🌱 Why Now is the Perfect Time to Plant Bare-Root Trees and Shrubs

(Yes, Even Roses and Fruit Trees!)

If you're new to gardening or just starting to green up your balcony, courtyard, or small space, you may not have encountered bare-root plants before. This is the perfect time of year to plant them, and our Root Pouch grow bags and Root Pouch raised beds are ideal containers to help them thrive in smaller urban spaces.

---

🌿 What Are Bare-Root Plants?

Bare-root plants are trees or shrubs that are dug up during their winter dormancy and sold without any soil on their roots. Their roots are typically wrapped in straw, paper, or biodegradable materials to keep them moist during transport.

They may not look glamorous when they arrive (think: a twig with roots!), but don’t be fooled - these plants are healthy, cost-effective, and ready to burst into life once the temperatures rise.

---

🕰️ Why Plant Bare-Root in Winter?

Planting during the dormant season (mid-winter to early spring) offers several benefits:

✅ Less Transplant Shock

Because they’re asleep when planted, they settle in more easily and "wake up" in their new container.

✅ Stronger Root Development

All the plant's energy goes into root growth, not leaves or flowers—exactly what you want at this stage.

✅ Budget-Friendly

Bare-root plants are often less expensive than potted ones and require less packaging.

✅ Wider Variety

Many heritage or hard-to-find roses and fruit trees are only available as bare-root stock.

---

🪴 Meet Your Plant's New Home: Root Pouch grow bags

Bare-root plants need breathable, spacious containers

Why They Work So Well:

• 🌀 Air pruning promotes strong, dense root systems

• 🌧️ Excellent drainage prevents waterlogging

• 🌿 Reusable and made from recycled materials

• 🚚 Lightweight and space-saving—great for rooftops and balconies

---

🍎 Fruit Trees Thrive in Root Pouches Too

Bare-root fruit trees are a smart addition to small-space gardens. Many varieties are compact, low-maintenance, and perfectly suited for containers. Be sure to check your growing zone to determine the suitability of varieties for your garden. 

Great Choices for grow bags and beds:

• 🍏 Apples – Look for self-fertile or dwarf varieties

• 🍐 Pears – Elegant shape, delicious fruit

• 🍒 Cherries – Blossom and fruit in one

• 🌿 Figs – Love the warmth of walls and sunny balconies

• 🍑 Plums – Reliable producers in a good-sized container

• 🫐 Berries - Bare-rooted canes of Raspberries, black currants, etc. are available. Plant in a raised garden bed to ensure the roots are pruned and runners don't take over your garden!

🛒 Want to grow your own fruit? Start by choosing the right Root Pouch grow bag.

---

🌼 Roses Love Root Pouch too

Roses are ideal bare-root plants—and with the right care and container, they’ll thrive on rooftops and patios.

Try a climbing rose in a large grow bag with a trellis, or plant a shrub roses in a raised bed to enjoy a bed of roses all summer long.

---

🌱 How to Plant a Bare-Root Tree or Shrub 

It’s easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it:

1. Unpack and keep roots moist

2. Soak roots in water for 1–2 hours before planting

3. Fill your grow bag or raised bed with high-quality composted potting mix. Be sure to check the growing requirements of the plant you are planting! This will be on the label or a quick Google search will offer a lot of growing information.

4. Place your plant at the correct depth (look for the old soil line on the stem)

5. Backfill and firm gently

6. Water thoroughly

7. Mulch the top to retain moisture and suppress weeds

---

🌇 A Greener Home Starts Now

Whether you're dreaming of roses, fruit trees, or something entirely your own, bare-root planting in a Root Pouch is the perfect way to begin—especially in compact urban spaces.

At Upon the Rooftop, we believe anyone can grow something beautiful, no matter the size of your garden. All you need is the right timing, the right container, and a little patience.

---

🛍️ Ready to Get Started?

🛒 Browse Root Pouch Grow Bags →
🛒 Explore Root Pouch Raised Beds →

Got questions? Contact us or check out our planting guides - we're here to help you grow.