Heeling In
/HEEL-ing IN/🧑🌾 Cultivation●● Intermediate
Also known as: heel in, temporary planting
A temporary storage method for bare-root plants, balled-and-burlapped trees, or other stock that cannot be planted immediately. A trench is dug and the roots are laid in and covered with moist soil or mulch to prevent desiccation until permanent planting is possible. Heeling in protects roots from sun, wind, and frost damage during the waiting period, which may be days to several weeks.
Etymology
Old English hela (to hide, conceal) + in
Example
“If you can't plant your bare-root roses right away, heel them in by burying the roots in a trench of moist soil.”