Welcome back to the Lifehacker gardening podcast. Today we’re talking about why I buy bare root plants instead of those pretty, flowering potted specimens. Bare root plants, as the article explains, “lack much in the way of branches—they tend to be just the root ball out of soil.” That means you’re shipping and handling only the plant’s energy source, not heavy pots and extra soil, so prices can be just a fraction of what you’ll pay at a nursery. For example, bare root roses go for four to ten dollars each versus three or four times that for a potted rose.

Planting them is straightforward: soak the roots, dig a hole just big enough, set them in, and cover. Bare root plants “acclimate better to their environment,” too, focusing on healthy root growth before topping out with branches and blooms. You can inspect the roots to trim away any damaged parts, ensuring only the healthiest go in the ground. To find them, check your state nursery or online sources like Fedco Seeds and Stark Bros. Happy planting!
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