Nursery containers - size, style, sources?

[Apple Junkie]

I'm taking a stab at grafting to scion to rootstock for the first time this year. I am not doing a lot, just 10 to get my feet wet, and that's all I am willing to kill for now. My intention would be to plant to a pot this spring and keep them at home where I can water frequently and keep the pests at bay. Later this fall, or next spring, I plan to plant the "potted plug" in it's final destination at the camp.

I am looking for suggestions on container size (gallons), style (hard plastic, bags, "root maker"?), and sources where I can buy 10 or so. I'd appreciate any thoughts... thanks.

 

[yoderjac]

If you are using clonal root stock, there is no tap root, but I still think root pruning containers are a good idea if you plan to keep them through the summer. I use rootmaker Rootbuilder II containers. I like them because they unwrap very easily and the root ball is completely undisturbed at planting time. This means the tree doesn't loose a beat like planting bare root trees and you don't have the potential of circling roots.

I did the same thing you are doing last year. I grafted several DR apple varieties to M111 rootstock. I tried both 1 gal and 3 gal RB2s. Some of the smaller root stock fit in 1 gals, but I got the best growth by using 3 gal RB2s. I planted my trees in the fall and they were 5' to 7' tall at planting time. Here is a picture of one of mine:

This picture was taken in early October and it was planted in the field in mid-October.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Apple Junkie]

Same Jack... grafting to M.111 rootstock. Are the sides porous? If so, do they dry out any quicker than a standard plastic container... even the rootmaker RM3R series. The only place I can see to purchase the RB2s you use is directly from the Rootmaker website. Have you found anyone on the east cost selling that version? Thanks for the insight, ya sure can't argue with what works

 

[yoderjac]

I bought my first few Rootmaker containers from John at BigRockTrees when I was testing them to convince myself they were the way to go for me. John actually sponsors this forum. There are other places you can mail order them from. After I was convinced, I set up a wholesale account with rootmaker. I grow a lot of trees from seed and nuts so I buy them in volume. If you are only taking about a few containers retail, I'd check with Bigrock first. Here is the link for the 1 gal containers: http://www.bigrocktrees.com/Rootbuilder-II-1-Gallon-with-Root-Directing-Bottom_p_29.html

I didn't see the 3 gals, but I'm sure if you call John, he can get them.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Apple Junkie]

Thanks for the heads-up Jack. I am browsing Bigrocktrees now, I'd certainly start there first.

 

[yoderjac]

I forgot to answer you question about water retention. When used with the proper medium, they are so well drained that they are almost impossible to overwater. You can water too frequently but if you let them dry out, you can't give them too much water. I like to water by weight. Fill a containers with medium, pick it up and get s feel for the weight. This weight is totally empty of water. Next, completely saturate the container. I actually dunk mine in a tub of rain water and let them absorb it from all sides. When thoroughly soaked I set them on a rack above the tub letting them drain back into the tub to conserve rain water. I actually built a couple watering tables this year to let containers drain back into the tub. As soon as the container finishes draining, pick it up. That is the full weight. I like to water when the container is between 20% and 30% between the empty and full weights. If you see the leaves wilt or droop (depending on tree type) to conserve water, water them immediately. Chestnuts don't like wet feet, so you definitely want to let them dry out. Apples don't seem to be as bothered by wet feet.

If water conservation is your primary concern, consider the roottrapper bags. They work a little differently. They are coated in white PVC and retain water better. Rather than air pruning, the inner fabric traps the small tips of roots which has the same effect as air pruning them. They are reusable to some degree, but not as convenient for removal to plant. To reuse them you staple them along the seam you cut to extract the seedling. They don't last for as many reuses but they are less expensive than the RB2s.

How frequently I have to water my RB2s really depends on a lot of factors. Once a week is an average when they are used indoors in controlled humidity conditions. Variation depends on the stage of growth of the tree and how much water it is using. Outdoors it is much less predictable. Wind, humidity, temperature, and sun, are all factors in addition to the growth stage of the tree.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[aerospacefarmer]

Thanks for the heads-up Jack. I am browsing Bigrocktrees now, I'd certainly start there first.

I have used 3 and 5 gallon rootrapper bags and if you will plant by this fall this bag would do the trick and it can be reused year after year. My grafts were planted before August after being in these bags and they did great

http://www.bigrocktrees.com/RootTrapper-FCR5-Fabric-5-Bag_p_42.html

 

[Apple Junkie]

Thanks aerospace, those root trapper bags are interesting... I just wish the seams were Velcro instead of stitched. No problem with them tipping over? Did you find the 3 gallon big enough for a normal grafted rootstock?

 

[yoderjac]

I've only used 5" roottrapper bags. They are intended to go inside cement blocks so tipping is not an issue. Aerospace can comment on the larger sizes. 3 gal should be large enough. It doesn't matter if you are using the RB2s or bags, the 3 gals are about the same size.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[aerospacefarmer]

I never had a 3 gallon tip over I fill with potting soil to about 2 inches above the top. I never unstitch but just lay on it's side and roll it to loosen the. Have enough room to put my hand in bag and pull it out with hand under roots right at the hole I have already dug. I had an old post in other site before

 

[Neahawg]

I've had good luck with these growing chestnuts, apples, pears, and pine trees. They are biodegradable so you don't even have to worry about taking the pot off as it will decompose in 12-15 months. The roots will grow through the bag airprooning them and when in the soil grow into the soil. A box of 50 is 39.00 shipping usually still has it under 50 dollars.

 

[aerospacefarmer]

I've had good luck with these growing chestnuts, apples, pears, and pine trees. They are biodegradable so you don't even have to worry about taking the pot off as it will decompose in 12-15 months. The roots will grow through the bag airprooning them and when in the soil grow into the soil. A box of 50 is 39.00 shipping usually still has it under 50 dollars.

The ones I am using are not biodegradable. I use year after year. Roots don't grow through. They are pruned when they hit the black in the inside of bag and produce more roots

 

[Neahawg]

The ones I am using are not biodegradable. I use year after year. Roots don't grow through. They are pruned when they hit the black in the inside of bag and produce more roots

Essentially these do the same thing when they hit air they are root pruned leading to more roots, you pay less then a dollar a pot, and no worries getting them out of the bag because you can plant the whole pot and all. I had thought about getting some of the reusable pots but we're getting close to being out of room so I figured one more box of 50 will do me.

 

[Apple Junkie]

Thanks neahawg, I think I read about those. Just plop in the ground and they degrade over time. They sound cheap enough, I'll look into those. All good options, gonna have to get off my butt in gear.