Planting potted liners in fall a great idea
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But, two possible negatives are heaving up by freezing temperatures and death during a dry period right after planting. It is easy for me to say, but irrigation should be available as insurance, especially for potted liners.
Potted liners are available in the fall when bareroot liners are too dangerous to transplant. A producer told me years ago he liked to plant potted liners during fair week (this week in Warren County), because it always rains.
I noticed it did not rain that year, nor several since. Potted liners are great, but too expensive to risk losing during a dry spell.
Hauling water is no fun either, but ?
Allow me to back up and go through the sequence. Potted liners should be watered as soon as they are received and unloaded. It helps settle the media back from the bouncing around. Set them in the shade. Look at the roots.
It is good to separate the roots some at planting. The degree of effort depends on the amount of excessive roots and encircling. It is essential to cut, rip or remove excessive encircling roots. Shallow, vertical slits with a sharp knife may suffice. Cut away any roots that might become girdling roots in 10 years.
Think about that.
Several producers who fall plant have learned to shake as much media from the roots as is easy. Soaking the roots just prior to transplanting is a very good idea.
Most producers feel dipping roots into a water holding hydrophilic polymer such as Terrasorb just prior to transplanting helps ensure survival if rains do not come as ordered.
A dry soil will pull moisture away from the media. So it makes sense to remove as much artificial media as possible, plant a well watered root mass, use Terrasorb or just irrigate within the first few days, depending on soil moisture and rainfall.
I have seen potted liners die within the first week when potted into a dry soil and no moisture came by way of irrigation or rain.
Irrigation sure is nice when you have it. Just how much effort would it take to get water to one field?
Plant with no more than a half inch of soil over the media; but do cover it to eliminate the wicking of moisture. This is critical. I have observed plants that were planted 4 inches too deep begin showing symptoms by mid or late summer. It is usually too late to pull the soil back or lift them. Both activities have major negative consequences.
Check the moisture of the soil around the roots every two days after planting. The planting of potted liners in the fall is a great idea for those who can manage it or risk the loss if rains do not come. Good luck.