I'm new to gardening and stumbled upon a deal for some dwarf patio fruit trees—four different varieties for just £9.97, down from £59.97! They're sold as bare root trees at about 80cm tall, and the instructions say to soak the roots for 24 hours before potting or planting. However, I'm concerned because I've learned that June isn't typically ideal for planting bare root trees. Should I even consider trying them, or are they likely to fail?
4 Answers
I had a similar experience a couple of years back, planting trees around this time. They took a little while to establish, but now they’re thriving and even fruiting this year! I think the key is giving them time.
Definitely try potting them with quality compost in a shady area. Water them regularly and wait until October to plant them in the ground. This might give them a better chance to thrive!
It can work, but keep in mind that bare root trees usually lose a lot of their fine roots during storage, which are essential for water uptake. In winter, they don’t stress much since they’re mostly dormant. But in summer, if they leaf out quickly, they’ll need more water than they can absorb, especially since the soil can be dry.
Plant them in well-aerated soil and consider using a watering bag for consistent moisture. Starting them in containers might help you manage their water needs better before transplanting them next spring.
For that price, I'm tempted to give it a shot too! Thanks for sharing this deal!