So this might be a confusing question, the pictures are better suited to explain when I'm talking about. A couple of my cherry blossom trees fell over, but they have continued growing. But I can see some of the roots exposed above the soil. They keep producing new leaves, so I think they are doing just fine. My question is should I add a little bit more soil just to cover the exposed roots or to add a little stability to those trees?

Or do I let them grow as is, if they survive they survive, kind of let nature take its course so to speak?

The only thing you need to do,is place them outside.

Lol thanks for answering my question.

I'm well aware they need to be outside, I'm currently hardening them. Guess I'll look for my answer elsewhere.

Hello Bento.
It's not a right or wrong case...
Just do what you feel, add more soil if you want, will do no harm.

The root will probably fill those containers fairly quickly... I wouldn't worry too much about adding soil.

Are there holes in the bottoms of the containers for water to drain out of?

My experience, BTW, is that seedlings do not have a high survival rate over winter. I think one reason is not protecting little containers like this from frost, but that is only a guess. Put these in the ground to overwinter, which is a pretty big heat sink.

Yes, there are holes in the bottom for water to drain out.

Would you recommend covering them once in the ground? Or attempting to anyway? (These started inside, so I don't have much hope for them, but have been hardening them for the past month, and I think they're ready for 24/7 outside)

(And if they fail, I plan on getting more seeds soon to plant at the start of the year. )

They do not lean because of lack of soil, but because they are looking for sun.

Low survival rates of seedlings is more likely because improper winter preparation. If you grow seedlings inside (Which is really NOT helping them) they do not get the natural triggers to prepare for winter. As such, they are not fully matured come winter.

I loose virtually no seedlings in winter.

When is the best time in the Northern Hemisphere to sow new seeds, in the fall? (Outdoors of course, I don't plan on starting any more batches inside, I will keep my inside gear solely for if I decide to try growing more tropical species, that need to be brought inside during the winter snow, or I might look into building something outside for those species)

BentoSalesBoy wrote:

When is the best time in the Northern Hemisphere to sow new seeds, in the fall? (Outdoors of course, I don't plan on starting any more batches inside, I will keep my inside gear solely for if I decide to try growing more tropical species, that need to be brought inside during the winter snow, or I might look into building something outside for those species)

The best time is right after they fall. Some seeds maintain viability just a few days after they fall off the tree, and they expect warm weather and cold weather on the regular schedule. You read about stratifying seeds, etc., but that is just an attempt to make the seeds think winter has happened.

Let the seeds come off the tree, put them loosely covered in some soil, and let them grow. They probably won't all grow, and that is nature in action.