Bare Root Care Guide

Bringing Plants Home

Keep Cool & Moist: Store in a cool, dark place if not planting immediately.

 

Don’t Let Them Dry Out: Keep the packaging lightly damp, but not soggy.

 

Plant ASAP: Ideally within a few days of purchase.

Choosing the Right Location

Sunlight: Choose a site with 6–8+ hours of full sun.

 

Drainage: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent rot.

 

Avoid Frost Pockets: Cold, low areas may delay spring growth or damage roots.

Soil Preparation

Loosen Soil: Till or dig soil 12–18" deep and remove rocks/weeds.

 

Amend with Compost: Work in organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.

 

pH Needs: 

Strawberries: Prefer slightly acidic soil (5.5–6.5). 

Raspberries & Asparagus: Thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (6.0–7.0).

Before You Plant

Soak Roots: Place roots in lukewarm water for 1–2 hours before planting. This helps rehydrate dormant tissue.

 

Inspect Roots: Trim off any damaged or moldy portions gently with clean scissors.

Planting Instructions by Crop

Strawberry Roots

Spacing: 12–18" apart in rows 2–3 ft apart.

Planting Depth: The crown (where root meets stem) should sit just at soil level.

Tips: Do not bury the crown or it may rot. Water well after planting.

 

Asparagus Roots

Spacing: 12–18" apart in rows 3–5 ft apart.

Planting Method: Dig a 6–8" deep trench. Create a mound of soil and drape roots over it like an octopus.

Backfill: Cover with 2" soil at first, gradually fill in as shoots grow over weeks.

 

Raspberry Canes

Spacing: 18–24" apart in rows 5–6 ft apart.

Planting Depth: Plant so the cane base is just below soil level.

Tips: Prune canes back to 4–6 inches tall after planting to encourage root growth.

Watering

Initial Soak: Water deeply after planting.

 

Ongoing: Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season.

Fertilizing

Start Light: Don’t overfeed new roots. Wait until plants show active growth.

 

First Season: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) after shoots appear.

 

Strawberries: Side-dress with compost or granular fertilizer in early summer and again after harvest.

 

Asparagus: Feed in spring as spears emerge; compost or high-nitrogen fertilizer is ideal.

 

Raspberries: Apply compost or balanced fertilizer in early spring.

Mulching

Apply 2–3 inches of mulch (straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves) to: Retain moisture, Suppress weeds, Regulate soil temperature

First-Year Expectations

Strawberries

Pinch Flowers: Remove flowers in the first year to help roots establish (optional for everbearing types).

Mulch for Winter: Cover crowns with straw in late fall.

 

Asparagus

No Harvest Year 1–2: Let plants grow and store energy. You can harvest lightly in Year 3.

 

Raspberries

Minimal Fruit First Year: Focus is on root and cane development.

Training: Begin to train canes on supports in the first summer.

Ongoing Care & Maintenance

Pruning:

Strawberries: Remove runners unless you’re expanding your patch.

 

Raspberries: Prune according to type (summer-bearing vs everbearing).

 

Weeding: Keep bed weed-free for better airflow and root competition.

 

Watering: Provide 1–2 inches of water per week, especially during dry spells.

 

Dividing: Strawberries may need thinning or replanting every 3–4 years.

Winter Protection

Strawberries: Mulch with straw after the ground freezes.

 

Asparagus & Raspberries: Apply mulch over crowns; remove in early spring.

 

Avoid Cutting Back Too Early: Let foliage die back naturally for nutrient return.