starting tree seedlings in pots - Ask Extension
I would like to transplant some 6-12 inch maple and walnut seedlings that are growing randomly in my grove into pots and try to grow them there for a ...
Knowledgebase
starting tree seedlings in pots #422196
Asked August 19, 2017, 2:37 PM EDT
I would like to transplant some 6-12 inch maple and walnut seedlings that are growing randomly in my grove into pots and try to grow them there for a few years and sell them as potted trees. I would appreciate advice on the soil to use in the pots and where and how should I over- winter them. Thank you.
Minnehaha County South Dakota
Expert Response
I found some information for you from several extension sites (NDSU, UMN, PSU) on containerizing trees and it is below. I hope it is helpful to you in your endeavor.
Containerized. Containerized trees and shrubs are usually dug from the nursery in the spring or fall as bare root stock, placed in a container with a special growing medium, and sold in the container. The trees are grown in a soilless media such as pine bark and perlite, If containerized in early spring, most plants will be sufficiently established in the container and can be transplanted in late spring, summer, or fall. Roots must be established in the container and hold the media together before transplanting.
If over wintering, woody plants should be encouraged to gradually cease growth and harden off in preparation for winter.
Smaller containers will need extra protection if overwintered outdoors. Small plants can easily be moved into a protected location such as a cool garage or basement. Temperatures should be in the upper 30's or lower 40's. Cover the plant and the container thoroughly to protect the plant. However, if the plant is tender or if the winter is unusually harsh, these measures may not be adequate.Since the real danger to these plants is from the frozen rootball, work to protect the root system. Wrap the container with burlap or straw to protect it. Some people will bury the entire container into the ground so that the ground can insulate it. Others will entirely encase the upper and lower plant in a "cage" of chicken wire stuffed with leaves or straw. Nurserymen often "mulch-in" container grown plants in the winter by lying them against each other and packing the container area with mulch.
Containerized. Containerized trees and shrubs are usually dug from the nursery in the spring or fall as bare root stock, placed in a container with a special growing medium, and sold in the container. The trees are grown in a soilless media such as pine bark and perlite, If containerized in early spring, most plants will be sufficiently established in the container and can be transplanted in late spring, summer, or fall. Roots must be established in the container and hold the media together before transplanting.
If over wintering, woody plants should be encouraged to gradually cease growth and harden off in preparation for winter.
Smaller containers will need extra protection if overwintered outdoors. Small plants can easily be moved into a protected location such as a cool garage or basement. Temperatures should be in the upper 30's or lower 40's. Cover the plant and the container thoroughly to protect the plant. However, if the plant is tender or if the winter is unusually harsh, these measures may not be adequate.Since the real danger to these plants is from the frozen rootball, work to protect the root system. Wrap the container with burlap or straw to protect it. Some people will bury the entire container into the ground so that the ground can insulate it. Others will entirely encase the upper and lower plant in a "cage" of chicken wire stuffed with leaves or straw. Nurserymen often "mulch-in" container grown plants in the winter by lying them against each other and packing the container area with mulch.
Containerizing trees sounds great, but there are several problems that can cause root problems and death of your new plants. Some things to consider:
- The first major problem has to do with the growing a root system in a small pot. Tree will quickly grow large root systems that hit the sides of the container and turn. Within no time the container is full of circling roots and the plant becomes potbound. Several years after planting, these circling roots will begin to girdle or strangle the stem or trunk, ultimately killing the tree or shrub.
- The next issue is the soilless media that quickly dries out. The plants root system that was used to be irrigated in nature, is now under stress and drying out. Because containerized plants have 100% of its root system, they quickly struggle to survive if they are not irrigated.
- The last concern involves the depth of the stem and root system in the container. All too often the trees are planted a little bit deep in the container. This causes more root defects and then when planted deeper in a landscape the root system often adjusts by growing up and then circling or girdling the stem with time.
