Planting hedging is a relatively straightforward task that can be accomplished by anyone with a bit of elbow grease and patience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you create a beautiful and thriving hedgerow in your garden:
Preparation
Choose a location that receives adequate sunlight and has well-drained soil. Avoid planting hedging plants in areas prone to waterlogging or extreme wind exposure.
Clear the planting area of weeds, debris, and large stones. Dig a trench that is approximately twice the width of the root ball or plant pot of the plants you intend to plant. The depth of the trench should be around 30-40cm for bare root plants and 15-25cm for pot-grown plants.
Improvethe soil in the trench with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve drainage and nutrient content. This will provide a healthy environment for the roots to establish and thrive.
Planting
- Use a string or garden hose to mark a straight line for the hedgerow. Measure the recommended spacing for your chosen plant species and place canes or markers at regular intervals along the line.
- For pot-grown plants, gently loosen the roots and remove them from their pots. For bare root plants, soak them in a bucket of water for an hour or two before planting to hydrate the roots.
- Place the bare root plant in the planting hole, ensuring the root collar (where the stem meets the roots) is at the same level or slightly above the ground surface. Spread the roots out gently and backfill the hole with soil, firming it around the base of the plant.
- Rootgrow Mycorrhizal Fungi can be used to increase the nutrient and water update of the hedge.
- For pot-grown, place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground surface. Backfill the hole with soil and firm it around the base of the plant.
Watering and Mulching
- Thoroughly water each plant after planting to settle the soil and provide initial moisture. The amount of water will depend on the plant size and soil conditions.
- Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as bark chippings, shredded leaves, or wood chips, around the base of the plants. Mulch helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Aftercare
- Keep the newly planted hedgerow well-watered, especially during the first few years after planting. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Regularly remove weeds from around the hedgerow to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture. Hand-pulling or using a hoe are effective methods.
- Trim the hedgerow once or twice a year to maintain its desired shape and encourage dense growth. Start trimming early in the growing season to allow the hedgerow to recover before winter.
- Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring or early summer to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth. Follow the instructions on the label for proper application rates.
- Monitor the hedgerow for signs of pests or diseases. If problems arise, take appropriate control measures using organic or least-toxic methods whenever possible.
By following these guidelines, you can create a beautiful addition to your garden that will provide privacy, security, and visual appeal for years to come.
If you have not yet chosen the hedging plants you are going to plant then why not explore our full range here, and have them delivered straight to your door for maximum ease. And if you can’t decide then we strongly suggest opting for a Mixed Native Hedging Collection, for multiple varieties in one go, great for local wildlife!
