTION FOR ROOTS

Bare-root plants bought from a nursery, garden centre or mail order supplier should be planted as soon as possible. If they cannot be planted within a week of purchase, it is best to heel in the plants to give them some protection from the weather until they are ready to plant out. The roots should first be soaked in water for 4-7 hrs. A trench is dug in a temporary bed or border that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the root system. One side should slope at approximately a 45-degree angle. The stems are rested against the sloping side and the roots covered with soil, firming well. The plants can also be heeled in in containers and even compost bags.