What is meant by "winter protection?"

[Gabler]

it was my own

Evidently, I wasn’t paying attention to who posted what.

 

[rockm]

Oh I just figured because it was my own thread is why i asked, but I guess it makes sense for people who might be browsing for topics. I'll remember for next time, thanks!

To Rockm: regarding the seedlings, one concern I had was simply based on contradictory internet advice. Some said they should be a year before planting in the ground, one thing I read said 3! It doesn't make sense to me, but a lot of things that didn't make sense to me before make sense now.

The primary reason I am second guessing it is because of their awkward age...I wasn't sure if they would be more sensitive in the (next) winter because of that.

I am leaning toward putting most of my seedlings and planting my stratified seeds right into the ground come spring. It is fenced in, so it is safe in that way.

I might get a shade screen though since they are growing right now and have "indoor leaves." I wouldnt want to scorch them since they are only now putting out their 1st and second leaf pairs since dormancy

Contradictory advice on the Internet? Naww that doesn't happen... Did they say why they would wait. I'd love to hear that explanation...Like I said you can plant them out most anytime you want in late spring into mid-fall. I have a feeling the reason is because there's danger of animals eating them, one to three years would make their trunk less vulnerable to say, squirrels and chipmunks chewing through them.

 

[Joe2758]

I wish I knew why; it always seems to be a passing remark or a "by the way."

Here was one from Harry Harrington:
"Generally, cuttings, seedlings or saplings should be at least 2 years old before planting out unless you are able to cosset them for the first year."

There was one from another source that I can't remember. No explaination.

Anyway, thanks for the reassurance. My fence will keep out critters so it looks like i have a plan.

 

[August]

Often times it's good to play it safe the larger your audience is. If you tell a beginner to wait 2 years before planting in the ground and they have 2 years of horticulture experience before planting in the ground, they're more likely to succeed.at... planting in the ground.

At my job I have to dumb down a lot of "plant health care" to make sure I'm being understood and that our customers have a decent chance at success. Just a thought though.