Soil Preparation for Hedging Plants is one of our most frequently asked questions. While the technique is easy, there’s no avoiding having to dig a hole:
Getting the Soil Preparation for Hedging Plants correct is essential if your new hedge is to thrive and grow strong and as quickly as possible. A little extra time and care will therefore pay dividends. Container grown hedging plants can be planted any time of year except when the ground is frozen…
Soil Preparation for Hedging Plants link to hedge guide
- Dig a hole with a garden fork to twice the depth of the fork, removing all weeds, rhizomes and any large stones or other detritus. (Keep small stones as these are good for drainage)
- Fill the furrow with water and allow it to drain (unless planting in mid-winter)
- Plunge the hedging plants into a bucket of water for a short while to drive out the air
- Add organic matter, such as garden compost, to the bottom of the hole.
- Rake in a general-purpose fertilizer if you are planting in the spring or early summer – don’t bother if you are planting in autumn or winter as the plant won’t need it and you’ll just be wasting money
- Place your hedging plant, still in its container, to check the depth of the hole or furrow. The top of the pot should be at soil level or just above. If the hole is too deep, add more organic matter as necessary
- When the hole is the right depth, carefully remove the plant from the container
- Place the plant in the hole and check that it is vertical and orientated to it best advantage
- Stake the plant if required – the taller the plant and/or the windier the spot, the more advisable this will be
- Back fill and firm the soil with your heel to ensure good contact between the soil and roots
- Water!
NB: We are also often asked how near to a fence or wall a hedge can be planted. As a general rule allow an absolute minimum of 45cm though, to be on the safe side, 60cm would be advisable – and wider if you are planning on letting your new hedge grow to a height of two metres plus.
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