Heeling in Plants: Temporary Trenches for Bare Root Stock
Heeling in plants means setting bare root stock into a shallow trench so the roots stay moist until planting day. Purdue Extension advises it when planting will be delayed more than a week.
The short answer
Heeling in is a short term hold. Purdue advises a V shaped trench in light shade, lined with straw, with plants set at an angle plus roots covered in loose media. Soil should be moist but not wet. For delays under a week, cool moist storage is enough.
What does heeling in mean?
Purdue describes heeling in as temporary shelter for bare root plants. Roots go into a trench at an angle plus get covered so they do not dry. Purdue notes it is for the short term, not a full season.
How do you dig a heeling in trench?
Purdue advises a V shaped trench in light shade. Line it with straw, lay the plants at an angle plus cover the roots with loose media. Water so the soil is moist but not wet. Loose media eases lifting on planting day.
| Step | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Delay under a week | Roots moist plus cool | Purdue |
| Delay over a week | Heel in | Purdue |
| Storage | About 40°F | Iowa State |
| Short storage | Up to a week, cool plus dark | Wisconsin |
| Soak | 20 to 30 minutes | Purdue |
| Soak | 1 to 2 hours, no more | SDSU |
Source: Purdue Extension, Iowa State University Extension, University of Wisconsin Extension plus South Dakota State University Extension.
How long can plants stay heeled in?
Purdue notes heeling in is short term. For shorter waits, the University of Wisconsin Extension notes bare root trees can be stored up to a week in a cool, dark place. Iowa State plus SDSU note storage at about 40°F. Before planting, Purdue advises soaking roots 20 to 30 minutes, while Iowa State plus SDSU advise 1 to 2 hours. SDSU notes 5 minutes of exposure can kill fine roots.
How to: step by step
- Pick a spot in light shade.
- Dig a V shaped trench.
- Line the trench with straw.
- Lay plants at an angle with roots in the trench.
- Cover roots with loose media plus water lightly.
- Soak roots before planting day.
Troubleshooting
Trench in full sun: excess heat. Purdue advises light shade.
Roots dry out: thin cover. Purdue advises loose media with moist but not wet soil.
Roots tear at lifting: heavy soil. Purdue advises loose media over the roots.
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Sources
- Temporary shelter for bare root landscape plants, Purdue University Consumer Horticulture
- How to plant bare root trees, Iowa State University Extension, Yard and Garden
- Planting bareroot trees in home landscapes, University of Wisconsin Extension Horticulture
- Planting bare-root trees, South Dakota State University Extension
FAQ
What if planting is delayed only a few days?
Purdue Extension notes that for a delay under a week, roots only need to stay moist plus cool. Heeling in suits longer delays.
Is heeling in a long term option?
Purdue Extension notes heeling in is a short term measure for bare root plants waiting to go in the ground.
How long should roots soak before planting?
Purdue Extension advises 20 to 30 minutes. Iowa State plus SDSU advise 1 to 2 hours, with SDSU noting no more than 2.
What storage temperature suits bare root stock?
Iowa State University Extension plus SDSU Extension note storage at about 40°F before planting.
How quickly can bare roots dry out?
South Dakota State University Extension notes even 5 minutes of exposure to air can kill fine roots.
