Plant Care Basics
Most of the plants offered at our plant sale are sold as bareroot plants. Bareroot plants are exactly what they sound like: plants without any soil or pots around their roots, leaving them with “bare roots.” For ideal results, plant bareroot plants as soon as possible after receiving them. Before being planted, bareroot plants need to be kept moist and cold (ideally between 34 and 39 °F). It is crucial that you do not allow the roots to dry out before planting.
When planting, be sure to dig a hole wide and deep enough to allow for the roots to spread out and hang downwards without crowding. The area where the roots and stem meet (called the root collar or flare) should be level with the ground.
Plants require some extra care and maintenance while they develop their root systems. For the first 1-2 years after planting, all plants will require additional watering, especially during the dry summer months. Adding a layer of mulch in a donut shape around your plants can help reduce weed growth and moisture loss.
The following resources contain additional information to help you get your plants home and in the ground safely.
Storing, Handling, and Planting Bare Root Plants – Clark CD
Planting Bare Root Plants – WACD Instruction Sheets
Establishing Pollinator Meadows from Seed – Xerces Society Publication
Landscaping in The Pacific Northwest: Native plants – WSU Pamphlet, an overview of landscaping with native plants—from planning and planting to maintenance. Includes instructions on planting from pots.
Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants – WNPS Webpage
Overview of Gardening Practices
These websites provide an overview of good gardening and yard care practices in the PNW.
Gardening in Washington State – WSU website
Naturalyardcare.org – Website
Right Plant in the Right Place
To make sure your plants thrive, it is important to plant them in locations with the right moisture and light conditions. These resources contain additional information about species requirements and preferences to help you get the right plants in the right place.
Native Plants for Wet Sites – WACD pamphlet
Fire-Resistant Plants for Home Landscapes – OSU Extension
Conservation Landscaping – Mason CD
Native Plant Catalog– Clark CD catalog with information about the plants being sold at our sale.
Species Sun and Water Requirements – East Multnomah
SWCD handout
Right Plant Right Place – WACD pamphlet with height, water, and sun requirements
These publications provide information about how to create landscape plans for particular conditions or goals, including for streamside plantings and rain gardens.
Streamside Gardening: Your Garden, Our Shared Watershed - OSU publication
Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington – WSU Extension and WA Dept of Ecology publication
Conservation Landscaping Plan Creation – Mason CD webpage
Sample Naturescaping Landscape Plans – King County Website