Spring is an exciting time for gardeners! As the snow melts and the ground warms up, many of us eagerly anticipate the arrival of our seeds and plants.
Plants shipped in early spring are often in a resting phase to conserve energy and survive winter, which makes them stronger and ready to grow once they're planted.
But receiving plants in early spring can come with many questions!
- Why do my plants still look dormant?
- What should I do right after unboxing my new plants?
- How do I know my dormant tree or shrub is alive?
Don't worry! Receiving a dormant plant this time of year is normal and to be expected during an early spring shipment!
Plants grown in containers, and without the insulating benefits of the earth, tend to stay dormant longer than their in-ground counterparts.
Many recommend you plant in the fall when plants are in the process of going dormant. But fall isn't the only great time to get plants started in your garden beds! The spring dormancy period is perfect for getting a head start on the growing season!
- Get Familiar With Early Spring Shipped Plants
- Steps To Take When Unboxing Your New Plant
- Keeping Your Plant Safe Until Planting
- Let Sleeping Plants Lie
- Get A Jump Start On The Growing Season!
Get Familiar With Early Spring Shipped Plants
Plants shipped in early spring are carefully packed to ensure their survival during transit. This time of year, they may arrive in a dormant state or with minimal foliage, especially depending on where they are grown.
They might look a bit different than what you're expecting—but that's all part of the process! This is perfectly normal and ensures your plants conserve energy for healthy plant growth once planted.
Here's why shipping dormant plants in early spring is a good thing:
- No leaves or flowers to become damaged during shipping
- No stress on the roots to support foliage while establishing in your garden.
- Less water and nutrients are needed during transport.
- A smoother transition from the nursery to your yard.
Dormant plants may look a little underwhelming at first, but with proper care, they'll burst into life before you know it. Those mature root systems have everything they need to get going after years of care in the nursery.
Let's dive into what to expect and How To Handle Your Plants When They Arrive!
Steps to Take When Unboxing Your New Plant
- Inspect the Packaging: Before diving in, check the box for any signs of damage during shipping. It's rare, but it's good to catch any issues right away.
- Carefully Unpack Your Plant: Gently remove the plant and any protective materials like plastic wraps or liners. Bareroot plants will usually have their roots wrapped in something like shredded paper or mulch to keep them moist.
- Check the Roots and Soil: For potted plants, some soil might have shifted during shipping—just pat it back around the roots and water the plant. If the roots look dry, soak the whole container in water for about an hour or more before planting.
- Assess the Plant's Condition: Don't panic if the plant looks bare or stressed. Dormant plants are conserving their energy and will wake up when the time is right.
- Read the Care Instructions: Nature Hills Nursery includes detailed planting and care guides with every order. Take a few minutes to review them—they're full of great tips!
- Trim Broken Stems: Snip off any branches or stems that may have snapped during transit. A clean cut heals better and promotes new growth.
Keeping Your Plant Safe Until Planting
Early spring weather can be unpredictable, with cold nights and fluctuating temperatures. If you can't plant your new arrival immediately, follow these steps to keep it safe and healthy:
- Store in a Cool, Sheltered Spot: Your plants will arrive ready to plant but Ma Nature may not be so ready to cooperate. Keep your outdoor plants in a protected area such as a garage, shed, or covered porch if the weather turns sour. Avoid direct sunlight and freezing temperatures.
- Keep Bareroots Roots Moist: For bareroot plants, ensure the roots stay damp but not overly wet. Wrap them in moist paper towels or store them in their original packaging until planting new plants in early spring.
- Potted Plants: For plants in containers, water them lightly to keep the soil from drying out. Don't let the pots sit in standing water for too long, as this can lead to root rot.
- Bulbs: Keep Bulbs in a cool dark place until the ground is workable. Once you can dig in the soil, go ahead and plant your spring-planted bulbs and water them in well.
- Acclimating Plants: When the weather warms up, and the threat of frost has passed, "harden off" your plants by setting them outside during the day and bringing them in at night for a few days. This helps them adjust to outdoor conditions. Please keep them in an unheated garage or shed and do not bring them into your warm home. This will be a bit confusing and cause stress to a dormant plant.
>>Check Out Tips & Tricks To Establish Your New Plants In Our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog!
Checking On Dormant Shrubs and Trees
Receiving a dormant potted shrub or tree, or a dormant bareroot shrub or tree can be distressing to a new gardener. It may look like we've shipped you a dead stick or a container of stems in soil.
Remember those mature root systems are sleeping during cool weather and just biding their time for warmer days to push out new spring leaves with abandon!
So how can you tell if your deciduous plants are alive and dormant?
- Look for Swelling Buds: Fat, swollen buds along the stems show signs that your plant is alive and gearing up for spring. Break one open and it should be moist and green inside.
- Do a "Scratch Test": Use your fingernail or a knife to gently scratch or nick the bark. If the layer underneath is green or yellowish-green, your plant is alive and healthy.
Let Sleeping Plants Lie
We can't predict what Ma Nature is going to throw at you this spring! But rest assured knowing what to expect with your new order from Nature Hills online garden center!
Once planted in their new environment, they will gradually emerge from dormancy, alongside the other plants in your landscape! Just as it's meant to be.
Best yet, your plants can work on establishing their roots in their new home without having to also support foliage or flowers! This also means a late spring frost or snowstorm won't affect your new plant's foliage.
Get A Jump Start On The Growing Season!
Nature Hills Nursery takes the guesswork out of receiving online plant orders! We ship plants in peak condition for your growing zone, and provide detailed care guides, online customer support, and a one-year product guarantee!
Receiving plants in early spring is a great way to get ahead in your garden. Sure, they might look a little sleepy when they arrive, but that's just nature's way of helping them transition. Once planted, they'll establish their roots and be ready to grow alongside the rest of your garden.
Knowing what to expect when receiving new plants in the early spring will set you up for success.
Ready to kick off your gardening season? Explore the wide selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and more, at Nature Hills Nursery and bring your garden to life this spring!
Happy Planting!
