Preserving seedlings until spring is not an easy task. Ordinary sand often fails: in it the roots can rot or, conversely, dry out. A reliable replacement can be made from what usually goes into the trash – onion peels and dry sawdust.
Onion peels protect against mold and rot. Sawdust retains moisture well and allows air to pass through. Together they create an ideal environment for the roots: not wet, not dry and safe. In such a “pillow” the seedlings sleep peacefully until spring and do not wake up ahead of time.
How to prepare a “pillow” and lay the seedlings:
Collect and dry well the onion peels and sawdust (take from deciduous trees – birch, linden).
Mix them in proportion: approximately 2 parts sawdust to 1 part husk.
Prepare the seedlings: remove all leaves, slightly trim long or damaged roots.
Place a layer of mixture (10-15 cm) on the bottom of the box. Lay the seedlings horizontally and cover the roots with the same mixture. Lightly moisten with a spray bottle.
Take the box to the basement, where the temperature is around zero.
Main rules:
Do not take sawdust from coniferous trees (pine, spruce) – they can harm the roots.
Check 1-2 times during the winter. If the mixture becomes dry, sprinkle lightly with water.
If there is no basement, the seedlings can be stored in a trench on the site, using the same “cushion”.
This method is simple, free and very reliable. It is suitable for apple trees, pears, currants, roses and other seedlings that need to be preserved until planting.
