Bare-root fruit trees and bushes are a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to establish a productive garden. February is the perfect time to plant them in the UK, while the plants are still dormant and the soil is workable. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
What Are Bare-Root Fruit Plants?
Bare-root plants are dormant trees, shrubs, or bushes that are sold without soil around their roots. Unlike potted plants, they are lifted from the ground during winter when they are dormant and wrapped in moist material to keep the roots from drying out. Common bare-root fruit options include:
- Apples
- Pears
- Plums
- Cherries
- Blackcurrants, redcurrants, and whitecurrants
- Raspberries and gooseberries
Why Plant Bare-Root Fruit in February?
- Dormancy: February is ideal because the plants are still dormant, reducing stress during transplanting.
- Better Root Establishment: By planting early, the roots have time to establish before the growing season begins.
- Cost-Effective: Bare-root plants are often cheaper than potted ones, making them great for budget-conscious gardeners.
- Wide Selection: Many nurseries offer a broader range of varieties in bare-root form compared to potted plants.
How to Plant Bare-Root Fruit
1. Choose the Right Spot
- Sunlight: Most fruit plants require full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily).
- Drainage: Avoid waterlogged areas; fruit plants prefer well-drained soil.
- Shelter: Plant in a location protected from strong winds, especially for taller trees.
2. Prepare the Soil
- Dig Deep: Loosen the soil in a wide area around the planting site, ensuring it’s free of weeds and large stones.
- Add Organic Matter: Incorporate well-rotted compost or manure to enrich the soil.
- Check pH: Most fruit plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Lime can be added to raise pH or sulfur to lower it, if needed.
3. Unpack and Soak the Roots
- As soon as your plants arrive, unpack them and inspect the roots.
- Trim any damaged or overly long roots.
- Soak the roots in a bucket of water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them before planting.
4. Dig the Planting Hole
- Make a hole wide enough to spread the roots out comfortably without bending or crowding them.
- The hole should be deep enough to cover the roots but keep the graft union (the bump where the rootstock meets the scion) above soil level.
5. Plant the Tree or Bush
- Place the plant in the hole, spreading the roots out evenly.
- Backfill with soil, gently firming it down to remove air pockets. Avoid compacting the soil too much.
- Ensure the plant is at the same depth it was in the nursery. For raspberries and currants, plant slightly deeper to encourage strong growth.
6. Water Thoroughly
- Water the plant well to settle the soil around the roots. Even in winter, this is essential for good establishment.
7. Mulch and Stake
- Apply a 5–10 cm layer of mulch (such as compost, wood chips, or straw) around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Stake trees if they are tall or in windy locations, using a soft tie to prevent damage.
Aftercare Tips
- Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells in early spring.
- Pruning: Prune fruit trees and bushes after planting to shape them and remove any damaged or crossing branches.
- Feeding: In spring, apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage strong growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause excessive leafy growth at the expense of fruit.
Recommended Bare-Root Fruit Varieties for February Planting
Fruit Trees
- Apple: ‘Braeburn,’ ‘Egremont Russet,’ or ‘James Grieve’ (choose a pollination partner if not self-fertile).
- Pear: ‘Conference’ or ‘Comice’ – reliable and delicious.
- Plum: ‘Victoria’ or ‘Opal’ – excellent for eating and cooking.
Fruit Bushes
- Blackcurrant: ‘Ben Lomond’ – high-yielding and disease-resistant.
- Gooseberry: ‘Invicta’ – resistant to mildew and ideal for desserts.
- Raspberry: ‘Autumn Bliss’ – a reliable autumn-fruiting variety.
The Benefits of Planting Now
By planting bare-root fruit in February, you’re setting yourself up for a strong, healthy growing season. With a little care and attention, these plants will reward you with years of delicious fruit.
