Seedling how to

Hey folks,

I am considering the purchase of some seedlings for future field growth.

How long should I grow the seedlings out before planting them in open ground?

Thanks in advance for any and all comments/information..

Dave

Give them at least a year or better two, in pots, spreading the roots radially with each repot in spring, until they are big enough to withstand the ravages of slugs, snails and whatever other critters that may snack on them. When you plant them a tile, slate or other flat surface just under the roots helps to develop and maintain a good root spread (nebari).

I like to buy tube starts for field growing. They're a bit more cash, $5-10US each, but can usually go right into the garden as they are 2-3yrs already. Kev, when you do the tile, do you put the tree directly on the tile or do you put a layer of soil down first? Thanks

Kev Bailey wrote:Give them at least a year or better two, in pots, spreading the roots radially with each repot in spring, until they are big enough to withstand the ravages of slugs, snails and whatever other critters that may snack on them. When you plant them a tile, slate or other flat surface just under the roots helps to develop and maintain a good root spread (nebari).

Do you start with a two or three inch pot and then increase to a four inch pot in year two?

RKatzin wrote:I like to buy tube starts for field growing. They're a bit more cash, $5-10US each, but can usually go right into the garden as they are 2-3yrs already. Kev, when you do the tile, do you put the tree directly on the tile or do you put a layer of soil down first? Thanks

I did a few 30" trident maple "whips" recently on pots. I added about an inch of soil on top of the tile before laying the bare roots and covering with soil. I plan on raising the plant another inch above the tile when I repot to give finer feeder roots room to grow. Not sure if that is the right way and would like to hear what others do as well.