BARE THE ROOTS

Growing tips from the Alfa Vedic Farm

So it begins… an additional hour of daylight, diminished rain, and the intensity of sunlight is beginning to overwhelm the muted shades of winter.  Our collective spirits mirror the transition, and the anticipation of many months ahead with hands in the soil.  There were definite casualties with plants lost to rain and snow, but with the severest of challenges behind, it could have fared worse.  Granted, storms and frosty mornings still lay ahead, but new growth and the first hint of budding signals the advent of Spring.

“No matter how long the Winter, Spring is sure to follow” – Proverb

Our Spring ‘to do’ list includes pruning fruit trees and roses, while continuing last months general “tidying up”, and triage of areas needing attention most .  Here on the Alfa Vedic farm, Nature tends toward the dramatic, and the unusually heavy snow left its mark with limb damage in need of disposal.  Raked leaves will become healthy mulch for the garden, while larger limbs will keep us warm next winter.

These early Spring chores make way for one of the most enjoyable tasks on our garden planner, shopping for bare root plants. If you are unfamiliar with the terminology, bare roots are plants sold with roots exposed, not in soil.  They are available online and in nurseries for a limited time, primarily in early Spring, while many plants are still dormant.

Bare root plants have loose, naturally formed root systems unlike container plant root balls.  This allows for the plants ability to create healthy, spreading, fibrous root systems almost immediately, minimizing transplant shock.

These next 3-4 weeks are optimum for us here on the northern California coast. Plants purchased now can be easily stored if you need additional time before planting, just find a cool, shaded area, or cold shed.  Exposed roots should be packed temporarily in sawdust, or potting soil to keep the roots from drying out.  Unless your ground is frozen, a temporary trench can be dug for storage until you’re ready for planting.

So don’t hesitate to make a purchase once you’re convinced of the many benefits of the bare root option.  We’re anticipating the arrival this week of 125 heirloom bare root strawberries that will provide edible ground cover for a newly developed fruit & herb garden surrounding our business center.

Do your shopping now, as nurseries will begin transplanting any remaining bare roots to containers, which command significantly less-friendly prices for later Spring and Summer shoppers.  If you like a bargain, and first dibs on a greater variety of plant material for your garden, bare root plants are the answer.  You’ll be amazed at how far you can stretch your dollar.

Happy Growing,
Deborah & Barre Lando from the Alfa Vedic Farm