Growing Oak Trees from Acorns

Here’s the way I grow oaks from scratch.

I start by collecting fresh acorns, always checking they’re not damaged. Green ones are best, and even those just starting to turn brown can still germinate as long as they keep plenty of green colour. The more you gather and plant, the higher your success rate will be.

It’s really simple to get them started. Take a pot or seed tray and fill it with soil or compost (molehill earth is excellent if you can find some). Lay the acorns on their sides, leaving a couple of inches between each one. I gently press them into the soil so they’re half-buried, not too deep. Think of how an acorn falls naturally on the woodland floor, germinating right on the surface before sending down a tap root to anchor itself.

Rodents love acorns too, so cover your pots with fine mesh. Then find a quiet spot to leave them, give them a little water, and let nature take over. Some acorns will sprout within weeks, while others wait for the winter cold before waking. A few will simply rot away, and that’s why planting plenty improves your chances.

When germination happens, the root always comes first, sometimes going straight down, sometimes sideways before finding the soil. You can lightly cover it with soil if needed. After that, a few weeks later, the first leaf spike will rise up and head for the light.

At this stage I pot each little oak on, water well, and keep them growing for a couple of years, feeding and watering when needed. Once they’re at least six inches tall and sturdy, they’re ready to be planted out into the wild to stand and grow for centuries.

There's bound to have been something I've missed out so if you have any questions please feel free to comment and ask.

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