January is the time for planting bare root fruit trees, whether you are planting now or in the 19th century. Here are two entries from John Bidwell’s 1871 diary:

Fri. January 6.
Setting out cherry trees – Ramage & choir met here to have a last sing – Present Judge Hallets, Harry Hallet – Warren – Farrell, Mrs. Clark & Misses Wilson & Allen. Weather beautiful – Mr. Cochran fell on his horse & was hurt –
Sat. January 7.
Day fine – Set out cherry trees – Cleared off garden on S. side of creek – Recd. money on Church note – and paid off debts – H.C. Bidwell arrd. from mts –

He planted the cherry orchard behind the Mansion. It later became the site of Chico Normal School. H. C. Bidwell was his half-nephew Henry C. Bidwell, son of his half-brother Daniel Bidwell. Henry became superintendent of the Plumas County Mining Company.