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This website describes how a small group of friends grow trees from seed, and give the seedlings away for free. We’re in the ‘mid-west’ region of the United States, but you can adjust the approach for trees in your region, by networking with local gardening organizations and tree professionals.
1. Plant ASAP; the sooner, the better. Winter is an ideal time to plant because the seedling is dormant, giving it time to establish its root system before spring leaf-out. Never let the roots dry out. If you must wait a few days before planting, store in a cool place such as the refrigerator. 2. Remove the grass in a 3’ diameter circle.
What is Seeds To Trees? Seeds To Trees is a grassroots effort to get more trees planted, by teaching people how to grow trees from seed, and then give the seedlings away in their community.
Gather seeds from trees within your community – friends/neighbors’ yards, businesses, local parks, etc. Some arboretums and nature preserves allow seed gathering for purposes like this. It goes without saying… get permission first.
You are participating in a grassroots movement called Seeds to Trees, where individuals grow tree seedlings for the sole purpose of giving them away for free within their community. Show them this website (on your phone), pointing out the mission statement, and the sequential picture that shows the process.
Growing trees from seed, and giving the seedlings away, can be done by absolutely anyone. Whether you grow 5 seedlings or 100... You’ve made the world a better place.
Seeds should be planted as soon as they are collected. Tree seeds must experience winter’s cold (a process called ‘stratification’) in order to germinate properly, so put the buckets outdoors after planting.
Familiarize yourself with trees in your area. There are 3 great apps for tree identification. You just take a picture of the leaves and (usually) the right species will pop up.
Nip off little side shoots. This will start the seedling on its way to becoming a tree instead of a bush.
Seeds and Seedlings: Pile leaves around the sides of the buckets, to insulate the soil against the winter cold. A sprinkling of leaves on top are good too. Check periodically, to see if the leaves have settled. If so, add more, or fluff up the ones that are there. Prep for Giveaway: This is a good time to prep plastic bags* for spring giveaway: