It's time to refresh your yard and start new plants in the spring and Bare Root Plants are one of the best choices because they have the most value and promise. These light, soil free plants come dormant, which makes them very easy to handle and set up quickly. They are liked by gardeners because they are easy to care for, don't cost as much as plants in pots and often grow better roots when they are planted. One of the smartest things you can do when looking for Spring Gardening Plants is to choose bare root types.

As the weather gets warmer in the spring, bare root plants naturally wake up and start growing new roots. This time fits exactly with the natural rhythm of the season, which helps plants settle down faster and grow stronger. Spring is a great time to plant, whether you want to add more plants to a shade garden or add wild perennials like Hepatica.

Advantages of Planting Bare Root Plants in Spring

When spring comes around, gardeners love planting bare root plants because they give them a lot of options and work well. Because they don't have extra soil attached, bare root plants are easier to ship, move and plant in the yard. This makes planting go faster and causes fewer problems with dirt packing down around the roots.

Some of the best things about it are:

  • It takes less time to establish because it's in direct contact with the earth
  • It's cheaper than alternatives that come in pots
  • You can choose from a wider range of species
  • It's easier to ship and creates less waste

Also bare root plants grow stronger roots because they adapt to their new soil surroundings right away. This makes them great Spring Gardening Plants especially for people who are just starting to grow and want to get good results.

You might want to add delicate wildflowers like the Anemone Plant to a shade garden or woodland area that you are making. These pretty early bloomers do well in the spring and can be moved easily as bare root plants.

Types of Bare Root Plants Suitable for Spring Gardening

There are many types of Spring Gardening Plants that do very well when they are grown from bare roots. Choosing the right plants for your yard will help it last longer and require less upkeep.

Popular Categories of Bare Root Choices

  • Bare root shrubs that add structure and color throughout the year
  • Bare root perennials that come back year after year
  • Bare root wildflowers that do well in woods or meadow gardens
  • Bare root groundcovers that help keep the soil from washing away

A lot of farmers also look at bare root plants online to find more options. It's easy to compare types, read reviews and choose plants that will do well in your area when you shop bare root plants online.

Early blooming perennials like Hepatica, pollinator friendly wildflowers like the Anemone Plant, shade tolerant groundcovers and long lived forest species that like the cool spring soil are all recommended as Bare Root Plants for Spring.

Adding bare root shrubs to your yard is also a great idea if you want it to have structure that lasts. The cool, wet soil in the spring is great for shrubs because it helps them get used to their new home before the summer heat comes.

Tips for Successful Bare Root Planting

If you follow a simple and clear spring planting guide, your bare root plants will have an easier time going from being dormant to growing again. The mild weather and steady rain in the spring make it a great time to plant.

Getting the planting area ready

Loosen the soil at least 6 to 8 inches down. Add compost to help it drain and stay fertile. Get rid of rocks and other hard clumps that might stop roots from growing.
Preparing plants correctly gives them the best chance to respond and lowers their stress during the first few weeks of growth.

How to Put Down Bare Root Plants

  1. To put bare root plants, soak them in water for one to two hours.
  2. Make a hole that's big enough for the roots to spread out on their own.
  3. Set the top level with the ground
  4. Fill in any holes with loose dirt and gently press it down.
  5. Water well after planting.

To make sure they stay in place and get the water they need, this method works well for both bare root shrubs and smaller perennials like Hepatica.

Tips for Planting:

  • Plant on a cool, cloudy day to avoid stress
  • Don't let the roots dry out while you plant
  • Mulch lightly to keep the soil moist
  • Water regularly until new growth shows

Aftercare for Bare Root Plants

Once they are placed, bare root plants need regular watering, shade and time to get established. Roots quickly start to interact with the dirt around them because they are not surrounded by potting mix.

Some things you can do to take care of your plant after planting it are: watering it deeply once or twice a week; adding a thin layer of mulch around the base; watching for new shoots to make sure it's established; keeping the earth evenly moist but not soggy;

Plants with bare roots, like the Anemone Plant and Hepatica, will give you color in early spring once they settle down and start to grow.

FAQs

What are bare root plants?

They are shipped without soil around their roots, so they are dormant and light. This makes them cheap and easy to grow.

When is the best time to plant bare root trees and shrubs?

It's best to plant roots in early spring, when the weather is cool and the earth is moist.

How do I care for bare root perennials after planting?

To help them get used to it, water them often, keep the earth moist and add light mulch.

Can bare root plants survive transplanting?

They do very well with transplants because they are dormant and less likely to be stressed.

Are bare root plants more cost effective than potted plants?

Yes, they often cost less, are easy to ship and grow quickly once they are planted.

Tammy Sons, Horticulture Expert

Written by Tammy Sons

Tammy Sons is a horticulture expert and the CEO of TN Nursery, specializing in native plants, perennials, ferns, and sustainable gardening. With more than 35 years of hands-on growing experience, she has helped gardeners and restoration teams across the country build thriving, pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Learn more about Tammy →