Holding Bed for Plants: Where Potted Plants Wait
A holding bed for plants is a spot where nursery stock waits until it can go in the ground. University of Georgia Extension advises that plants which cannot be planted right away go in the shade with roots held moist.
The short answer
Shade plus steady water are the core. UGA advises placing waiting plants in shade plus notes container plants may need daily watering. For balled plus burlapped or bare root stock, UGA advises covering the roots with sawdust, pine straw or soil. A spot near a hose makes daily water easy.
What is a holding bed?
A holding bed is a short term staging area for plants that arrive before their beds are ready. UGA notes container plants transplant well through most of the year, so a short wait is common.
Where should potted plants wait?
UGA advises shade. Maryland Extension advises a site within reach of a hose from an outside spigot. NC State Extension advises paths with room for carts, which helps move pots in plus out. Iowa State notes slopes are drier, so level ground suits a holding area.
| Need | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Site | Shade | UGA |
| Water | Daily for containers | UGA |
| Bare root cover | Sawdust, pine straw or soil | UGA |
| Roots in water | Not for long periods | UGA |
| Hose | Within reach | Maryland |
| Ground | Level, not sloped | Iowa State |
Source: University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, University of Maryland Extension, Iowa State University Extension plus NC State Extension.
How do you care for plants in a holding bed?
UGA notes container plants may need daily watering plus a dry root ball is hard to rewet after transplanting. It advises against leaving roots in water or buckets for long periods since they suffocate. Cover bare roots with sawdust, pine straw or soil until planting.
How to: step by step
- Pick a level spot in shade.
- Choose a site within reach of a hose.
- Group pots so water reaches each.
- Water containers daily in warm weather.
- Cover bare roots with pine straw or soil.
- Plant as soon as beds are ready.
Troubleshooting
Wilted pots: dry roots. UGA notes containers may need daily water.
Root ball will not wet: dried too far. UGA notes a dry root ball is hard to rewet.
Roots left in a bucket: too long in water. UGA notes roots suffocate.
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Sources
- Soil preparation and planting procedures for ornamental plants in the landscape (B932), UGA Cooperative Extension
- Planning a vegetable garden, University of Maryland Extension
- Gardening on slopes and hillsides, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Food garden design, NC State Extension
FAQ
Should waiting plants sit in sun or shade?
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension advises placing plants that cannot be planted right away in shade.
How do you cover bare roots while they wait?
UGA advises covering the roots of balled plus burlapped or bare root plants with sawdust, pine straw or soil.
How often do potted plants need water while waiting?
UGA notes container plants may need daily watering.
Can roots sit in a bucket of water?
UGA advises against placing roots in water or buckets for long periods because they will suffocate.
Why does a dry root ball matter?
UGA notes a dry root ball is difficult to rewet after transplanting.
