Hold Your Hose: It Might Be Too Early To Plant! 

Determining When to Dig In

Many gardeners believe planting as early as possible in spring gives their plants a head start—but this can do more harm than good! The key to success isn't planting early but planting when conditions are just right.

When you receive your plants from Nourse Farms, you'll want to get them into the ground as soon as possible. When you place your order, you select your shipping week. Make sure to pick a time when your local conditions are adequate for planting. If you're unsure when that might be, check out our Recommended Planting Season chart on our website. Need to adjust your ship date? No problem! Just give us at least 10 business days' notice—we're unable to make exceptions.

We recommend planting once the soil has warmed to 50ºF and the risk of frost has passed. Warmer soil reduces transplant shock, encourages faster root development, and improves water and nutrient uptake. Planting in cold soil can slow root growth, increase disease risk, and make establishment more challenging.

Be mindful of spring's tendency for unpredictable weather patterns. Before planting, check your local forecast. If freezing temperatures are predicted, postpone planting until the risk of frost has passed. Cool temperatures and overcast skies provide ideal conditions for planting. These weather conditions reduce transplant shock and give your plants a better chance to thrive compared to a hot, sunny day, which can stress them. Consider delaying planting if heavy rain is on the horizon.

Are you not ready to plant, but have your plants arrived? Read below for information on storing bare root plants.

Helpful Planting Tips, Tricks, and Reminders:

• Confirm you're selecting a proper site for your plants:
  • Choose a weed-free, sunny location. Plants should receive at least six to eight (6–8) hours of sunlight exposure daily.
  • Ensure that your site location has water access. We recommend installing a drip irrigation line or choosing a site location that can be reached by hose or watered with a watering can.
• It takes a lot of time and energy to develop healthy root systems. When planting, do not cut or trim the length of the roots. Cutting the roots injures the plant, hindering its support for new growth.
• Check the correct planting depth for our offerings in our growing guides. Plant all rootstock at the proper depth. Plant roots that are too deep, shallow, or bent inhibit a plant's ability to flourish.
• Press the soil firmly when planting, but do not hard-pack around the roots. Check the soil level within two to three (2–3) days of planting to confirm no exposed roots.
• Your plants will be thirsty after planting! Water deeply after planting so the water reaches the roots. Maintain good moisture throughout the season, especially while plants are establishing. Generally, plants need approximately one to three inches (1–3”) of rainfall or the equivalent each week. However, soil type and weather conditions influence the amount of watering necessary. For example, light, sandy, well-draining soil may need more frequent watering than heavy, clay soil types. Additionally, you may need to water more frequently in hot, dry conditions and less frequently in cool, wet conditions. Ensure there are no exposed roots after watering, and add soil if necessary.
• Avoid fertilizer burn! Do not fertilize your plants at the time of planting or before they're established. Fertilizing too early can stunt growth. The only exception is Espoma Bio-Tone Starter. This fertilizer is designed for use at the time of planting to produce large root systems very quickly and will not burn plants (if used as directed).  

Agri-Gel® Ins and Outs

Agri-Gel® is a hydrogel formulation that absorbs and holds water. To reduce transplant shock, soak bare roots in an Agri-Gel® slurry before planting to prevent drying out. Use Agri-Gel® on bare roots of strawberries, red and yellow raspberries, and asparagus. Generally, 1/4 lb. of Agri-Gel® can treat 100 roots.

We offer three sizes of Agri-Gel® for purchase: 1/4 lb., 1/2 lb., and 1 lb.

To prepare Agri-Gel® slurry, mix about one ounce (1 oz.) of product per gallon of water. Add the plants to the slurry and soak them for one (1) hour before planting. Keep the roots in the container as you plant to avoid drying. Do not keep the plants in the Agri-Gel® slurry for more than two (2) hours.

After planting your roots, allow the slurry to dry. When completely dry, dispose of the remaining slurry in the regular trash. Avoid pouring Agri-Gel® slurry down drains.

Agri-Gel® is not required for your plants to flourish. Our recommendation for its use stems from years of product use at Nourse Farms with excellent results.

Dormant Plant Storage

At Nourse Farms, we pack, hold, and ship our plants in dormant stages for spring planting. Our plants are happiest when planted within two to three (2–3) days of receipt. We understand that life happens. Whether it's rainy weather or a busy schedule, you may not be able to plant immediately after your plants arrive.

Upon receipt, inspect the condition of the plants.

Bareroot strawberry and raspberry plants arrive in a plastic bag with moistened shredded paper added to prevent the roots from drying out. Check that the paper has not dried. You can moisten it slightly if necessary. The shredded paper should be damp, not sopping wet.

Asparagus plants are susceptible to storage molds and should be kept dry. If mold is noticeable at receipt, remove the crowns from the box and lay them out in a single layer, out of direct sunlight.

For a short duration, up to seven to ten (7–10) days, store plants in a standard refrigerator or walk-in cooler between 35ºF and 40ºF. For longer durations, more than ten (10) days, store plants at a consistent 28ºF to maintain dormancy.

No cold storage? No problem. If you cannot store your plants at a consistent 28ºF temperature, we recommend potting them. Potted plants should be allowed to root well before transplanting to reduce shock. They should be kept in a sunny location and may need supplemental light from a grow light.