How to Heel in Plants for the Winter
If you're not ready to plant, it's easy to store potted and bare-root trees, shrubs and perennials by heeling them into a trench to winter-over. The expression "to heel in" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "helan" and is related to the word "hell," both meaning "to cover up." Winter may be "hell" to some, but your plants will rest gently. Soon your young ones will prosper in the spring air. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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How to Heel in Plants for the Winter
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Select an area out of direct sunlight and heavy winds. Make it convenient to the final planting area, if possible.
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Prepare a v-shaped trench long enough to lay the plants side by side, leaving 6 inches between them. Dig deeply and loosen the soil down to a level approximately 4 inches below the soil-covered root ball of the largest plant. Because the plants are totally dormant or "resting" for winter, the soil composition is not important as long as it is loosened thoroughly.
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3
Pat the soil down on one side of the trench into a 45-degree angle. Take the plant out of its container by laying it down and firmly tap the sides and bottom with your hands. Keep the dirt around the roots intact. If it is stubborn, use a knife and scrape around the inside edge until it pops free. Heel in the plant by laying it down, root ball and all, in the trench at an angle. Keep the stem above ground at the same level it was in the container.
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4
Cover the root ball by filling in the trench with soil or sawdust to keep it from freezing or drying out. Tamp the soil down with a shovel to avoid air pockets.
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5
Water the trench well. Add soil if it sinks in. You won't have to baby sit it, but keep an eye on the area to make sure it keeps moist, but not soggy. Plants with root balls will stay all winter this way. Bare root shrubs and trees will last up to eight weeks. In early spring, remove gently and plant them in their permanent location before dormancy breaks.
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