Flexible Management
Allowing the planting to be carried out when ground conditions are appropriate and labour is available.

Early Season Planting
Planting in September and October when the ground is warm and roots extremely active will encourage rapid establishment – as well as providing better working conditions for the planting contractor – which will in itself lead to better planting.

Minimal Root Disturbance
The root systems are supplied intact, with no tearing of the fine feeding roots, which often carry associated mycorrhizae.

Added Benefits
Cell grown plants are easily planted – the roots are contained in the plug which contains slow release fertiliser to aid establishment.

Uniformity
The growing routine and the grading systems commonly found in Cell Grown Nurseries lead to the supply of uniform planting stock both in stem and root systems – making quality control and the planting operation much easier.

Quality Standards & Specifications
Seasonal variations, differences in nursery practices, geographical location and genetic variation provide a complete spectrum of possible plants sizes. Not all grades of stock will be available every season. With shrub species such as roses and thorns, the nursery will often cut these back to non standard sizes to promote strong growth and better form. A grading of 15-30cms for cut back stocks may fall outside these proposed specifications but the plants may be entirely suited to their purpose.

Plant Handling
If the cell grown plants are not to be planted straight away – it is important they are stood up and kept watered until planting takes place. Do not expose unprotected roots to wind and sun.

Additional Agents
The fact that the root is surrounded by a growing medium right up to the point of planting allows for the addition to the growing medium of various agents – for example, slow release fertiliser to enhance early establishment and mycorrhizae for planting marginal sites.

Aftercare
It is important the cell grown plants are checked for wind damage as plants which are unstable will struggle to survive. Plants are living things and need care at all times. Do not plant in severe persistent frost as this could damage the plant structure.