Creating an edible landscape is fun and full of life. You build a food forest by planting bare root fruit trees. These trees cost less than pot-grown trees and give good rewards.
Understanding Bare Root Fruit Trees
Bare root fruit trees are young trees with naked roots. They are dug when the tree is idle. This time makes shipping and handling easy. Plant them well and the tree forms a strong root system. Plant early in spring or in late winter when the tree rests.
Pre-Planting Preparations
1. When to Purchase and Store Your Trees
Nurseries sell these trees in late winter up to early spring. Plant them before the buds show. Buds come when the air stays above 50°F (10°C). If you must wait, keep the roots wet. Bury the roots in damp mulch or soil to keep the water in.
2. Rehydrate the Roots
Before you plant, soak the roots in water. Put them in a bucket of water (rainwater works best) for about 10 minutes. This step helps the tree recover from drying while it moved.
Digging Your Holes
3. Site Selection and Hole Preparation
Pick a spot that feels warm and drains well. Mark the space for each tree. When you dig, make the hole a bit wider than the root ball. A wide hole gives room for the roots to grow. Break up hard soil and pull out large stones to let the roots work with ease.
Planting the Trees
4. Positioning the Tree
Place the tree gently into the hole. Make a small mound of soil at the bottom for the roots to rest on. Find the graft line on the trunk. The graft line is a bump on the trunk. Keep it above the soil so the tree stays healthy.
5. Soil Amendments
Mix helpful fungi with the soil if you wish. These fungi join with the tree roots and help the tree take food from the soil. Stir the fungi into the soil as you fill the hole.
6. Backfilling and New Soil
Fill the hole slowly with soil. Pack the soil lightly with your hand. This light pressing stops soil from washing away when you water. Do not pack the soil too hard; the roots need space to spread.
Caring for Your Newly Planted Trees
7. Watering and Mulching
After planting, water the tree well. This water helps the soil join around the roots. Put a thin layer of mulch on the ground. Mulch stops weeds and keeps the soil moist. This step helps the new trees with shallow roots.
8. Staking
If wind is strong or the tree seems to lean, tie it with a stake. Use soft tape and a stake to hold the tree in place. This hold keeps the tree steady without squishing the trunk.
Conclusion
Planting bare root fruit trees is a smart way to add life to your food forest. Follow these steps to help your trees grow well. Watch your trees take root and make your garden bright and full of life. Happy planting!
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