How to Plant a Hedge

Planting hedging is a very easy job, it is best to do good ground preparation, have plenty of space for roots, eliminate air pockets and provide plenty of water not just when the plants are going into the ground, but in the weeks following planting until the plants are fully established and able to fend for themselves. Pot grown plants can be left in their pots for a few weeks - just keep them well watered but not waterlogged.

1. Prepare the ground in advance - clear all weeds at least 30cms on both sides of the proposed hedgeline.
2. Dig a trench, then prick the sides and bottom of the trench with a garden fork so that the roots can establish. For pot grown plants, the trench needs to be about twice as wide as the pots/root structures.
3. Enrich the soil with organic matter or mix a general fertilizer through the soil.
4. Mark a straight line with string and place plants so they are evenly spaced.
5. Water the plants and allow them to drain and also fill the planting hole with water and allow it to drain away.
6. Gently tease the roots of pot grown plants and plant them (at the same depth as they were in the pot) into the trench.
7. Firm the soil to eliminate air pockets. It is really important that there are no air pockets because this is how frost damage is caused.
8. Water each plant with approximately one full watering can per plant or more for plants over 1m tall.
9. Cover with mulch to stop weeds establishing and reduce water loss from the soil and keep your new hedge well watered until its root system is fully established. Keep the whole area clear of weeds and grass for at least 2 years.