BARE ROOTS

Words by Jessica Peace

Got big ideas for your pots and patches? Illusions of rose buds of topiaried trees? Well, if you want to get started now AND save some dosh it’s time to get back to the ‘bare’ roots.

COME AGAIN?

Basically, you order your plants and they turn up in the buff; no heavy compost, plastic pots or even a fig leaf for modesty. This means you save some dolla and your roots can actually establish quicker.

WHAT CAN I GET MY HANDS ON???

Roses, deciduous trees, hedging, perennials, fruit trees, shrubs…

THEN WHAT?

Plant fast. You don’t want ‘dryness’ (no one wants that). If you can’t plant as soon as you’ve said ‘Cheers’ to the Postie then spritz those roots, keeping them moist not wet. When you’re ready to plant, soak the roots for up to an hour in lukewarm water - but no longer!

Dig, shove in and add a cane or two for support if you need.

Voilà.