By Donnaj1dlh
Aberdeenshire,
Scotland 
I have three sapling Rowan trees I'd like to plant out. They're about 3ft tall at the moment. When's the best time to do it? Would it be better to plant them out now, while there is still some growing season left before it turns cold/frosty? Can I just use bamboo canes as supports in the meantime as tree stakes seem a bit big for them - they'll be quite sheltered along a fence.
9 Aug, 2010
Answers
Well that's them planted, they look so small against the big fence :)
Now it's absolutely lashing rain, fab, should water them in a bit!!
9 Aug, 2010
That's right, Donna, think positive.
9 Aug, 2010
Knowing what your weather is like and will be like, Donna, I would say plant them out anytime from now to October. If they are to be in a sheltered position and they are still small, then I would not sake them at all. The stakes will encourage them to rely on the support rather than digging their own feet into the ground. Keep an eye on them and if the wind is too strong then stake them later.
9 Aug, 2010