Transplanting saplings in bud - too late?

[LIZS]

Last year we bought a potted small magnolia and a flowering cherry sapling intending to plant them out over the winter. Cold wet weather delayed us , are we now too late as both are in bud? Would they be better in larger pots until next winter now? Hoping to make the most of a sunny few days in the garden this week!

Now is absolutely the right time, they are about to burst into active growth and will soon put down new roots. As long as the soil in your garden isn't too sodden, it will be fine.

PS - check the soil in the pots for vine weevil grubs just in case. If you find any, get rid of the old compost round the roots before planting in the ground.