2026 Bare Root Plant Sale and Free Online Class
Pick up in Grand Rapids on Saturday, May 2, 2026
MSU Kent County Extension Office
775 Ball NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Get Planting with Bare Root Plants!!!!
This Bare Root Event features both a free virtual class coupled with a plant sale to get the jump on your spring garden. Plant orders must be picked up in Grand Rapids. Proceeds from this event will help keep the MSU Extension Grand Ideas Garden (GIG) growing!
Michigan gardeners patiently await local frost-free dates in anticipation of planting colorful perennials in their gardens. MSU Extension is offering a free online class to help you get a jump on spring planting by learning the many attributes of bare-root plants. Fully dormant, bare root perennials will acclimate naturally to your soil type and growing environment and are never jeopardized by excess organic media left on the root ball. During the online class, we will also explore a rich pallet of perennials to add interest, seasonal color and pollinator resources in your perennial garden.
FREE ONLINE ZOOM CLASS DETAILS:
Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. ET
* You do not need to purchase plants to attend this class.
* For those who cannot attend the online class, you may register for the class and then will receive the recording link to view at a later date.
* After the class, if you wish to purchase plants or modify your current order, please contact Lisa Renye who can add the items and email you an invoice containing a credit card payment link. Please do not re-register and create a second order.
* MSU Extension Master Gardeners may report 1 hour of education for this class.
Class registration deadline: Register by March 30th at noon to receive the Zoom meeting link.
* A Zoom meeting link will be emailed to all class registrants on the afternoon of March 30th. Please be sure to look for this email in your inbox or trash/spam folders.
* Technology Requirements: Below are recommendations for the optimal interactive online learning experience:
* A computer, laptop or tablet with latest version of your browser
* A reliable, internet connection - broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE)
* Webcam or HD webcam - built-in or USB plug-in
* Speakers and a microphone - built-in or USB plug-in or wireless Bluetooth
* Latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader
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PLANT SALE DETAILS:
Plant sale registration and payment deadline: April 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
Plant order payments: Credit Card payments at the secure MSU payment site must be made within 5 days of the order date or the order will be cancelled. Items are not reserved until payment in full is received. All payments must be received by April 23, 2026.
Plant pick up date/time: Saturday, May 2nd from 9 a.m. - Noon ET.
CONTACTLESS-GRAB-N-GO PICK UP FOR PLANT PURCHASES. Plant orders will not be held or shipped. If you are not able to pick up your order during this time frame, please make arrangements for another person to pick up your order.
Pick up location: MSU Kent County Office, 775 Ball NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Refund policy on plant orders
* A full refund, less a $10 processing fee, will be issued for any plant order cancelled before April 23, 2026.
* No refund will be issued for any plant order cancelled on or after April 23, 2026.
Registration for 2026 Bare Root Plant Sale and Free Online Class is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 23, 2026.
Accommodations
Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Contact Information
For more information, contact Lisa Renye at renyelis@msu.edu.