Top Tips for Planting a Hedge

1. Prepare the Ground
   Clear all weeds from at least 30cm on either side of the proposed hedgeline.
2. Dig the Trench
3. Enrich the Soil
   Add organic matter or mix Bone Meal into the soil you’ll use for backfilling. If using RootGrow, follow the instructions on the sachet.
4. Mark Spacing
   Use string to create a straight line and a measured cane to ensure even spacing between plants.
5. Water Thoroughly
6. Plant with Care
7. Firm the Soil
   Eliminate air pockets by firming the soil around the plants—air pockets can cause frost damage.
8. Water Again
9. Mulch and Maintain
10. Quick Planting Method for Bare Roots

Our landscaping team can plant up to 500 small bare-root plants per day using this method. For amateur gardeners, planting 200 per day is a good goal—especially with tea breaks! It’s a rewarding task for a dry winter day.

If you’re not ready to plant immediately, you can store your plants for a short time:

• Bare-root plants can be kept in a sheltered location, such as a shed, for a few days to a week. Ensure they are protected from drying winds by opening the packaging and keeping the roots moist.
• For longer storage, bare-root plants need to be "heeled in." This involves temporarily planting them in a trench or mound of soil to cover the roots, keeping them moist. When heeled in, they can remain healthy until early spring (late March to very early April). However, it’s best to plant them permanently as soon as possible while they are dormant.

Proper care during storage ensures your plants stay in good condition until you’re ready to plant.

Proper site preparation is essential for establishing a healthy hedge, even if you are planting smaller plants. Follow these steps:

1. Clear the Area
   Prepare a cleared space for the new hedge. For small plants (up to 60cm in height), dig a trench at least 30cm (12") wide and 25cm (9") deep. For taller plants, make the trench wider and deeper as needed.
2. Work the Soil
   Ensure the soil is loose and easily workable. Remove all perennial weeds to give your plants the best start. Use a garden fork on the sides and bottom of the trench to create drainage channels, which help roots penetrate the soil and establish effectively.
3. Avoid Planting in Poor Conditions
4. Improve the Soil (Optional)
   While most hedge species thrive in decent soil without additives, you can enhance the soil with:
5. Use RootGrow
   The RHS-approved RootGrow product is especially beneficial for bare-root plants. It introduces friendly fungi that help plants access moisture and nutrients, promoting faster establishment and vigorous growth. Unlike bonemeal, RootGrow must be in direct contact with the roots.

Planting

1. Timing: Plant bare-root hedging immediately if the weather and your schedule allow.Avoid planting in frosty, wet, or windy weather to prevent damage to roots and compaction of the soil.
2. Temporary Storage: For short-term storage, soak roots in a bucket of water for up to 2 hours, then drain and keep them in a cool, sheltered spot like a shed or garage. Avoid greenhouses.For longer storage, "heel in" the plants by temporarily planting them in loose soil with roots covered and kept moist. They can remain heeled in for a few weeks, depending on the weather.
3. Planting Technique: Dig a trench slightly wider than the roots and ensure the planting depth matches the old soil mark on the stems. Spread the roots out carefully and avoid damaging them with canes used for support or rabbit guards.
4. Firm the soil gently around each plant to eliminate air pockets, but do not compact it.
5. Watering and Mulching: Water each plant thoroughly (approximately 5 litres per plant). Apply a bark mulch around the base (avoiding contact with the stem) to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and protect against frost.

We understand that planting a long stretch of bare-root hedging can be time-consuming, and the ideal method might not always be practical. For those willing to trade a slightly higher risk of plant failure for significant time savings, notch planting is a quick and effective alternative for small plants:

1. Push a sharp spade into the soil to near its full depth.
2. Tilt the spade away from you to create a gap behind it.
3. Insert the bare-root plant into the gap, ensuring the roots are covered by soil.
4. Release the soil and firm it in around the plant.
5. Regularly check for gaps in the soil caused by frost or dry weather and firm it back in as needed.

Note: While notch planting saves time, it may result in a higher failure rate compared to traditional planting methods.

1. Keep the Area Weed-Free
Weeds and grass compete with new plants for moisture, nutrients, and light. Keep the base of the hedge clear for at least 2–3 years to give the plants the best chance of establishing.

2. Watering
A lack of water is one of the most common causes of failure, even in winter. This is especially crucial during March, April, and May when deciduous plants are breaking dormancy.

• Guideline: Drench each plant thoroughly. Use at least 5 litres of water per metre of hedging twice a week in dry weather.
• Always water in the evening to minimise evaporation.
• Spray the foliage of evergreen plants to prevent drying out.

