Thoughts on transplanting into a grow bed in Fall

[MGTT]

I’ve a few ‘seedlings’ that I’ve been growing out in containers, but I’m considering transplanting them into a grow bed this Fall vs next Spring - the reason being that I overwinter my trees in a quasi-greenhouse, and they always wake up well before the outdoor trees, making it difficult to get the timing right for spring transplanting outside.

The initial plan would be to ‘bareroot’ them and put them in the bed with garden soil. No root trimming and no ‘washing’ of roots, just shaking off any soil from the containers.

The species involved are all winter hardy in my area, based on experience with other ground grown trees of the same species.

I think this will be ok, but looking for any suggestions/criticisms .
Also, any thoughts on timing? I’m currently planning on doing this ~6 weeks before our traditional first freeze.

Or, should I heel these in outside this fall, and remove them from the plastic pots and directly put them in the ground in the spring?

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Personally do not see an issue with transitioning tree out of the greenhouse in the spring. We have two. The trees gain a month of growth on either side of the growing season to boot.

In your case would just heel the trees in their pots in well draining soil with protection from both the prevailing wind and sun. Also overhead protections using trees or shrubs is very helpful.

Please put a drainage layer of rock, medium bark or something porous under the pots to prevent clogs just in case.

There is a wintering over guide in the resource section click here that is good for all species, just ignore the azalea parts if there are none in your collection.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Shibui]

Transplanting to a grow bed without root work is just asking for trouble. Ground growing not only speeds up trunk thickening, the roots also thicken. Any root problems you have now will be much bigger problems when you finally dig the trees.
Always get the roots right before planting in a grow bed.
If the overwintering in the greenhouse is a problem for spring planting then keep the trees outside through winter so you can do the appropriate root work at the right time then plant out.