Use these tips on growing oak trees from acorns to start a grove of your own.
Growing an oak tree from an acorn can be a fun and rewarding project.
The large acorns of oak trees are fairly easy to plant.
Credit:TOLGA DOGAN / Getty Images
Most species of oak have an adaptive strategy called masting.
Not all acorns are viable, and those that are might still not germinate properly.
Collect more acorns than you should probably increase your chances of success.
Credit:Jay Wilde
Checking for Viability
After you collect the acorns, check them for viability.
Viable, healthy acorns should sink to the bottom of the bucket, while nonviable acorns float.
Discard any acorns that have holes, feel hollow, or look discolored or unhealthy.
Sterile potting mix is unnecessary because strong, healthy seedlings do fine in a variety of soils.
Tree nursery pots work best, but almost any container works in a pinch.
Cover the acorns to about twice the depth of their diameter and gently tap the soil down.
After sowing the acorns, gently water them and cover them with leaves for their winter rest.
Plant the young oak treesin a sunny location well away from buildings, power lines, or other structures.
Remember, the tree can live for hundreds of years, given the right conditions.
