FAQs

What are Cell Grown Plants?

Cell Grown Plants are plants which have been raised in small containers (or cells), filled with a growing medium, and which have various structures incorporated into the design of the container aimed at preventing root spiralling and promoting fibrous root growth.
Although Cell Grown Plants have been used all over the world for many years, particularly in North America, Canada and Scandanavia, they have only been available in signficant numbers in the UK since the early 1990s. The most significant difference between a Cell Grown Plant and traditional bare-root plants is the ability of the nurseryman to provide a fully functional root system to the customer. Bare-root plants inevitably suffer damage and consequent stress when they are lifted from the nursery beds. The root systems on Cell Grown Plant remain intact, and the fine fibrous feeding roots are sent out with the plant enabling rapid establishment once planted out. There is relatively little check when a Cell Grown Plant is planted out compared to a bare-root plant.
Over the past decade Cell Grown Plants have gained wide popularity amongst foresters, landscapers, Household gardeners and also nurserymen who use them for accelerated production of 2 litre stock.

When is it best to plant your stock?

As the Cell Grown plants are not dependant upon lifting plants from beds, despatch can continue almost uninterrupted all year round, allowing customers to get stock when ground conditions are right.
Cell grown plants are supplied with their root systems completely in tact and surrounded by protective compost and wrapping, so they can be planted out into any moist ground at virtually any time of the year. We always urge caution where young plants are just resuming growth in the spring as there is a high water demand imposed upon the root systems. However, provided there is adequate moisture to sustain growth demands, there is no reason why successful plantings cannot be achieved all year round.

How do I look after my plants when I receive them?

"Treat young plants like Bone China - they are fragile but if handled carefully will serve you well." - Danish School of Forestry
Like all living plant material, care should be taken with plants in storage.

What size will my plants be?

How do I plant my new trees?

Ensure all plants are fully wet before planting:

do not leave unprotected plants exposed to wind and sun while awaiting planting
prepare suitably loosened hole of adequate size to accommodate the root plug
be alert, avoid compaction and smearing in heavy soils
insert the plant and firm down around it with your heel while ensuring the plant remains upright
after firming in, make sure the root plug is covered by at least 3cm of soil otherwise it will dry out and become loose in the planting hole