3. Protect Against Frost
Frost can damage young hedges in several ways:

• Heavy frosts may cause soil to loosen, so firm in plants if needed.
• Frost-damaged leaves usually recover but remain a risk to be aware of.
• Windy sites can cause plants to "rock," creating air pockets that expose roots to frost or drying. Firm plants periodically and consider windbreak netting for protection.

4. Feeding and Mulching
Hedge plants are planted close together, leading to root competition. Annual feeding helps maintain vigour:

• Apply a mulch of well-rotted manure or compost each year.
• Alternatively, use a foliar fertiliser.

Delayed Growth: In their first year, new plants may leaf or flower later than established ones.

Evergreen Defoliation: Evergreens often shed leaves or turn yellow after transplanting, particularly in warm, dry weather. Increase watering frequency to help recovery but avoid waterlogging. New leaves will appear as the plant adjusts.

Pruning varies by species and whether you’re aiming for a formal or informal hedge. Consult a good gardening guide for species-specific advice. General principles include:

• Hawthorn, Blackthorn, and Privet: Prune immediately after planting and reduce the following season’s new growth by about half.
• Other Deciduous Species: Lightly prune when planting, then reduce one-third of the annual growth in the autumn after planting.
• Evergreens: Do not prune until after the first full growing season. Trim side shoots to shape, but leave the main leading shoot untouched until the hedge reaches the desired height.

By following these steps, even the quick method of planting bare-root hedging can yield a successful and thriving hedge. Regular aftercare is key to ensuring healthy, long-term growth.

Caring for outdoor plants in pots requires a balanced approach to meet their unique needs. With limited soil volume and exposure to varying weather conditions, potted plants demand careful attention to watering, feeding, and general maintenance to ensure they thrive. Below is a comprehensive guide to keeping your outdoor plants healthy and vibrant.

Selecting the Right Pot and Soil

The foundation of successful container gardening lies in the choice of pots and soil:

• Pot Size and Material: Ensure pots are appropriately sized for the plant, with enough room for root growth. Pots should have adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Terracotta, ceramic, or plastic pots are commonly used, each with different insulation and moisture-retention properties.
• Soil Quality: Use high-quality potting compost, preferably one formulated for outdoor plants. Avoid garden soil, which may compact in pots and hinder root growth.

Watering

Watering is the cornerstone of potted plant care and must be managed carefully:

• Frequency: Potted plants dry out faster than garden plants. Water them regularly, especially during dry or hot weather, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering.
• Timing: Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation.
• Drainage: Ensure excess water can drain freely from the pot. If water pools at the bottom, it can cause root rot.

Feeding and Fertilising

Nutrients in pots deplete quickly, so regular feeding is essential:

• General Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks during the growing season (spring to early autumn).
• Specialist Feeds: Certain plants, such as flowering species, fruits, or ericaceous plants, may benefit from specific fertilisers. Follow product guidelines for best results.
• Slow-Release Fertiliser: Alternatively, add slow-release granules to the compost to provide a steady supply of nutrients over time.

Sunlight and Positioning

Outdoor plants in pots need positioning according to their light requirements:

• Light Needs: Research the light preferences of your plants. Some thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade.
• Protection: Avoid placing pots in extremely windy or exposed locations, as this can stress plants and lead to soil drying out more rapidly.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Potted plants are more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations than those in the ground:

• Summer: Ensure pots are not exposed to intense midday sun, which can scorch plants or overheat the roots.
• Winter: Protect pots from frost by moving them to a sheltered location or wrapping them in horticultural fleece. Group pots together for added insulation. Consider raising them off the ground with pot feet to prevent waterlogging during wet weather.

Pruning and Deadheading

Regular pruning keeps plants healthy and encourages new growth:

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to promote further blooming and prevent energy waste.
• Pruning: Trim back leggy or overgrown plants to maintain shape and vigour.

Pest and Disease Control

Potted plants are susceptible to pests and diseases:

• Inspection: Regularly check leaves, stems, and soil for signs of pests such as aphids, slugs, or spider mites.
• Treatment: Use organic or chemical pest control solutions as needed, ensuring products are safe for the plant and environment.
• Prevention: Keep pots clean, and remove dead leaves or debris that may harbour pests or diseases.

Repotting

Over time, plants may outgrow their pots:

• When to Repot: Repot when roots begin to protrude from drainage holes or when growth slows significantly.
• How to Repot: Choose a pot one size larger, gently loosen roots, and refresh the soil.

By following these guidelines, you can maintain healthy, thriving potted plants that enhance the beauty and vibrancy of your outdoor spaces throughout the year. With careful attention and regular maintenance, potted plants can be a low-maintenance yet rewarding addition to any garden or patio.